McDonald’s x Pokémon collab is now live: How to collect 15 new toys and 15 trading cards with food
The McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meal is officially back in the US, and this year’s version is different from the ones fans have grown used to. Launched on November 10, 2026, at participating restaurants, the promotion celebrates the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Instead of a simple card pack, every meal now pairs a collectible mini toy with two Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) cards. As a result, collectors have two separate sets to chase at once.
What Comes in the McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meal?
Each meal includes one small toy shaped like a miniature Happy Meal box, featuring one of 15 Pokémon. Alongside it, you get two randomly selected Pokémon TCG cards from a dedicated 15-card set. Meanwhile, the meal itself arrives in one of three larger box designs, showing Pikachu, Umbreon or Torchic.
This is notable because recent US promotions focused almost entirely on cards, posters and sticker sheets. Bringing physical character toys back makes this the first McDonald’s Pokémon campaign in several years to combine toys and cards in one meal.
The 15 Mini Box Toys
The toy lineup mixes classic favourites with newer Pokémon from later generations:
- Original Kanto picks: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Weedle and Pikachu
- Eevee and its evolution: Eevee and Umbreon
- Later-generation favourites: Torchic, Piplup, Munchlax, Minccino, Espurr, Rowlet, Sobble and Sprigatito
The 30th Anniversary Card Set Explained
The trading card side of the promotion has 15 cards in total, and seven of them carry foil treatments. Cards confirmed in early previews include Jirachi, Pikachu, Absol, Decidueye, Chandelure and Palafin. However, because each meal contains only two random cards, completing the full set will likely take several visits or some trading with friends.
It is also worth knowing that these cards are separate from the main Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration expansion. That set launched worldwide in September with more than 150 cards. In other words, you will not pull McDonald’s promo cards from regular booster packs, and vice versa.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | What We Know |
|---|---|
| US launch date | November 10, 2026 |
| Availability | Participating US restaurants, while supplies last |
| End date | No official end date announced |
| Toys | 15 mini Happy Meal box toys |
| Cards per meal | 2 random Pokémon TCG cards |
| Card set size | 15 cards, including 7 foils |
| Outer box designs | Pikachu, Umbreon, Torchic |
| Occasion | Pokémon’s 30th anniversary |
How Long Will the Promotion Last?
McDonald’s has only described the promotion as available for a limited time while supplies last. Some store schedules reportedly point to mid-December, but nothing official has been confirmed. Therefore, if a specific toy or card matters to you, it makes sense to visit early rather than wait.
Previous Pokémon promotions also show why timing matters. Past card releases have drawn heavy demand from resellers, and some locations ran out quickly. For that reason, calling your local restaurant before heading out can save a wasted trip. Additionally, McDonald’s has said the collaboration will expand to dozens of other countries over the coming months, so international fans may see their own version soon.
How This Year Compares to Past Pokémon Happy Meals
Pokémon cards first appeared in US Happy Meals in 2011, and the partnership has returned almost every year since. The 2021 campaign celebrated the 25th anniversary with every starter Pokémon from the first eight generations alongside Pikachu. More recently, the early 2025 “Dragon Discovery” promotion offered four-card booster packs focused on Dragon-type Pokémon.
By contrast, the 2026 version gives you fewer cards per meal but adds a collectible toy. Early leaks had suggested a four-card pack and a November 5 start. Ultimately, the final format turned out to be two cards plus a toy, launching five days later. Fans who read the earlier rumours should keep that change in mind.
Tips for Collectors and Parents
If you are planning to collect the full set, a little strategy helps:
- Go early in the promotion: Stock tends to be strongest in the first few weeks.
- Trade duplicates: With only two random cards per meal, swapping with friends is the most realistic way to finish the set.
- Keep cards protected: Sleeves or a small binder will keep foil cards in good condition.
- Set expectations: Past McDonald’s Pokémon cards have generally sold for modest prices, so collect them for fun rather than as an investment.
FAQs
When did the McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meal launch in the US?
It launched on November 10, 2026, at participating McDonald’s restaurants across the country.
How many cards come in each Pokémon Happy Meal?
Each meal includes two random Pokémon TCG cards from a 15-card set, plus one mini box toy.
Are the McDonald’s cards part of the 30th Celebration expansion?
No. The Happy Meal cards are a separate promotional set and are not found in regular 30th Celebration booster packs.
When does the Pokémon Happy Meal end?
McDonald’s has not announced an official end date. It runs for a limited time while supplies last.
