McDonald’s next Pokemon TCG Happy Meal reportedly starts Nov. 10 in the U.S., with 15 mini Happy Meal box toys that double as card frames and two cards in each meal.
Pokemon cards are coming back to Happy Meals, and this time they come with toys.
McDonald’s next Pokemon Trading Card Game Happy Meal promotion will start Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the U.S. and run through Monday, Dec. 14, according to PokeBeach. The site said it confirmed the dates after talking to multiple stores.
McDonald’s and The Pokemon Company haven’t officially announced the U.S. dates yet.
What’s in the McDonald’s Pokemon Happy Meal?
A plastic toy and two Pokemon cards. The toys are mini Happy Meal boxes shaped around 15 different Pokemon, PokeBeach reported.
Each toy comes with two random cards from a set of 15. The back of each toy works as a card frame, so you can display your favorite card.
Which Pokemon cards are in the 2026 McDonald’s set?
The full list hasn’t been revealed. So far, Metagross, Palafin and Hawlucha are confirmed, according to PokeBeach.
Like past years, the cards will be reprints of existing cards with special McDonald’s numbering.
Will there be holo cards in the Happy Meal?
Probably. PokeBeach said it doesn’t know how many will be holo yet. Past McDonald’s sets usually had six holo cards with a special confetti holofoil finish.
When does the McDonald’s Pokemon promotion start in other countries?
Earlier in some places, according to PokeBeach:
Canada: Tuesday, Nov. 3, through Monday, Dec. 7
Australia: Thursday, Nov. 5, through Wednesday, Dec. 9
United States: Tuesday, Nov. 10, through Monday, Dec. 14
Other countries will get the promotion too, but their dates haven’t been shared.
Didn’t the McDonald’s Pokemon promo start Nov. 5?
That was Australia. PokeBeach first reported a Nov. 5 start for the U.S., but later said that date was actually for Australia.
Earlier reports also mentioned a choice between a toy and a Pokemon Essential Handbook, according to Quartz and Attractions Magazine. PokeBeach’s latest report focuses on the mini box toys.
Is this the first Pokemon toy in a Happy Meal in a while?
Yes. It’s the first time since 2018 that Happy Meals will include plastic Pokemon toys, PokeBeach reported. Recent Pokemon promotions mostly came with cards and small extras.
Can you buy the Pokemon toy without a Happy Meal?
At many locations, yes. McDonald’s restaurants often sell Happy Meal toys on their own for a small price, but it depends on the store. Ask at the counter or check the McDonald’s app.
Happy Meal prices also vary by location, so the cost of collecting all 15 toys can add up fast.
Why is McDonald’s doing a Pokemon promotion now?
It’s Pokemon’s 30th anniversary. The franchise started in Japan in 1996 with the Pokemon Red and Green video games.
The Pokemon Company has been celebrating all year, including a new 30th Celebration card expansion that launched in September.
What other McDonald’s promotions are happening?
McDonald’s McRib is back at select restaurants, and its new holiday drinks, including a Red Bull Frosted Cranberry Energizer and Cookie Butter coffees, arrive Nov. 3.
The chain’s Halloween Boo Buckets, themed to Disney villains, are also out this season.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
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Hat Tips:
PokeBeach, Water Pokemon Master (Oct. 27, 2026), the promotion dates, mini box toys, card frames and confirmed cards
Quartz (Sept. 2026) and Attractions Magazine, Dani Meyering (Sept. 28, 2026), the earlier reports and Pokemon Essential Handbook
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