McDonald’s is bringing back Pokemon Happy Meals to participating locations starting Nov. 10. Every meal will feature a combination of collectible toys and trading cards centered around the popular franchise.
What Comes in the Pokemon Happy Meal
The themed meal features standard menu choices, allowing customers to pick between a Hamburger meal or a four- or six-piece Chicken McNuggets meal. Each order comes complete with kid-sized fries, apple slices on the side, and a beverage.
Buyers can also use a smartphone to scan a QR code printed directly on the Happy Meal box. This unlocks an online digital game where players search for all 15 Pokemon toys hidden inside a virtual classroom and playground setting.
Collectibles and Anticipated Demand
The lineup of 15 toy figures features Bulbasaur, Charmander, Eevee, Espurr, Minccino, Munchlax, Pikachu, Piplup, Rowlet, Sobble, Sprigatito, Squirtle, Torchic, Umbreon, and Weedle. Each figurine takes the shape of a squared-off Happy Meal box featuring the restaurant’s Golden Arches as handles. Alongside the toys, 15 distinct Happy Meal boxes corresponding to each character are available, while each meal also packs two out of 15 collectible trading cards.
As reported by CNET, items associated with the franchise typically trigger high demand and sell out fast. McDonald’s states that the promotion runs only while supplies last, meaning availability could end quickly.
A similar promotion in August 2025 by McDonald’s Japan faced overwhelming demand from scalpers who purchased large quantities primarily for the cards while discarding the food. As IGN noted, the Japanese branch responded by capping purchases at three Happy Meals per group and eventually distributing only toys instead of cards.
McDonald’s has not yet confirmed whether similar purchasing limits will apply to US locations.
