Pokémon Cards Return to McDonald's Happy Meals Starting November 5

Pokémon cards are making a comeback at McDonald's. According to reports from PokéBeach, the fast-food chain will offer Pokémon Happy Meals in the United States starting November 5 and running through December 9 as part of the franchise's 30th anniversary celebration. Other countries will receive the promotion on different dates.

Each Happy Meal will include a four-card booster pack containing one holographic card and three non-holographic cards. There will be 15 different cards available in total, with six holographic variants printed on confetti holofoil. Customers can choose between a Pokémon toy (believed to be a card display) or a Pokémon Essential Handbook as the meal's bonus item.

McDonald's has not officially announced the promotion as of the sources' publication dates, meaning details remain unconfirmed and subject to change. An official announcement is expected before the November launch.

The return of Pokémon cards to McDonald's carries some history. Previous promotions have attracted card scalpers, leading the chain to impose purchase limits and end campaigns early. In 2025, McDonald's in Japan sold out of Happy Meals due to a special Pikachu card included in its collection. The McDonald's tie-in sets typically feature reprinted cards, though occasional special inclusions have created buying frenzies among collectors.