McDonald’s Brings Back Its Cult-Favorite Pokémon Happy Meal – But They’re A Little Different This Time

The boxes will feature new TCG: Match Battle game items.

August 22, 2022

McDonald’s and Pokémon have introduced a new goal for those who feel like they’ve gotta catch ’em all. The two brands have teamed up to introduce a Happy Meal featuring brand-new TCG: Match Battle game items.

The new Happy Meal Match Battle boxes, which are available in the U.S., U.K. and Canada through mid-September 2022, will offer Pokémon fans “one more way to experience the Pokémon Trading Card Game with Match Battle,” according to a Pokémon product announcement.

Each box will contain all the essential elements for engaging in a Match Battle with friends and family. That includes a four-card booster pack — with one foil card in every pack — an instruction sheet, a coin, a spinner and a card box.

Photo by: Photo courtesy of Pokémon/McDonald's

Photo courtesy of Pokémon/McDonald's

“You can find Pokémon friends like Pikachu, Rowlet, Gossifleur and more, and send them into a match of coin flipping, spinning and fun with numbers,” the entertainment brand explained. "The last Trainer with a Pokémon in play gets to claim victory.”

The new Pokémon/McDonald’s Happy Meal collab follows the runaway success of the brands’ 2021 Happy Meals, which sparked a run by collectors and scalpers when they were released in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Pokémon, resulting in a shortage. That time around, McDonald’s had to limit the number of Happy Meals it would sell to each customer in order to reserve availability for the kids and families for whom the special edition meals were originally intended.

Like the previous version, the new Pokémon Happy Meals come in an adorable yellow Pikachu box, complete with pointy cardboard ears. Will they be as insanely popular? Time will tell, of course, but early signs indicate a great deal of excitement from fans.

In response to a Twitter post announcing that the cute Happy Meal Pikachu boxes were “back” — captioned, simply, “pika pika!”— commenters expressed great enthusiasm.

“WHEN IS THIS RELEASING OMGGGG,” wrote one.

“OMG need this,” another chimed in.

“LETS GOOOOOOO,” a third cheered.

In other words, Pokémon fans responding to news of these Happy Meals seem to be very happy indeed.

Related Content:

Next Up

McDonald’s Brings Back Its Fan-Favorite Double Big Mac

The item was cut due to pandemic-era menu streamlining, and is finally returning after a four-year hiatus.

After 6 Long Years, McDonald’s Brings Back Its Happy Meal Halloween Pails

McBoo, McPunk’n and McGoblin made their first appearance in 1986.

McDonald’s Plans to Ditch Self-Serve Sodas

In the future, pouring your own refills will be a thing of the past.

Is McDonald’s Actually Bringing Back the Snack Wrap?

A Tweet about Taylor Swift concert tickets has renewed speculation.

Would You Recognize the Smell of McDonald’s Fries Anywhere?

The chain wanted to see if it could advertise with scent alone.

McDonald’s Is Opening a New Retro-Themed Spinoff Chain: CosMc’s

The restaurant concept will be beverage-focused.

This Legendary Gold Card Can Get You Free McDonald’s Food for Life

For a few weeks, you’ll have the chance to snag the elusive card. Here’s how.

On TV

Guy's Ranch Kitchen

8:30am | 7:30c

Guy's Ranch Kitchen

9:30am | 8:30c

Chopped

12pm | 11c

Chopped

1pm | 12c

Chopped

2pm | 1c

Chopped

3pm | 2c

Chopped

4pm | 3c

Chopped

5pm | 4c

Chopped

6pm | 5c

Chopped

7pm | 6c

Chopped

8pm | 7c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Wildcard Kitchen

10pm | 9c

Chopped

11pm | 10c

Chopped

2am | 1c

Chopped

3am | 2c

What's New