Pokémon Destined Rivals Set Guide: Trainer's Pokémon and the New SIR Format

Destined Rivals introduced the Trainer's Pokémon ex format — Pokémon owned by famous trainers from the games and anime, treated as their own ex-card subset. The novelty plus strong art has made it one of the most-collected late-Scarlet & Violet expansions.

Here's the 2026 buyer's guide.

What makes Destined Rivals different

Three structural reasons Destined Rivals stands out:

1. Trainer's Pokémon ex format — first set with this subset structure.
2. Strong character SIRs — Cynthia's Garchomp ex, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex, etc.
3. Late-cycle demand — released into peak modern Pokémon collecting.

The chase cards

Tier 1: Trainer's Pokémon SIRs

• Cynthia's Garchomp ex SIR — premium character-based chase.
• Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR — character premium.
• Other Trainer's Pokémon SIRs — collectible chase tier.

Tier 2: Standard SIRs

• Other character SIRs in the main set.
• ex cards.

Tier 3: Standard rares

• Standard Rare Holos and ex base cards.

Sealed product holds

Destined Rivals booster boxes, ETBs, and booster bundles are reasonable mid-term holds.

Grading priorities

PSA dominates. CGC has presence. Common condition issues:

• Centering on Trainer's Pokémon SIRs.
• Edge whitening on dark borders.
• Print lines on holo surfaces.

What to chase in 2026

Building a Destined Rivals PC priorities:

1. A top Trainer's Pokémon SIR in PSA 10 as the foundation.
2. Additional character SIRs for completist depth.
3. Sealed booster box or ETB as the sealed-product hold.

Time horizons

Destined Rivals is mid-term hold material. The Trainer's Pokémon format is the long-term differentiator.

How AI pre-grading helps

SIR centering is variable. AI pre-grading screens each card before submission.

CardSense AI supports Destined Rivals with predicted grades and live PSA / CGC comps.

The bottom line

Destined Rivals introduced the Trainer's Pokémon ex format. Buy SIRs you love, pre-grade everything, hold long-term.