Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals Release Date, Card Highlights, and Set Details Revealed

The Pokémon Company is once again energizing the collectible card game market with its latest expansion, Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals.

Officially announced and set for release on May 30th, this anticipated addition to the renowned Pokémon Trading Card Game series is poised to become one of the most talked-about launches of the year.

With interest around the Pokémon TCG at an all-time high, collectors and competitive players alike are already scrambling to secure their pre-orders through official retailers and the Nintendo eShop. Building on the legacy of the Scarlet & Violet series, Destined Rivals is an ambitious set boasting over 240 new cards.

The expansion draws from two recent Japanese releases—Heat Wave Arena and Glory of Team Rocket—merging them into a comprehensive set for Western audiences.

Players familiar with Japanese card trends will recognize fan-favorite cards that are already making waves overseas.

Notable highlights in Destined Rivals include Ethan's Ho-Oh ex, Cynthia's Garchomp ex, Misty's Psyduck, and Giovanni's Mewtwo ex, all of which have quickly become sought-after for both playability and collectability. In a recent statement, The Pokémon Company emphasized the set's dynamic narrative: Trainers are called to action as Team Rocket initiates a daring new scheme, with fan-favorite characters like Cynthia, Ethan, and Arven teaming up with their signature Pokémon to thwart them—or in some cases, join the infamous Team Rocket under Giovanni's command.

"Players can choose their allegiance and build decks based on heroic Trainers or the notorious Team Rocket’s Pokémon, offering diverse strategic options for every type of competitor," the company clarified in their release materials. The scope of the Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion is significant: - Over 240 cards in total - Eighty-five new Trainer’s Pokémon, with more than 45 belonging to Team Rocket - At least 15 new Pokémon ex cards - More than 20 new Trainer cards - Over 45 Pokémon and Trainer cards enhanced with special illustration treatments Additionally, the U.S.

Pokémon Center has unveiled the design for the highly anticipated Elite Trainer Box (ETB), which features prominent artwork depicting Giovanni of Team Rocket alongside Mewtwo, highlighting the set’s strong narrative themes. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals will be available at participating retailers and via the Nintendo eShop starting May 30th.

This expansion not only advances the storylines beloved by fans but also reinforces The Pokémon Company's record of setting new milestones in the trading card sector.

Whether you’re a dedicated collector or an avid TCG competitor, Destined Rivals promises to deliver new strategies, vibrant card art, and thrilling battles for the Nintendo and Pokémon communities worldwide.

Pokémon Destined Rivals Pokémon TCG