Updated on October 6, 2026.
Giovanni and Team Rocket on one side. Cynthia, Ethan, and other Trainers on the other. Destined Rivals turns the rivalry into an entry point for the card list: you can collect the villains' Pokémon, follow a favorite Trainer, or choose motifs from both sides.
The English expansion was released on May 30, 2025, and features 182 cards in the base set, with 244 numbered cards in total. Here, we go through what distinguishes this theme from other sets and how to choose a collection project of a suitable size.
Team Rocket is more than a logo on the packaging
The expansion includes over 45 Team Rocket’s Pokémon cards. The Trainer connection is visible in the full card names, for example, Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex. This helps you both sort your collection and understand card text that refers to Team Rocket’s Pokémon.
Mewtwo ex, Moltres ex, and Nidoking ex provide different ways into the Team Rocket theme. A smaller project could be to collect one of them in the versions you like, instead of immediately trying to get all the rare cards.
Three Trainer pairs to start with
- Giovanni and Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: for those who want to collect Team Rocket cards.
- Cynthia and Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: a theme for those who prefer Cynthia and Garchomp.
- Ethan and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: an entry point to Ethan’s Pokémon and associated cards.
These are examples for collectors. They are not a current ranking based on price or demand. A name can appear on several card versions, so add the card number and rarity when you make your wishlist.
Trainer’s Pokémon: read the full name
For players, the connection between Trainers, Pokémon, and Trainer cards can be part of the strategy. Card text may refer to a specific group. Ethan’s Pokémon and Team Rocket’s Pokémon are therefore not interchangeable just because the cards come from the same set.
Pokémon’s card showcase demonstrates, for example, how Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex links to other Ethan’s Pokémon and Ethan’s Adventure. Start by reading which cards the effects actually apply to. For basic rules, there is the Pokémon TCG Guide for Beginners.
Which Destined Rivals product is right for you?
Compare the products in the Destined Rivals collection. Choose based on your opening budget and contents:
- Booster packs: for a smaller amount of openings.
- Booster box: a standard English box contains 36 packs. Compare the price per pack.
- Elite Trainer Box: for those who also want accessories, storage, and the promo included in the release.
- Blister or collector's product: check if the included promo and other parts are something you want to keep.
More packs mean more openings, but a box offers no guarantee of a specific Mewtwo card. If your goal is already set, single cards can be a more direct way to complete your collection.
Make room for the collection before you open
Organize a simple list by full card name and card number. Mark illustrations and foil variants separately. This makes it easier to spot duplicates and see which gaps remain.
For the cards, there are sleeves and binders and albums. If you want to keep a box sealed, you can compare acrylic boxes and protective cases based on the exact dimensions of the packaging. Read the storage guide for both types of collection.
Destined Rivals or Journey Together?
Both provide entry points via Trainer’s Pokémon. The difference for your collection lies mainly in which characters you want to follow. In Journey Together, you will find, among others, N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop. Compare the card lists and choose the relationship or Pokémon you want to build on.
When you need to check the price of a specific version, the valuation guide helps you compare the correct language and condition.
Sources
Pokémon's product overview, card showcase with Cynthia and Ethan, and English card list in Pokémon TCG Data.