Early showcases of theDestined Rivalsset for thePokémon Trading Card Gamehave started, and their good reviews may mean bad news. ThePokémon TCGcontinues to dominate the trading card platform, arguably claiming the throne. Even with mainstays likeMagic The GatheringandYu-Gi-Oh, or even rising stars likeDisney Lorcana, the TCG based on the beloved creature-catching franchise seems to remain popular on numerous fronts. It also helps that the franchise has many media avenues that help generate ideas and new products.
ThePokémon TCGstarted 2025 off amazingly well with thePrismatic Evolutionsset. This set, largely based around the beloved Eeveelutions, quickly sold out and needed immediate reprints. It is understandable why, given how amazing the TCG’s art has continued to be, and the main features of this set. However, this also came with massive issues of scalping that has made collecting for less hardcore fans difficult, and this unfortunate trend may continue withDestined Rivals.
Destined Rivals Cards Show Of Team Rocket & More
A Blast From The Past
Early showcases forDestined Rivalsshowthe set will largely be based around the franchise’s most popular trainers, along with the original villain organization, Team Rocket. The former alone is huge news, as the TCG returns to its roots with arguably the fan-favorite evil team. This may also feel like fresh breath for older fans who have grown tired of the more lackluster bad guys the recent generations have introduced.
Trainer-wise, cards from theJapanese “set of the decade"Heat Waveseem to be part ofDestined Rivals. So far, Cynthia, Steven, and Marnie have all been showcased in Full Art cards. These three alone are some of the most recognizable and popular trainers in the franchise. Given the title of the set, it would make sense that even more big names are added to the collection. Given the franchise is closing in on Generation 10, which still has a chance to release this year,this set could be a monument to how farPokémonhas come.
While the rest of the cards are unknown, the booster pack art gives some insight into what to expect,includingthe likely appearance of Team Rocket Executives like Ariana, Archer, Petrel and Proton. Regardless of who does or doesn’t appear, it is already clear that Team Rocket will be the headliner of this new set.
Destined Rivals Cards Will Be Highly Sought After
For Competition And Collection
Given what is going to be included withDestined Rivals, along with the high collectibility of the franchise, this set may reach the same level asPrismatic Evolutions, if not higher. The obvious first reason for this is the resale value of all the products, let alone the cards themselves. The former are geared mainly towards collectors who want to hold onto products, or resell quickly to those who missed their chance. Whereas individual cards are usually sold to competitive players based on their strength, collectors also play a role.
Cards that are already predicated to be popular collector grabs includeFull-Art Beldum with Steven, Full-Art Rosarade with Cynthia, Full-Art Ho-Oh with Ethan, and Full-Art Morpeko with Marnie. Competitive cards are much harder to predict and can vary based on where the meta shifts. However, some early cards that may see good usage include Ho-Oh ex, Garchomp ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, and Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.
Scalping May Be A Problem For Destined Rivals
The Side Effect Of Success
As withPrismatic Evolutions, it is likely thatDestined Rivalswill have a scalping issue.While cruel, scalping is not technically illegalwhen it comes to trading cards. However, this issue largely comes from individual sellers and not large chains themselves. Regardless, since most stores sell out of newPokémon TCGproducts the day shelves are stocked, it then becomes an issue for those not fast enough.
Many stores have tried to help combat this, along with reducing the chaos inside, by altering policies and setting purchase limits. Unfortunately, this has not helped enough to stem the tide of scalping. Recently, GameStop even went as far asstopping the ability to pre-orderPokémon TCGproducts. This move is on the more extreme end, but given where the situation has gone, it is semi-understandable.
Unfortunately, there is no one way to remove scalping.The best thing buyers can do is avoid buying from scalpersand know the market prices. If something is wildly above the market price, it is best to avoid it and, by doing this, it will hopefully lower the prices scalpers use. The other method is just to have patience and wait for products to be in lower demand.
Pokémonhas also tried to help combat scalping by reprinting popular sets and products, but this comes with its own issues. Mainly that it may still have some scalping at first due to the limitations, and that the more cards are printed, the less value each one has regardless of the rarity. Given how things went withPrismatic Evolutions, there is also the chanceDestined Rivalsstarts with more product printed to smooth out issues.
Forget Prismatic Evolutions. There’s One Upcoming Pokémon TCG Set In 2025 I Can’t Wait For
As great as the contents of Prismatic Evolutions are, one upcoming set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game will be much more impactful for me.
Overall, it is unfortunate that a consecutive top-tier set is likely to be marred by scalping. Even if fans do eventually get the products they desire, it may not be immediate. At least this time around, it looks like bothPokémonand stores will have more effective methods that should at least lessen scalping. Regardless,Destined Rivalsis gearing up to be the next hit of thePokémon Trading Card Game, even if it does suffer the same fate asPrismatic Evolutions.
Pokemon Trading Card Game
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a strategic card game where players build decks of Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy cards. Players take turns using attacks, abilities, and strategies to knock out their opponent’s Pokémon, aiming to collect Prize cards. The first to collect all their Prize cards wins.
