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McDonald’s introduces Pokémon Happy Meals, activationsMcDonald’s introduces Pokémon Happy Meals, activations

Each box features cards, a poster, a sticker sheet, and in-game codes

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

January 22, 2025

2 Min Read
McDonald's Pokémon GO activation
To coincide with the new Happy Meals, Pokémon fans can visit their local McDonald’s restaurant to participate in the Pokémon GO activationPhoto courtesy of McDonald's

McDonald’s has introduced Pokémon Happy Meals nationwide for a limited time. Each Happy Meal includes a Pokémon Trading Card Game booster pack with four of 15 available cards, a Pokémon poster, and a sticker sheet.

Additionally, each Happy Meal box includes a design featuring either Charizard, Pikachu & Dragonite together, Rayquaza, or Roaring Moon. Customers purchasing a Happy Meal through the McDonald’s app are also able to unlock in-game codes redeemable for 24-pack hourglasses and 12 wonder hourglasses, which can then be used to open two digital booster packs and select one digital card as part of the Wonder Pick feature.

Pokémon fans can also visit their local McDonald’s restaurant to participate in the Pokémon GO activation that kicked off across the United States last December. As part of this collaboration, trainers can visit sponsored PokéStops or Gyms when visiting all domestic McDonald’s restaurants. Further, Pokémon GO players can visit the participating McDonald's locations during specific weeks from now until the end of March to encounter Pokémon attracted by active Lure Modules and participate in five-star raids at McDonald’s Gyms. These weeks are Jan. 20–26, Feb. 10–16, and March 10–16.

“There’s nothing more exciting than when we can bring campaigns to our fans with partners that we’re fans of ourselves,” McDonald’s senior marketing director Guillaume Huin said in a statement. “Much like they do for McDonald’s, our fans have deep nostalgia and love for the Pokémon brand. We’re thrilled to build on those great memories and create a new moment of fun and happiness with the new Pokémon Happy Meal.”

The original Pokémon TV series debuted in 1996 in Japan. It has since become the highest-grossing media IP in the world, with revenue exceeding $150 billion. Several restaurant concepts tapped into the brand’s popularity in 2016 after the launch of Pokémon GO, an augmented reality game using GPS technology to map Pokémon to real-world locations. Other chains have also leveraged the brand for kids meal promotions, including Burger King, in 2008.

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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