Leaked Pokémon TCG "Destined Rivals" Set Might Contain Cards From Two Highly Popular Japanese Sets

The next Pokémon Trading Card Game set has leaked and it might be the biggest set the game has had in years. Earlier this year, the Pokémon Trading Card Game re-introduced Trainer's Pokémon cards to the game. These cards feature Pokémon belonging to specific Pokémon from across the game franchise and usually have synergies with each other. The first international set featuring these cards, called Journey Together, is due to be released next month. However, a new leak has revealed the possible name of the next international set, along with its focus.

According to Pokémon TCG news site PokéBeach, the next international Pokémon TCG set will be called Destined Rivals and will feature cards from the Japanese sets Heat Wave Arena and the upcoming (and not formally announced) Glory of Team Rocket set. Featured trainers in the set supposedly include Cynthia from Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, Misty from Pokémon Red & Blue, Steven Stone from Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, and Marnie from Pokémon Sword & Shield. The set should also include Team Rocket Pokémon cards, including a new Rocket's Mewtwo card.

What We Know About Pokémon TCG's Destined Rivals Set

Set Will Be Released in May 2025, Might Feature Team Rocket's Pokémon Cards

Assuming the leak is accurate, Destined Rivals will contain cards from two Japanese sets (Heat Wave Arena and The Glory of Team Rocket) as well as the Steven’s Metagross ex and Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex decks released in Japan. The set will be released on May 30th, with pre-release events taking place over the previous two weeks. In total, the set will feature at least seven different Trainers and their Pokémon, which is several more than the Journey Together set coming out in March.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is that the new set doesn't somehow reference Team Rocket's name. This is likely to avoid deceptive advertising since the set will contain cards from multiple Japanese sets, including one with no Team Rocket cards. While players can expect Rocket's Pokémon to appear in the new set, it will not contain any Dark Pokémon cards. Dark Pokémon had previously appeared in the original Team Rocket card set.

Our Take: A Generic Set Name Won't Prevent This From Being One Of The Biggest Sets Of The Year

So Many Chase Cards, So Little Time

The release of Prismatic Evolutions signaled a new surge of demand for the Pokémon TCG. Unfortunately, Destined Rivals might be the biggest US Pokémon TCG set released this year, as it contains the first non-promo Pichu card released in over a decade, Misty's Pokémon cards, and Team Rocket Pokémon cards. Plus, Ho-Oh and Gyarados will both likely receive special art treatments in the set, which will make demand increase even more. Pokémon TCG fans will want to try to find pre-orders for this new set quickly, as it will almost certainly sell out both online and at stores very quickly.

Source: PokéBeach