McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal Starts Nov. 10: 15 Mini-Box Toys, Two Cards per Meal

After weeks of rumors, it’s official: Pokémon Happy Meals are coming back to McDonald’s. The chain confirmed on Oct. 29 that U.S. participating restaurants will start selling them on Monday, Nov. 10, and this time each meal includes an actual toy as well as trading cards.

“3 boxes. 15 toys. 2 cards with every collectible. Pokémon Happy Meal coming 11.10.26,” McDonald’s posted on X, as cited by God is a Geek.

What’s in the Pokémon Happy Meal

Here’s what McDonald’s and The Pokémon Company have confirmed so far:

Each toy is a miniature Happy Meal box shaped like a single Pokémon. Characters named so far include Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander, Squirtle, Umbreon, Bulbasaur, Rowlet and Sprigatito, according to Polygon and God is a Geek. Polygon noted it’s the first time in nearly a decade that the Pokémon Happy Meal has included physical toys rather than just cards.

The McDonald’s Pokémon cards

Polygon reported that the cards are reprints of popular Pokémon, including Jirachi, Snorlax, Eevee and Pikachu, featuring art by well-known card illustrators such as Kodama, Miki Kudo and DOM. Past McDonald’s card sets have used a holofoil finish. The Pokémon Company says seven of the 15 cards are foil.

A QR code on each meal’s packaging also unlocks a digital game set in a virtual playground and classroom, where players try to find all 15 Pokémon from the toy line, God is a Geek reported.

Release dates outside the U.S.

The promotion is rolling out worldwide on a staggered schedule. Polygon reported that the U.S., Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, New Zealand and Spain all start in November 2026, most other regions follow in December, and Ireland and the U.K. won’t begin until February 2027.

Expect demand, and maybe scalpers

Earlier Pokémon promotions have caused real headaches. Scripps News noted that a similar promotion in Japan last year sold out within hours, with reports of scalpers placing bulk orders, throwing away the food and reselling the cards. Polygon said some Japanese restaurants had to call police on customers.

The timing adds fuel. Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, which Scripps News said is driving strong demand for trading cards, some worth thousands of dollars. Krispy Kreme ran a limited Pokémon doughnut promotion earlier this fall.

If you’re hoping to collect the full set, the safest bet is to go early in the promotion and check with your local restaurant, since stock may vary by location.

What else is on the McDonald’s menu

The Pokémon meal follows the Disney Villains Boo Buckets Happy Meal, which launched Oct. 20 and runs while supplies last, God is a Geek reported. McDonald’s holiday drinks, including cookie butter flavors, are set to arrive Nov. 3.

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