Team Rocket returns in new Pokémon TCG expansion: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals

The Pokémon Company International has announced Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals. This is the next expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, the anticipated set will be introducing new gameplay mechanics. It will do so while bringing back the notorious Team Rocket.

Players can opt to align with iconic Trainer-Pokémon such as Ethan and Ho-Oh ex or Cynthia and Garchomp ex.

Alternatively, they can embrace Team Rocket’s ambitions, battling alongside Mewtwo ex under Giovanni’s command, media reports stated.


According to the company’s press release, the expansion will be showcasing distinctive Trainer’s Pokémon cards. These cards highlight the special bond between Trainers and their Pokémon; each card features the Trainer’s name, it added.

Key Features of Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion has an exciting set of over 240 new cards which features 83 Team Rocket-tagged cards. It also has 17 powerful Pokémon ex, including 10 Trainer’s Pokémon ex, the statement added.

Reportedly, the collectors and players can also look forward to 23 stunning illustration rare Pokémon, 11 special illustration rare Pokémon, and 6 hyper rare gold-etched cards. This, as per the statement, adds a fresh dynamic to the game.

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Play Early at Pre-release Events

Excited Pokémon TCG players can get a head start by participating in pre-release tournaments via the Play! Pokémon program. They will be held at select independent retailers from May 17, 2025, the statement added.

Moreover, players online can play Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals from May 29, 2025, on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, using the Pokémon TCG Live app.

Merchandise and Collector's Items

In addition to the card expansion, The Pokémon Company has announced an exclusive Team Rocket-themed merchandise series, including apparel, bags, and accessories.

Although these are confirmed for Japan, availability elsewhere is unknown, the statement added.

Pokémon Trading Card Game: Popular TCG expansions

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has become a global phenomenon since it first launched in 1996. Over the years, it has evolved with new mechanics, card types, and expansions. This keeps the game fresh and exciting for both collectors and competitive players.

Some of the popular Pokémon TCG expansions include the Base Set which was released in 1999. This Base set is the one which started it all and features classic Pokémon like Charizard and Blastoise. In the following year, Pokémon released their next TCG set, Neo Genesis. The second generation of Pokémon from Gold & Silver was introduced with this set.

The EX Series was released in 2003 and continued till 2007, which brought in Pokémon ex and fresh battle mechanics. Following that, Pokémon’s Sword & Shield saw the introduction of V, VMAX, and Radiant Pokémon. This set was first released in 2020. The latest popular TCG is Scarlet & Violet, which was first released in 2023. This set brought back Pokémon ex and Paradox Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

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FAQs

1. When will Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals release?
The set will be released globally on May 30, 2025, with pre-release events beginning May 17, 2025.

2. Will the expansion be digitally available?
Yes, it will be available to play in Pokémon TCG Live from May 29, 2025.