McDonald’s Japan Teases Next Pokemon x Happy Meal Promotion!
McDonald's Japan has teased its next Pokemon promotion, posting emoji for the Starter Pokemon and Pikachu on Twitter and updating its profile banner with Pikachu's ears. Most years the promotion just includes plastic Pokemon toys, but last year's was the first in a decade to distribute promo cards, giving customers a booster pack with a new Pikachu promo plus one of five stamped promos (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Ralts, or Riolu).
That 2025 campaign was cut short after demand far outstripped supply, marred by long lines, scalping, food waste, and reports of employee theft. It remains unclear whether cards will return this year or whether McDonald's will change its distribution to better handle TCG demand.
