Summary
McDonald’sPokemoncards are coming back in the UK for a special summer promotion, starting this month. McDonald’s andPokemonhave crossed over several times in the past, with kids getting eitherPokemon-themed toys or special-editionPokemontrading cards as a prize in their Happy Meals. There were multiplePokemonMcDonald’s promotions in 2024 alone, and this has continued well into 2025.
At the start of the year, McDonald’s locations in the United States started giving awayPokemoncards in Happy Meals at the end of January through February. This was right around the time thatPokemon GOhad its own tie-in promotion with McDonald’sin which players could visit the fast-food chain to participate in special events on specific dates. Meanwhile, Japanese McDonald’s visitors could get a special Poke Peace set with cute stickers of Pikachu, Piplup, and other fan-favorite creatures from Nintendo’s beloved monster-raising series back in February.
Now theMcDonald’sPokemoncard tie-in from Januaryhas made its way to the United Kingdom, as announced in a new animated commercial available to view on the McDonald’s UK YouTube channel. Between now and July 17, Happy Meals in the UK will come packed with cards of Dragon-type Pokemon like Charizard, Dragapult, Dragonite, Rayquaza, and more. Of course, this will only be available while supplies last, and it should be noted that McDonald’s has had to take measures to combat scalpers during some of its pastPokemonpromotions.
Pokemon Cards Are Back at McDonald’s in the UK
2025 looks to be another exciting year for thePokemonfranchise, asPokemon Legends: Z-Ais set to launchon the Nintendo Switch at some point later in the year. Spin-offs likePokemon GOandPokemon Uniteare also adding new content throughout 2025, and a brand-new title calledPokemon Championsis coming to Nintendo Switch and mobile devices in the future. The latter is being co-developed by The Pokemon Company and ILCA, and is seemingly combining the turn-based gameplay of thePokemon Stadiumseries with online multiplayer and cross-play.
Pokemon Trading CardGame fans have plenty to look forward to this year as well, with thenew Celestial Guardians setshaking up the metagame since it launched in April and more on the way as the year goes on. Anyone looking to add a few classic-style cards to their collection can now head to a UK-based McDonald’s for the latest crossover between fast food and gaming while supplies last.
