Is the Destined Rivals Booster Display Box Worth It in 2025? Let’s Break It Down

By Daniel Turner
Updated on June 07, 2025 03:22 PM

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Is the Destined Rivals Booster Display Box Worth It in 2025? Let’s Break It Down

The Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals Booster Display Box has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about Pokémon TCG products of 2025.

With its bold return to the Team Rocket legacy and a lineup of standout trainer-Pokémon pairings, it’s easy to see why collectors and players alike are scrambling to get their hands on it. But with boxes already retailing for $250 or more—well above the $161 MSRP—is the excitement worth the price?

Let’s explore what this display box really offers, from pull rates and set highlights to collector value and availability.

Team Rocket Returns: Why Destined Rivals Hits Different

Released on May 30, 2025, Destined Rivals is the 10th mainline expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series.

But what sets it apart is its clear direction—an homage to Team Rocket and the franchise’s darker, more mischievous side.

The display box contains 36 packs (10 cards plus 1 Basic Energy each), totaling 360 cards per box.

What has helped drive demand isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a mix of powerful cards, gorgeous illustration rares, and surprisingly solid pull rates.

Among the most buzzed-about trainer-Pokémon cards:

  • Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
  • Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex
  • Arven’s Mabosstiff ex

They’re not just collectibles—they’re turning heads in competitive play as well.

Inside the Box: What You Can Expect to Pull

This set contains 244 total cards—182 in the main set and 62 secret rares.

Like other Scarlet & Violet expansions, each booster pack offers a good balance of commons, uncommons, and chances at higher-rarity cards.

Typical contents from one full display box:

  • 12–18 holographic rares
  • 3–5 Ultra Rares
  • 1–2 Secret Rares

Rarity probabilities per pack (on average):

  • Ultra Rare: 1 in 16 packs
  • Illustration Rare: 1 in 12 packs
  • Special Illustration Rare (SIR): 1 in 94 packs
  • Hyper Rare: 1 in 149 packs

Individual results will vary, but the structure gives collectors a fair shot at something meaningful in most boxes.

Why the Chase Cards Are Driving Prices Up

The spotlight card of the set is unquestionably Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (SIR)—a showstopping piece of art and power that’s already commanding major secondary market prices.

Other standout chase cards include:

  • Marnie’s Grimmsnarl (SIR)
  • Cynthia’s Garchomp ex (SIR)
  • Steven’s Metagross ex (Gold/Hyper Rare)

These cards combine unique illustrations with high gameplay value, giving them staying power in both the collector and competitive markets.

Investment Value and Market Dynamics

At launch, the MSRP hovered around $161 (based on $4.49 per pack). But demand has been relentless, and current prices sit between $250–$260 per display box.

This price spike reflects:

  • Low availability at major retailers
  • Strong nostalgic appeal
  • Solid card design and print quality
  • A high-performing singles market, especially for SIR and Hyper Rare cards

Historically, themed sets—especially those centered on villain teams like Team Rocket—tend to appreciate well over time. If you’re investing with a long-term mindset, Destined Rivals may hold up better than average.

Buying Tips: Avoid the Counterfeit Trap

Finding boxes at retail price is difficult, and this high demand has made the set a prime target for counterfeiters.

Your best bet:

  • Stick to trusted retailers and authorized Pokémon sellers
  • Monitor restocks (often on 2–3 week cycles)
  • Consider Elite Trainer Boxes or singles if you’re priced out of displays

If you’re mainly after one or two chase cards, buying singles may save money in the long run.

Note: This set is available on Amazon, but expect higher-than-MSRP pricing due to limited stock.

Is the Display Box the Smartest Buy?

Whether or not this display is "worth it" depends on what kind of Pokémon TCG fan you are.

Ideal for:

  • Collectors chasing SIR and Hyper Rares
  • Competitive players looking for new synergies
  • Long-term investors banking on Team Rocket's nostalgic value

Less ideal for:

  • Casual collectors unwilling to pay a premium
  • Fans only interested in specific cards (singles market is cheaper)
  • New players just getting started—consider smaller products first

The Bottom Line

The Destined Rivals Booster Display Box isn’t cheap, but it offers a uniquely rewarding experience.

Between the exciting pull rates, artistic card designs, and Team Rocket flair, it delivers serious value for serious collectors.

If you're willing to pay above MSRP and you're either building a full collection or hunting top-tier cards, this box is one of 2025’s most compelling releases.

Just know what you're getting into—and don’t expect a guaranteed Mewtwo ex in every box.