Pokémon Destined Rivals: Rivalry at its finest

Whenever a new Pokémon set is announced, I usually go in with a blank slate. But with Destined Rivals, it felt different. The name alone sounded like something big. And believe me, it is. This expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series is packed with power, nostalgia, and collectible value.

If you have been collecting cards for years like I have, you can quickly see if a set has potential. And yes, this one does.

What makes Destined Rivals so special?

As you know, themed sets are often hit or miss. This series focuses on legendary rivals in the Pokémon universe, and it works surprisingly well. Think duos like Charizard vs. Blastoise , Reshiram & Zekrom , and Cynthia with her Garchomp .

The story, artworks and card types fit together perfectly. You really feel the tension between the characters in the design. And that makes it not only fun to collect, but also logical and strongly developed.

What are the highlights?

Honestly? The cards look fantastic. You can tell that attention has been paid to both playability and collectibility.

A few personal favorites:

  • Charizard EX (Alternate Art) – Brutal design, great value, iconic character

  • Zekrom & Reshiram EX (Duo Card) – Rare and Original

  • Cynthia's Command (Full Art Trainer) – Nice card, strong playability

  • Garchomp Tera EX (Illustration Rare) – Great illustration, slightly easier to pull

What I especially like is that there are ACE SPEC cards coming back. For competitive players that is a nice addition. And as a collector I appreciate those rare elements in the game.

Chase cards and expected prizes

However, let's be honest: many people chase that one card. The so-called chase cards . For this set, there are several. These are the top cards you should keep an eye on:

  • Charizard EX Alt Art – Expected Value: €80 – €120 (raw)

  • Reshiram & Zekrom EX – Unique concept, towards €70

  • Cynthia's Command Full Art – Around €40 and rising

  • Garchomp Tera EX – Around €20, visually top

Be careful: prices can fluctuate in the first weeks. As you know, demand, pull rate and playability determine how stable the value remains. Use tools like TCGPlayer, Cardmarket and PSA populations to make smart choices.

Is this set worth it?

For me: absolutely. Whether you are just starting out or have been collecting for years, this set is interesting for everyone. There is a nice balance between rarity and accessibility.

Also sealed products like ETB's and booster boxes are interesting to keep. The designs are sleek, the content is complete and there is enough potential for value increase.

I personally plan to keep at least one ETB closed, and open a few loose boosters. Just for the experience — something that really feels like the old days with this set.

Destined Rivals Release Date and Products

Pokémon Destined Rivals will be released on May 30, 2025. You can expect it in the usual forms:

  • Sleeved boosters

  • Booster boxes

  • Elite Trainer Boxes (ETB's)

  • Special collection boxes and mini tins .

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