I can’t emphasize enough how excited I am for the upcoming Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals expansion! Set to release on May 30, 2025, this set isn’t just another fun addition to the Pokémon TCG—it has serious investment potential. The prerelease events from May 17th to May 25th will give us our first real taste, and I fully expect demand to skyrocket.

Why Destined Rivals Will Be a Great Investment

From an investment standpoint, Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals checks all the right boxes. Here’s why I believe this set is going to be a huge success:

1. Strong Connection to Team Rocket Nostalgia

Team Rocket-themed sets have a long history of performing well. Just look at Team Rocket (2000) and EX Team Rocket Returns (2004)—both sets are still highly sought-after by collectors. Destined Rivals may not have “Rocket” in the title, but make no mistake, this is a Team Rocket set at heart. With Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Rocket’s Koffing, Rocket’s Arbok, Rocket’s Murkrow, and Rocket’s Rattata, this set will bring major nostalgia for long-time fans, ensuring sustained demand.

2. A Diverse Card Pool with Competitive Staples

The set draws from multiple Japanese releases, making it a massive and varied collection. We’re getting cards from:

  • Heat Wave Arena, featuring Cynthia’s Garchomp ex and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex.
  • Steven’s Metagross ex and Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex decks.
  • The Glory of Team Rocket, featuring the highly anticipated Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.

With such a powerful mix of Pokémon ex cards and potential meta-defining staples, this set will have long-term appeal for both collectors and competitive players.

3. Exclusive Booster Pack Artwork Featuring Team Rocket

Early glimpses of the Destined Rivals booster pack artwork have surfaced, thanks to badges given out at Latin America’s “gamescom” event. Featuring Giovanni, Executive Ariana, Executive Petrel, and two Team Rocket Grunts, this artwork brings back classic FireRed & LeafGreen and HeartGold & SoulSilver character designs. Sets with memorable artwork often hold strong value over time, making sealed product an excellent investment.

4. Limited-Time Print Runs & High Demand

Recent Pokémon TCG sets have seen limited print runs and extreme sellouts at launch. Given the hype surrounding Team Rocket’s return and the set’s mix of competitive and collectible cards, Destined Rivals is likely to sell out fast. Sealed booster boxes, elite trainer boxes, and single cards from this set will almost certainly rise in value over time.

5. Speculation Around Future Releases

This set is launching right before a rumored Pokémon Black & White remake, and speculation is already swirling about the return of Mega Evolution cards with trademarks for Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia. If Mega Evolution returns, we could see even more synergy between Destined Rivals and future sets, making this a key transition period in the Pokémon TCG.

My Advice

If you’re looking for a TCG set that’s both exciting to open and a smart investment, Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals is the one. Between the Team Rocket nostalgia, competitive meta-defining cards, and the potential for rapid appreciation, I’m convinced this will be a set that serious collectors and players won’t want to miss.

Mark your calendars for May 30th, because I predict that within months, people will be wishing they had stocked up on this one!