Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals (SV10): Complete Set Guide & Collection Tips

Set Overview: The Return of Team Rocket

Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals (SV10) marks one of the most exciting releases in recent years, bringing back the iconic Team Rocket theme that hasn't been seen since the early days of the TCG. Released on May 30, 2025, this 244-card set combines nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics, featuring over 45 Team Rocket's Pokémon cards alongside beloved trainers from across the Pokémon universe.

The set draws from multiple Japanese releases, including "The Glory of Team Rocket," "Heat Wave Arena," Marnie and Steven starter decks, and October 2024 Gym promos, creating a comprehensive collection that celebrates both villains and heroes of the Pokémon world.

Key Release Information

• Release Date: May 30, 2025
• Set Code: SV10
• Total Cards: 244 (182 main set + 62 secret rares)

Featured Trainers and Their Pokémon

Destined Rivals introduces an unprecedented variety of Trainer's Pokémon, with over 85 cards featuring specific trainers. This includes not just Team Rocket, but also fan-favorite characters from across the series:

🚀 Team Rocket (45+ cards)

The star of the show, Team Rocket returns with their signature Pokémon and admin team. Notable Team Rocket cards include powerful ex cards like Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex, Team Rocket's Nidoking ex, and Team Rocket's Crobat ex. The set also features classic Team Rocket admins including Giovanni, Archer, Ariana, Petrel, and Proton.

💎 Cynthia's Pokémon

The beloved Sinnoh Champion brings her signature team, headlined by Cynthia's Garchomp ex, one of the most anticipated cards in the set.

🌅 Ethan's Pokémon

The Johto protagonist features prominently with Ethan's Ho-Oh ex leading his team, connecting to the Gold/Silver nostalgia that many collectors cherish.

🌊 Misty's Pokémon

The Cerulean City Gym Leader returns with water-type favorites, including the adorable Misty's Psyduck as an Illustration Rare.

⚔️ Steven & Marnie

Both Steven Stone and Marnie bring their signature Pokémon to the set, adding even more variety to the Trainer's Pokémon lineup.

🍳 Arven's Pokémon

The Paldea region's sandwich enthusiast rounds out the trainer roster with his own collection of partner Pokémon.

Chase Cards and Market Values

Destined Rivals is expected to have some of the highest chase card values in recent memory, driven by nostalgia and limited print runs. Here are the top cards to watch:

💰 Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex (~$350-$380)

The crown jewel of the set, this card combines the popularity of Mewtwo with Team Rocket nostalgia. Early market predictions place the Special Illustration Rare around $350-$380 for mint condition copies, though values fluctuate rapidly after release.

🦈 Cynthia's Garchomp ex

Cynthia's signature Pokémon as an ex card is expected to be highly sought after by both competitive players and collectors.

🔥 Ethan's Ho-Oh ex

The legendary Phoenix Pokémon paired with the beloved Johto protagonist creates a perfect storm for collector demand.

🎨 Special Illustration Cards

With 45+ cards featuring special illustrations, including 23 illustration rares and 11 special illustration rares, there's something for every collector. The artwork quality is expected to be exceptional, following the high standards set by recent Pokémon TCG releases.

✨ Hyper Rare Gold Cards

Six hyper rare gold etched cards round out the premium offerings, featuring stunning metallic finishes that showcase the set's most important characters.

Collecting Destined Rivals with TCG Stacked

Managing your Destined Rivals collection has never been easier with the TCG Stacked platform and mobile app. Here's how to make the most of your collecting experience:

📱 Mobile App Collection Tracking

The TCG Stacked mobile app is perfect for tracking your Destined Rivals pulls in real-time. Whether you're opening packs at home or at your local game store, you can instantly scan and catalog your new cards using the built-in camera scanner.

💎 Set Completion Tracking

With 244 cards to collect, keeping track of your progress can be challenging. The TCG Stacked platform automatically tracks your set completion percentage and highlights which cards you still need, making it easy to focus your collecting efforts.

📊 Value Monitoring

Given the high expected values of chase cards like Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex, monitoring your collection's value is crucial. TCG Stacked provides real-time price tracking so you can watch your investment grow as the market develops.

🔍 Advanced Search and Filtering

Looking for specific Team Rocket cards or trainer Pokémon? Use TCG Stacked's advanced search features to filter by trainer, card type, rarity, and more. This is especially useful for a set with such diverse character representation.

Competitive Impact

Beyond collecting, Destined Rivals is expected to make waves in the competitive scene. The 17 Pokémon ex cards, including 10 Trainer's Pokémon ex, introduce new strategic options for deck builders. Team Rocket's Pokémon, in particular, may offer unique abilities that reference their villainous nature.

The set becomes tournament legal on June 13, 2025, giving players time to experiment with new strategies before major tournaments. Keep an eye on early tournament results to see which cards emerge as competitive staples.

Investment Perspective

From an investment standpoint, Destined Rivals presents several compelling factors:

• Nostalgia Factor: Team Rocket's return taps into powerful childhood memories for many collectors
• Character Popularity: Cynthia, Ethan, and other featured trainers have massive fan followings
• Limited Print Run: High pre-order prices suggest limited availability
• Artwork Quality: 45+ special illustration cards showcase exceptional artistic talent
• Cross-Generational Appeal: Features characters from multiple Pokémon generations

Collecting Strategy Tips

To maximize your Destined Rivals collecting experience, consider these strategies:

🎯 Focus on Your Favorites

With so many different trainers represented, focus on collecting cards from your favorite characters first. Whether you're a Team Rocket fan or prefer heroes like Cynthia, having a clear focus will help manage costs.

💰 Budget Management

Given the high expected values, set a clear budget before diving in. Consider whether you're collecting for enjoyment, investment, or both, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

📱 Use Technology

Leverage the TCG Stacked mobile app to track pulls in real-time, avoid duplicates, and monitor the value of your collection as it grows.