McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal 2026: November 10 Date, Toys and Cards

Representative licensed photograph of a McDonald's restaurant exterior; not a photo of the Pokémon promotion, its packaging or the collectibles. Photo: Nothing Ahead / Pexels (Pexels free-use license).

The confirmed date for the 2026 McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal in the United States is Tuesday, November 10. The chain's October 29 U.S. Menu Spotter announcement describes a nationwide promotion at participating restaurants, bringing two different collectible sets and an interactive activity accessed through the box. That is more reliable for customers than earlier leaked promotional images and rumored store schedules.

When does the Pokémon Happy Meal start in the U.S.?

McDonald's states November 10, 2026, for participating U.S. restaurants. The announcement does not give a single nationwide closing date or guarantee that every toy and card will remain in stock throughout the promotion. A reported end date circulating among collectors should not be treated as an official nationwide deadline. Customers should check their nearby restaurant's app listing or ask staff after launch for local availability.

What is included: 15 toys and 15 trading cards

The company confirms 15 collectible toys and 15 collectible trading cards across the promotion. Its announcement names Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander, Squirtle and Umbreon among the featured Pokémon. That means 15 designs exist in each collection; it does not mean a single Happy Meal contains all 30 items. Independent October 29 coverage reports a toy and randomized cards with each meal, but shoppers should consult the final packaging and in-store offer for exact contents and any regional differences.

For collectors, the distinction between a toy count and a card count matters. A set size is not a promise that a particular character will be available at a particular store, nor is it evidence of the resale value or rarity of any item. McDonald's has not published a complete store-by-store inventory in its national announcement.

How does the QR-code game work?

McDonald's says a QR code printed on the Happy Meal box leads to a digital search game in which players look for 15 Pokémon toys hidden in a virtual classroom and playground. The game is a separate activity from receiving a physical toy or trading card. The company has not said that completing it guarantees a physical collectible, so customers should not assume that it does.

Is the Pokémon Happy Meal available now—and how much will it cost?

As of October 31, the announced U.S. launch remains in the future. The official post does not establish one national dollar price. Happy Meal prices can vary by restaurant and market, and participation is specified rather than universal. A local restaurant's menu on or after November 10 is the practical place to verify a price; screenshots of rumored prices from other locations should not be presented as national offers.

What is confirmed versus still uncertain?

Confirmed: November 10 U.S. launch at participating locations; a 15-toy collection; a 15-card collection; several named Pokémon characters; and the box-based QR search game. Not established by the official announcement: a universal U.S. price, a nationwide final day of availability, guaranteed access to any specific toy or card, and a definitive per-store allocation.

Hypebeast's October 30 report also describes the new collectibles, while earlier reporting relied on leaked promotional materials before McDonald's public confirmation. Readers should prioritize the company's confirmed details when making a purchase decision rather than assuming every leak is final.

Why the November date matters for families and collectors

The release arrives after Halloween, amid several seasonal fast-food promotions. A family planning a meal needs to know the actual on-sale date and whether their restaurant participates; a collector needs to know that there are separate toy and card collections and that obtaining a specific item may depend on inventory. Those practical questions are different from predictions about which card might be valuable. The company has made no verified promise of investment value.

Sources and verification

• McDonald's USA Menu Spotter, October 29 (official primary announcement)
• Hypebeast, October 30 (independent reporting)
• Independent October 29 promotion coverage (syndicated)

Related: McDonald's November holiday drinks and McRib availability. These are separate promotions with different dates and participation rules.