McDonald's is helping Pokémon fanscatch their favorites with the launch of its new Happy Meal collection.
Starting Tuesday, Nov. 10, participating McDonald's locations will see the return of the Pokémon Happy Meal, according to a McDonald's news release. The Happy Meal will include one of 15 toys and two Pokémon Trading Card Game cards. The meals have already been launched in Australia and Canada and are set to be rolled out in other countries as well.
The new collection comes as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The toys come months after the fast-food giant released Happy Meal toys inspired by iconic Japanese franchises like "One Piece" and Hello Kitty. Now, it will release a new collection inspired by Pokémon, another Japanese franchise among
the most popular worldwide.
Before the Pokémon Happy Meal, McDonald's gave out Boo Bucket Happy Meals, which featured Disney villains.
Here's what to know.
What's in the Pokémon Happy Meals?
In addition to what comes with a traditional Happy Meal (hamburger or chicken nuggets alongside a drink and/or fries and applesauce), the Pokémon Happy Meals will come in one of three boxes inspired by Pikachu, Umbreon or Torchic.
Inside, you will find one of 15 miniature Happy Meal box-shaped toys that resemble the following Pokémon:
- Pikachu
- Bulbasaur
- Charmander
- Squirtle
- Rowlet
- Sprigatito
- Eevee
- Weedle
- Umbreon
- Torchic
- Piplup
- Munchlax
- Minccino
- Espurr
- Sobble
Guillaume Huin, McDonald's senior marketing director, posted a note and a photo of the boxes, toys and cards on X on Thursday, Oct. 29. He pointed out that the mini Happy Meal Pokémon toys "can be turned into charms you can clip onto your keys, bags, or pretty much anywhere" and included a picture of them attached to the belt loop of his pants.
Will McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meals include Pokémon cards?
Yes. Each Happy Meal comes with two Pokémon Trading Card Game cards, according to The Pokémon Company. There are 15 collectible cards in total, including seven foil cards.
Each Happy Meal will also include two of 15 trading cards that feature the following Pokémon:
- Decidueye
- Chandelure
- Palafin
- Pikachu
- Mimikyu
- Lucario
- Hawlucha
- Tyranitar
- Absol
- Zoroark
- Metagross
- Jirachi
- Eevee
- Snorlax
- Wooloo
The toys will be available for a limited time, while supplies last, at participating McDonald's locations.
How long will the McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meals be available?
The toys are expected to launch in the U.S. on Nov. 10. No end date has been announced.
Will the McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meals be available outside of the US?
Yes. In addition to the U.S., Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, New Zealand, and Spain will get the collab this month. It will be rolled out in other countries over the next few months through February 2027, according to a news release on Pokémon's website.
Fans excited about Pokémon Happy Meal
Pokemon fans are estatic for the collaboration. On the initial post officially announcing it, many users flocked to the comments to express their excitement.
"Definitely getting my hands on a Bulbasaur Happy Meal!", said one user while another chimed in with, "I want the Rowlet or the Umbreon happy meal box! So cute! 😍 🍔"
What is Pokémon?
If you're a millennial or a Gen Zer, you've likely heard of Pokémon, played the games or watched the anime after you got home from school.
The franchise, which began as a Japanese Game Boy game in 1996 and is known for the catchphrase "Gotta catch 'em all!", includes a long list of video games, a card game, TV shows and more.
Pokémon's popularity made characters such as Pikachu, Squirtle, and Charizard household names and has spawned an endless supply of toys and other merch. It is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties worldwide, comparable to Disney characters and Super Mario Bros.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers space phenomena, scientific studies and natural disasters. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.
Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads (mikegsnider), Bluesky (@mikegsnider.bsky.social), X (@mikesnider) and email him msnider@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gotta catch 'em all! You can get McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal today
