Will Pokémon Come Back to McDonald’s?
In the world of Pokémon, few things are as iconic as the franchise’s collaborations with fast-food giant McDonald’s. From 1999 to 2000, McDonald’s released a series of Pokémon-themed toys with their Happy Meals, bringing joy to children and nostalgic value to adults. As the years went by, however, the partnership seemed to fade into memory. But with the recent resurgence of Pokémon’s popularity, whispers of a potential McDonald’s collaboration have begun to surface. So, will Pokémon come back to McDonald’s?
The First Collab: A Look Back
In 1999, McDonald’s partnered with Pokémon to release a series of toys with their Happy Meals. The initial launch featured 12 Pokémon plush toys, including popular characters like Pikachu, Charizard, and Squirtle. The toys were designed to resemble the popular Tamagotchi fads of the time and came with a unique code to unlock exclusive content on the Pokémon website.
A Brief Hiatus
The partnership between McDonald’s and Pokémon seemed to fizzle out after the initial run. However, the demand for Pokémon merchandise never fully disappeared. In fact, the franchise continued to thrive, with new games, movies, and merchandise hitting the market.
Rumors of a Comeback
Fast-forward to 2023, and rumors began circulating that McDonald’s and Pokémon were gearing up for a new collaboration. The whispers were initially met with skepticism, but as more information surfaced, it became clear that a new partnership was indeed on the horizon.
New Details Emerge
On September 12th, 2023, McDonald’s officially announced the return of Pokémon to their Happy Meals. The promotion features 15 exclusive cards, including rare holographic cards, and will run from September 12th to October 16th.
What to Expect
So, what can we expect from this new partnership? Here are a few key details:
• 15 Exclusive Cards: McDonald’s will release 15 exclusive Pokémon cards with their Happy Meals, featuring characters like Pikachu, Feucoco, Sprigatito, and Quaxly.
• Holographic Cards: Several of the cards will feature holographic foil stamping, making them a valuable addition to any Pokémon collector’s collection.
• Limited Time Only: The promotion will run from September 12th to October 16th, making it a limited-time offer.
How to Collect Them All
So, how can you get your hands on these exclusive Pokémon cards? Here are a few tips:
• Get a Happy Meal: McDonald’s Happy Meals will come with a special Pokémon trading card pack, containing at least one of the 15 exclusive cards.
• Trade with Friends: Trade your cards with friends and family to complete the set.
• Keep an Eye Out for Holographics: Several of the cards will feature holographic foil stamping, making them a valuable addition to any Pokémon collector’s collection.
What’s Worth the Most?
While the exclusive cards are undoubtedly valuable, some rare cards stand out from the rest. Here are a few notable mentions:
• Giant Entei, Suicune, and Raikou Plush: These giant plush toys, released in 2000, are extremely rare and can fetch prices upwards of $5,000.
• TY Teenie Beanie Boos: The original 2000 release of these Beanie Boos is highly sought after and can fetch prices upwards of $650.
Conclusion
With the recent announcement of the McDonald’s and Pokémon partnership, it’s clear that the franchise is gearing up for a major comeback. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting into the world of Pokémon, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. So, mark your calendars for September 12th and get ready to collect some exclusive Pokémon cards with your next Happy Meal!