McDonald's to Launch Pokémon Happy Meals Nov. 10
The U.S. promotion includes three Happy Meal designs and collectible trading cards and keychains tied to Pokémon's 30th anniversary.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Public Companies
Live Poll
Would you visit McDonald's for the new Pokémon Happy Meal this November?
McDonald's will launch a Pokémon Happy Meal collaboration with The Pokémon Company on November 10, 2026 in the United States. It is the first time since 2018 the chain has offered physical Happy Meal toys.
Why it matters
The promotion arrives just before McDonald's third-quarter earnings report, as the company's stock has fallen about 23% from its February all-time high. Analysts expect the collaboration could sustain traffic through the holiday season.
Analysts expect McDonald's to report third-quarter revenue of $7.28 billion, up from $7.08 billion a year earlier, and earnings per share of $3.38 versus $3.22. The promotion's financial impact has not been quantified.
The players
McDonald's
McDonald's is a global fast-food chain and one of the world's largest restaurant companies, known for its Happy Meal promotions.
The Pokémon Company
The Pokémon Company is the Japanese firm that manages the Pokémon franchise and licenses its characters for commercial collaborations.
Nintendo Co.
Nintendo Co. is a Japanese video game company that partially owns The Pokémon Company and co-develops the core Pokémon video games.
The details
The promotion includes three Happy Meal designs, 15 Pokémon trading cards, and 15 keychains that resemble Happy Meal boxes. McDonald's will roll out different Pokémon characters each week as part of the Pokémon brand's 30th anniversary celebration. The Happy Meal launches in the U.S. and other countries on November 10 and runs through December 14.
Timeline
February 27, 2026: Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary.
November 10, 2026: Pokémon Happy Meal promotion launches in the U.S. and other countries.
December 14, 2026: Pokémon Happy Meal promotion ends.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: McDonald's reports third-quarter results before market open.
Market Landscape
The Pokémon Happy Meal marks McDonald's first return to physical toys since 2018, a move that follows the company's recent practice of using trading cards in Happy Meals to drive traffic. The collaboration arrives as McDonald's shares remain about 23% below their February 2026 all-time high.
Customers who visit McDonald's during the November 10 through December 14 window can collect Pokémon toys, cards, and keychains with their Happy Meal orders. Collectors should note that the set includes 15 cards and 15 keychains across three designs.
The takeaway
Investors and collectors alike should watch whether the promotion meaningfully lifts traffic before McDonald's reports its third-quarter results. The outcome will show whether a nostalgic collectible can still move a large fast-food chain's sales.
What happens next
McDonald's reports third-quarter financial results before market open on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and the Pokémon Happy Meal promotion launches November 10.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Public Companies to see how other listed firms are navigating promotions and earnings pressure.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Benzinga.
Live Poll
Would you visit McDonald's for the new Pokémon Happy Meal this November?
