Get ready, Trainers—new Pokemon leaks have set the community ablaze with hype!
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is getting a fresh injection of nostalgia with the upcoming Destined Rivals set, and yes, Team Rocket is back in full force. Y’all heard of the recent Pokémon Legends Z-A: A Trip Back to Lumiose City and that got everyone excited. With more than 98 main cards and a slew of stunning secret rares, this new leak promises powerful cards, stylish artwork, and strategic depth.
We are excited to talk about this leak with y’all, so without further ado, let’s put on our reading glasses and let’s take a look at this piping-hot news.
Pokemon Rumors—Team Rocket Makes a Comeback in Pokémon TCG
Recently leaked before its April 18, 2025, Japanese release, the “Glory of Team Rocket” sub-expansion has been revealed as a significant part of the Destined Rivals package, appearing internationally on May 30. These new Pokemon leaks show that the set will include iconic cards featuring fan-favorite villains and their dark Pokemon companions.
Every card in this expansion, from Spidops and Wobbuffet to Crobat ex and Moltres ex, captures the raw, chaotic energy of Team Rocket’s prime. Some standouts include:
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, featuring the powerful “Power Saver” ability.
- Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex, equipped with its devastating “Dirty Horns” attack.
- Trainer cards for Giovanni, Archer, Ariana, and Proton, all with full-art variants.
These cards don’t just look cool—they pack serious power in competitive decks.
Each of the cards available in the pack is listed here:
- #099 Team Rocket’s Spidops
- #100 Team Rocket’s Houndoom
- #101 Blaziken
- #102 Clamperl
- #103 Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet
- #104 Team Rocket’s Orbeetle
- #105 Team Rocket’s Weezing
- #106 Team Rocket’s Murkrow
- #107 Zamazenta
- #108 Team Rocket’s Raticate
- #109 Team Rocket’s Meowth
- #110 Kangaskhan
- #111 Arboliva ex
- #112 Team Rocket’s Moltres ex
- #113 Cetitan ex
- #114 Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- #115 Regirock ex
- #116 Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex
- #117 Team Rocket’s Crobat ex
- #118 Team Rocket’s Persian ex
- #119 Team Rocket’s Ariana
- #120 Team Rocket’s Archer
- #121 Team Rocket’s Giovanni
- #122 Team Rocket’s Petrel
- #123 Team Rocket’s Proton
- #124 Team Rocket’s Moltres ex
- #125 Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- #126 Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex
- #127 Team Rocket’s Crobat ex
- #128 Team Rocket’s Ariana
- #129 Team Rocket’s Giovanni
- #130 Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- #131 Team Rocket’s Crobat ex
- #132 Jamming Tower
That’s a lot of cards, right? Being the tenth Japanese Pokemon TCG expansion deck released within the Scarlet and Violet Era, it’s most likely been designed to really grab people’s attention.
Pokemon Card Leaks—Strategic Depth for Deck Builders and Players
Beyond the art and nostalgia, the gameplay is where this set really shines. The cards introduced in Destined Rivals show that Pokemon isn’t just playing the nostalgia game—it’s innovating.
Each card plays into a broader synergy, especially when building decks around the Team Rocket archetype. You’ll find:
- Pokémonwith conditional abilities (like Mewtwo ex) that require thoughtful setup.
- Trainer cards that promote themed decks by boosting only “Team Rocket’s” Pokémon.
- Status-inflicting moves that disrupt your opponent’s momentum.
These mechanics give the set depth and give longtime players new tools to work with, all while teaching newcomers how to build decks with strategy in mind.
A Missing Duo: Where Are Jessie and James?
One detail from these new Pokemon leaks caught longtime fans off guard: the absence of Jessie and James. With their exit from the Pokémon anime, it looks like they won’t be part of this expansion.
Instead, the set leans more on game-exclusive characters like Archer, Ariana, Petrel, and Proton to represent Rocket’s resurgence. Still, Giovanni gets a full-art card—so fans of the OG boss won’t walk away disappointed.
What’s Next? Preorders, Release Dates, and Product Info
Here’s what we know so far about the Destined Rivals release:
- Japanese release date: April 18, 2025
- International release: May 30, 2025
- Total number of cards: Over 240, this includes every one of “Glory of Team Rocket” cards
- Products we can expect: Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster boxes, and special collections
Retailers will likely begin preorders soon, so be sure to act fast—Rocket-themed sets tend to vanish from shelves quickly.
Final Thoughts: One of the New Pokemon Leaks for TCGs That Offer a Perfect Mix of Nostalgia and Strategy
Whether you’re a diehard Rocket fan or just love collecting secret rares, the new Pokemon leaks around Destined Rivals make one thing clear—this set is going to shake things up. It’s the perfect storm of style, strategy, and storytelling. If you’ve fallen off the TCG wagon, this might be the one to bring you back in.
So, what are you waiting for? Get those decks ready, watch for preorders, and start prepping your Rocket-themed plays. This summer, it’s time to battle… the Rocket way.
Be sure to read our other news articles to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world, and you might want to check out our guide on how to use Baldur’s Gate 3 Photo Mode for a different type of content. Stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels!
