Pokémon’s ongoing partnership with McDonald’s is set to continue into 2026, with a new Happy Meal and Pokémon Trading Card Game promotion reportedly in the works for early next year. According to various reports within the gaming community, this promotion is expected to run around February to March, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, which has been celebrating the milestone with several special releases across games, merchandise, and collectibles.
While McDonald’s has not confirmed the promotion officially, past experiences with Pokémon Happy Meal campaigns suggest what fans might anticipate. These previous promotions have usually included mini booster packs featuring four cards, consisting of a single holographic card along with standard reprints. Such sets are generally small and crafted as entry-level collectibles rather than competitive cards, making them appealing to casual fans and newcomers to the trading card scene.
There is still ambiguity surrounding the possibility of exclusive artwork for this upcoming promotion. Earlier in the year, a Pikachu Happy Meal card released exclusively in Japan generated substantial demand, leading to a surge in resale activity, which may limit the likelihood of a broad international release. The Pokémon Company has shown caution regarding the introduction of new alternate-art promotional cards in mass-market settings, particularly due to ongoing supply chain issues.
As of now, specifics beyond the initial time frame remain undisclosed, and availability may differ by region. Should these reports hold true, Pokémon enthusiasts may once again find that Happy Meals serve as an enticing introduction to Pokémon card collecting as the year 2026 unfolds. This continued collaboration not only highlights the nostalgia surrounding both brands but also provides a new generation of fans a chance to engage with the Pokémon world.