McDonald’s and Pokémon are expected to renew their popular collaboration this year. A new Happy Meal promotion with Pokémon Trading Card Game items could roll out between February and March, tapping into renewed fan interest around the world, according to food-focused digital publication Foodbeast.
Pokémon Happy Meals May Be Back at McDonald’s in 2026
The new Happy Meal comes at a time when McDonald’s will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The celebration has already inspired several new releases across collectibles, merchandise, and games, Foodbeast said.
Additional details about the release have not been confirmed yet; the availability of the Happy Meal may differ by region, it said. Fans believe that if McDonald’s Happy Meals with popular anime cards make a comeback, the new generation can be introduced to the Pokémon trading game.
Limited Booster Packs, Holo Cards in Previous Happy Meals
While McDonald’s has not given an official statement regarding the rollout, previous Happy Meal campaigns provide a glimpse of what the new ones might include. Earlier, the meals had mini booster packs with about four cards. The inclusion of exclusive artwork on the cards has not been confirmed yet.
A Pikachu Happy Meal card for Japan only was released earlier, which had led to a significant demand and even faced resale issues. This made an international rollout less likely. Recently, the Pokémon firm has taken a more cautious route to alternate-art promotional cards. It has been focusing on mass partnerships due to prolonged supply pressure.
With the 2026 Happy Meal collaboration, McDonald’s will blend nostalgia with the brand’s favorite meals.
