The Pokemon Trading Card Game may be preparing to revive one of its most popular promotional tie ins just in time for the franchise’s 30th anniversary. According to a newly surfaced leak, Pokémon card packs could once again be distributed through McDonald's, echoing a collaboration that has historically generated enormous excitement and controversy among collectors and fans.
The rumor arrives during what has already been a crazy period for the Pokemon TCG. Throughout 2025, the game saw renewed mainstream attention driven by high demand expansions such as Prismatic Evolutions, along with nostalgia focused sets like Journey Together and Mega Evolutions that reintroduced classic mechanics. With Pokemon’s milestone 30th anniversary set for 2026, many fans have expected The Pokemon Company to go big, and this McDonald’s promotion may be one of the earliest celebrations.
The speculation stems from a leaked internal listing of McDonald’s Happy Meal toy schedules for 2026, which reportedly includes a Pokemon Trading Card Game promo pack. While the leak does not specify which Pokemon or card designs will be featured, the structure is expected to mirror past McDonald’s promotions small, limited-run expansions with exclusive artwork. However there has already been announced the crossover with Pokemon
Notably, the schedule suggests the event could begin in February 2026, aligning closely with Pokemon Day on February 27th, the annual celebration marking the franchise’s original Japanese launch. As of now, neither The Pokemon Company nor McDonald’s has officially confirmed the promotion, leaving the details firmly in the rumor territory.
Pokemon’s most recent McDonald’s TCG promotion occurred as a Japan exclusive release during the summer, featuring a special alternate-art Pikachu card. That promotion quickly became a target for scalpers, with secondary market prices spiking almost immediately after release.
If the anniversary promotion does materialize, it will almost certainly face intense scrutiny from both fans and parents. McDonald’s Pokemon TCG promotions have become notorious flashpoints during the post pandemic trading card boom, as scalpers often purchase large quantities of Happy Meals to resell the packs at inflated prices.
In previous campaigns, McDonald’s implemented countermeasures such as limiting purchases to three Happy Meals per group in an effort to curb abuse. Similar restrictions are widely expected if a 30th anniversary pack launches, especially given the symbolic weight and collector appeal tied to the milestone.
The McDonald’s rumor is just one piece of a much larger celebration expected in 2026. Pokemon recently expanded its video game lineup with Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which launched in October and has already received a DLC expansion titled Mega Dimension. Industry speculation also suggests that Pokemon’s tenth generation of mainline games could be revealed during the anniversary year. We will have to wait and see what will be announced.
On the card game side, the Pokemon TCG is set to open 2026 with Ascended Heroes, a special expansion launching January 20th. The set includes Mega Evolutions for each Pokemon Legends: Z-A starter, along with the long-awaited debut of Mega Dragonite in the TCG. The Japanese release schedule has already teased what comes next, with Nihil Zero introducing Mega Zygarde to competitive play.
If confirmed, a McDonald’s Pokemon TCG promotion tied to the 30th anniversary would be both a nostalgic callback and a high stakes release. For longtime fans, it represents a return of a beloved tradition. For collectors, it may become one of the most sought-after promotional card runs in recent memory. For scalpers, it might be the best payday while getting a cheap meal.
With Pokemon clearly positioning 2026 as a celebration year across games, cards, and media, fans should be prepared for more announcements and potentially fierce competition when official details finally arrive for fans.
What are your thoughts on the rumor? Which Pokemon would you like to see on the cards for a new promo pack? Let us know your thoughts and what cards you are collecting in the comments down below!