Destined Rivals is one of the next big sets for the Pokémon TCG, and I believe that one card that we've seen spoiled is going to end up being a Secret Illustration Rare. Destined Rivals is the American release that will encom at least part of the Japanese The Glory of Team Rocket set, which is likely to make a dent in many of our pockets. So far, what we know of the set seems very exciting, and with a new rotation and other big sets coming soon, the Pokémon TCG is likely to have a big year.

With many expecting The Glory of Team Rocket to be a massive hit for Pokémon TCG, many eyes have turned toward the spoilers, particularly in expectation that the Destined Rivals set will get a fair number of these cards as well. The Japanese set is looking to release April 18th, meaning we should have a better idea of what to expect when that hits store shelves, and we can comb through the database for the best cards. At the time of writing, Destined Rivals is expected to release in May, so we don't have to wait too long for this one.

Moltres Ex For Glory Of Team Rocket Has Been Revealed Online

The Basic Rarity Of Moltres Ex Desperately Wants A Higher Rarity Version

At Japan's Champions League, a few cards for The Glory of Team Rocket were spoiled, and they were all released online by Moltres ex card for the Pokémon TCG, and it has made many of us quite excited. This is partially due to the fact that it is one of the ex cards for the set, and is also due to the fact that it comes with what seems to be a good move.

Moltres ex is bolstered by the fact that it is a Basic Pokémon, so it can be used early without evolving it. It's first move does 110 damage, and it also reduces the amount of damage coming back at it by a fair amount. The second move, however, is the big one, as it discards your opponent's Active Pokémon entirely, forcing them to swap in a card from the Bench before they were necessarily ready to do so. If they are unable to get anything back from the discard pile, this could be a very disruptive move early.

The Two Moltres Ex Cards Are Hinting At A Secret Illustration Rare

Two Versions Hint That More Might Be Coming

However, after the initial preview, we also got a preview of another version of Moltres ex card, this time with full art. This was also revealed on PokeBeach, and it hints that there is likely to be even more to come. A Secret Illustration Rare is the most likely outcome for Moltres ex at this point, with two versions of the card already spoiled this far ahead. Of course, both of these cards have only been revealed in the Japanese set for the time being, so right now it is more likely that the SIR will come for The Glory of Team Rocket.

A SIR card is a type of rarity in the Pokémon TCG that encomes full art cards, typically with a special kind of foil, that are not listed in the initial card set. For instance, the Basic version of Moltres ex is card 15/98. A SIR version of the card might be something like 110/98, indicating that it is not included in the set's numbering and what makes it a secret.

If that is indeed the case for The Glory of Team Rocket, Japanese players won't have to wait long to find out. However, those of us waiting for Destined Rivals should not have to wait too long to find out either, assuming there are no delays on the English release.

Why A Moltres Secret Illustration Rare In Destined Rivals Seems So Likely

More Reasons For Moltres Ex To Get A Third Version

While the Japanese and English sets are not always a 1-for-1 of each other, this Moltres ex card seems like it is going to be a big part of the set, particularly with its flashy new ability and its seeming importance in the Japanese set. If there is an SIR for it in that one, it is likely that the English set will get the same treatment. It's not guaranteed, but it does seem quite probable.

Moltres ex was also a big part of early Pokémon TCG Pocket decks, and while this doesn't guarantee anything either, it does seem to indicate that the Pokémon is well liked by the company at the moment. Interestingly, the other cards revealed at the Champions League also had counterparts that were included in the earliest Pokémon TCG Pocket set. I believe this to mostly be a coincidence, but I do find it fascinating. I also think it is an indication of the popularity of those Pokémon specifically.

Regardless of their involvement in the mobile game, Moltres ex is a big card, and so much so that we have already gotten two versions of it spoiled. This indicates that it has importance, and it is exactly that kind of card that would end up with a bigger, flashier version of it as an SIR. The wings and the flames are also perfect to use to make it stand out, and the art for an SIR version of it could be spectacular.

It is these kinds of cards that often end up being some of the most expensive on the second-hand market, and I think we can expect the same to be true here. Mewtwo is the leader of the Japanese set, and Meowth also has two versions of it's card already revealed. I'm just as convinced that both of those will have SIR versions, with Moltres ex getting to sit in contention with them. It's also important to that Destined Rivals will be a bigger set than The Glory of Team Rocket, as it also encomes Heat Wave Arena.

With that in mind, it seems even more likely for Moltres ex to get the SIR treatment in English, as there is more room for SIRs in Destined Rivals, and it fits the theme of both sets fairly well. We should learn something more regarding the full set list soon, and then we can start making plans for which cards we are going to save our pocket change for in Pokemon TCG.