Catch 'Em All: Complete guide to McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal in the US
McDonald's and Pokémon have teamed up to create a special Happy Meal that offers exclusive collectibles and interactive experiences, making it a must-have for fans of all ages.
The latest collaboration between McDonald's and Pokémon has taken the nation by storm. Fans of the franchise can now enjoy a special Pokémon-themed Happy Meal, bringing a unique combination of nostalgia and excitement to every meal. This limited-time promotion offers not just a meal but a complete Pokémon experience, enticing both children and adults alike.
The Pokémon Happy Meal is more than just fast food. It’s a journey into the world of Pokémon, offering a range of exclusive collectibles and interactive experiences. From trading cards to in-app bonuses, McDonald's has created an immersive adventure that encourages fans to explore, collect, and play.
What's inside the Pokémon Happy Meal?
The Pokémon Happy Meal comes packed with a variety of exciting items:
- Pokémon TCG booster pack: Each meal includes a booster pack containing four out of 15 available Pokémon trading cards.
- Pokémon poster: A vibrant poster accompanied by a sticker sheet for decoration.
- Themed Happy Meal boxes: Featuring iconic Pokémon designs like Charizard, Pikachu & Dragonite, Rayquaza, and Roaring Moon.
Additionally, every Happy Meal purchase made through the McDonald’s app grants a complimentary in-game bonus for the Pokémon TCG Pocket app. By using a one-time redeemable code, players can unlock 24 pack hourglasses and 12 wonder hourglasses, which allow them to open two digital booster packs and choose one randomized digital card via the Wonder Pick feature.
“Much like they do for McDonald’s, our fans have deep nostalgia and love for the Pokémon brand,” Guillaume Huin, senior marketing director at McDonald's, declared in a news release. “We’re thrilled to build on those great memories and create a new moment of fun and happiness with the new Pokémon Happy Meal.”
Charizard Pokémon Happy Meal. Photo: McDonald's
What can Pokémon GO enthusiasts expect from McDonald's?
Apart from the Happy Meal and Pokémon TCG, Pokémon Go players can also visit sponsored PokéStops or Gyms at all McDonald’s locations across the U.S., continuing an initiative that started last December.
During specific weeks, players who visit participating McDonald’s locations can encounter Pokémon drawn by active Lure Modules and take part in five-star raids at McDonald’s Gyms:
- January 20th – 26th
- February 10th – 16th
- March 10th – 16th
n February 2024, McDonald’s engaged the anime community by temporarily rebranding to “WcDonald’s” and introducing a spicy chili sauce, inspired by the inverted golden arches featured in manga and anime.
By July 2024, the chain launched a Special Grade Garlic Sauce in partnership with McDonald’s Japan, influenced by the anime series “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
This is not McDonald's first collaboration with Pokémon; they originally teamed up in 1999 for the release of the first Pokémon movie and during the height of Pokémania. Their most recent collaboration was in 2021, celebrating Pokémon’s 25th anniversary.