Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary: A New McDonald’s Collaboration
The Return of Pokémon to McDonald’s
The joint project between Pokémon and McDonald’s, planned to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, has officially launched. While information regarding the collectible cards leaked online beforehand, fans can now experience the new sets in person. The campaign, which began in the United States, will run until December 14 and is expected to expand to other countries in the near future.
What’s Inside the Special Sets?
Each Happy Meal order includes a themed box featuring a specific Pokémon. Beyond the food, customers receive miniature plastic figures and, most importantly, two Trading Card Game promo cards. Notably, the cards are provided without individual wrappers. According to the company, this design choice aims to promote the cards as gaming tools rather than items solely intended for resale by collectors.
The card series is marked with the “M26” symbol and includes both standard and holographic versions. Some of the figures are equipped with small attachments, allowing them to be used as keychains or bag charms.
Marketing Strategy and Availability
It is worth noting that McDonald’s has adopted a relatively restrained marketing strategy for this year’s campaign. Physical advertising in restaurants is minimal, likely an effort to manage customer flow and maintain safety standards. In some locations, product distribution is occurring in stages, causing boxes featuring popular characters to sell out quickly.
The partnership between Pokémon and McDonald’s dates back to 1999, when “Pokémania” reached its peak. Modern-style Happy Meal collaborations began in 2011 and have since become a regular way for fans to participate in the anniversary celebrations.
For fans in Georgia, this news is significant, as this global campaign is expected to reach international markets in the coming months. It presents a great opportunity for both new players and experienced collectors to expand their collections with exclusive cards.