McDonalds Happy Meal x Pokémon launch: Release date and how to collect all trading cards
TL;DR: According to reports, Pokémon cards will return to McDonald’s Happy Meals from Nov. 5. Each Happy Meal order will include a four-card booster pack, with 15 cards available to collect in total.
It looks like Pokémon cards are officially returning to McDonald’s Happy Meals in the U.S. Mark your calendars for Nov. 5, because collectors have got a month to complete the latest 15-card set.
According to reports from PokéBeach, the limited-time promotion will run through Dec. 9. Each Happy Meal order will include a four-card booster pack featuring three standard cards and one guaranteed holofoil. It’s going to be chaos.
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming drop, what to expect in the packs, and how to score the cards.
When do Pokémon Happy Meals drop at McDonald’s?
If reports are true, the U.S. promotion will run from Nov. 5 to Dec. 9. If Target’s recent Pokémon event was anything to go by, expect high demand from launch.
What will the Pokémon Happy Meal booster packs include?
We don’t expect McDonald’s to change a winning formula. As usual, each Happy Meal will contain three regular cards and one foil card. There will be 15 cards to collect, including six holo cards printed on confetti holofoil. Unfortunately, we don’t know which cards will be featured just yet.
How to get the cards (without feeding the scalpers)
If you are trying to complete a full 15-card binder set without buying 50 Happy Meals, keep these tips in mind:
Ask to buy extra booster packs separately
Some locations allow you to purchase additional Happy Meal toy/card packs individually at the register (typically around $1.99 to $2.99 each) without purchasing a full meal, though rules vary by location.
Avoid third-party reseller markups
Complete 15-card sets and individual holos usually flood secondary markets hours after launch, often dropping significantly in price after the initial opening-weekend hype cools down.
Shop online alternatives
If in-person stock dries up, official Pokémon 30th Anniversary TCG sets are actively restocking online. In fact, you can find Pokémon 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Boxes for under market price right now at Amazon.
