The Pokémon Company and McDonald's have confirmed a fresh collaboration for Pokémon-themed Happy Meals in 2026, with the U.S. run scheduled from November 5 to December 9, 2026.
The promotion will include a set of 15 trading cards, packaged in groups of four and distributed with Happy Meals, the companies said.
Specific card identities and distribution details outside the U.S. have not been announced.
Background and context
Pokémon, which debuted on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2026.
Over three decades the franchise has expanded across Nintendo hardware — including current mainline releases on Nintendo Switch — and into large-scale partnerships and merchandising.
The annual McDonald's Happy Meal collaboration has become a recurring part of Pokémon's broader promotional calendar.
Announcement and logistics
In a joint statement, The Pokémon Company and McDonald's confirmed the November 5–December 9 U.S. window and reiterated that the 15-card set will be sold in packs of four alongside Happy Meals.
The companies noted that release dates for other territories will be communicated at a later time.
At the time of publishing, the specific cards included in the 15-card set have not been revealed.
Fan expectations and prior controversy
With the franchise marking 30 years in 2026, fans and collectors have expressed interest in premium or commemorative inclusions.
Last year’s McDonald's collaboration in Japan featured an exclusive Pikachu card that drew intense consumer demand; reporting at the time linked the rush for that card to unusually high levels of uneaten food returned to restaurants, a controversy that both companies have been mindful of in subsequent promotions.
What to expect next
The Pokémon Company and McDonald's typically release full card lists and participating-location details closer to launch.
Buyers in the U.S. can plan for the November–December window; collectors outside the U.S. should monitor official Pokémon Company and McDonald's channels for local dates and distribution specifics.
Have thoughts on the 2026 Happy Meal run or hopes for anniversary cards?
Share your views in the comments below and watch official channels for the finalized card list and international dates.
The promotion will include a set of 15 trading cards, packaged in groups of four and distributed with Happy Meals, the companies said.
Specific card identities and distribution details outside the U.S. have not been announced.
Background and context
Pokémon, which debuted on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2026.
Over three decades the franchise has expanded across Nintendo hardware — including current mainline releases on Nintendo Switch — and into large-scale partnerships and merchandising.
The annual McDonald's Happy Meal collaboration has become a recurring part of Pokémon's broader promotional calendar.
Announcement and logistics
In a joint statement, The Pokémon Company and McDonald's confirmed the November 5–December 9 U.S. window and reiterated that the 15-card set will be sold in packs of four alongside Happy Meals.
The companies noted that release dates for other territories will be communicated at a later time.
At the time of publishing, the specific cards included in the 15-card set have not been revealed.
Fan expectations and prior controversy
With the franchise marking 30 years in 2026, fans and collectors have expressed interest in premium or commemorative inclusions.
Last year’s McDonald's collaboration in Japan featured an exclusive Pikachu card that drew intense consumer demand; reporting at the time linked the rush for that card to unusually high levels of uneaten food returned to restaurants, a controversy that both companies have been mindful of in subsequent promotions.
What to expect next
The Pokémon Company and McDonald's typically release full card lists and participating-location details closer to launch.
Buyers in the U.S. can plan for the November–December window; collectors outside the U.S. should monitor official Pokémon Company and McDonald's channels for local dates and distribution specifics.
Have thoughts on the 2026 Happy Meal run or hopes for anniversary cards?
Share your views in the comments below and watch official channels for the finalized card list and international dates.
