McDonald’s and Pokemon Reunite: Exclusive 30th Anniversary TCG Cards Hit Happy Meals in 2026

McDonald’s is launching a major new Happy Meal promotion. It features exclusive Pokemon Trading Card Game cards. The collaboration celebrates Pokemon’s 30th anniversary worldwide.

The promotion runs from February through March 2026. It will be available at participating McDonald’s locations across the United States. This marks a return of the highly popular Pokemon TCG collaboration.

What the 2026 Pokemon Happy Meal Collaboration Includes

This promotion centers on special 30th anniversary-themed cards. According to reports from Screen Rant, these will be exclusive promotional cards. They cannot be found in standard retail booster packs.

Each Happy Meal will include the collectible trading card. The cards are expected to feature unique holofoil designs. They will commemorate three decades of the Pokemon franchise.

The previous collaboration in early 2025 was a massive success. It offered four-card booster packs and activity sheets. The 2026 version aims to be even bigger for the milestone year.

Why Collectors Are Anticipating This Release

The Pokemon TCG market has seen incredible growth. Exclusive promotional cards often become valuable collector’s items. McDonald’s partnerships are particularly sought-after.

Past Happy Meal cards have quickly sold out. They generate significant secondary market interest. The 30th anniversary theme adds historic significance.

This promotion makes collecting accessible to younger fans. It also appeals to veteran collectors seeking rare items. The widespread availability drives community excitement.

The return of Pokemon TCG cards to McDonald’s Happy Meals represents a major event for fans and collectors alike, perfectly timed for the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebration.

Info at your fingertips

When exactly does the promotion start?

The promotion is scheduled to begin in February 2026. It will continue through the end of March 2026. Specific start dates may vary slightly by location.

What kind of Pokemon cards will be included?

The cards will be special 30th anniversary promotional cards. They feature exclusive artwork not found elsewhere. Each Happy Meal contains one random card from the set.

Is this promotion only in the United States?

Current reports confirm the promotion for U.S. McDonald’s restaurants. International availability has not been officially announced. Previous promotions sometimes expanded to other regions later.

How many different cards are in the set?

The full set details are not yet released. Previous Happy Meal sets contained 6-8 unique cards. Collectors will need multiple visits to complete a full set.

Can I buy the cards without purchasing a Happy Meal?

No. The cards are exclusively packaged with Happy Meals. They are not sold separately at McDonald’s. They are also not available in regular Pokemon TCG products.