Pokemon Trading Card Game enthusiasts can rejoice! After months of anticipation, the next McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion featuring Pokemon cards is finally coming to the United States. Following a Year of the Dragon theme in France last year, the new promotion, dubbed “Dragon Discovery,” is set to launch on January 21st and run through February 24th, according to reports from Poke Beach.
This exciting collaboration between McDonald’s and The Pokemon Company follows the current Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Happy Meal promotion. Each Dragon Discovery Happy Meal will include a booster pack containing four Pokemon TCG cards, one of which will be a holofoil variant. While the set predominantly features Dragon-type Pokemon like Drampa and Dragonite, fan favorites such as Pikachu and Charizard are also included. Four unique Happy Meal boxes will be available, spotlighting Charizard, Dragonite with Pikachu, Rayquaza, and Roaring Moon. Beyond the cards, the Happy Meals also come with stickers and a double-sided poster.
A previous McDonald’s promotion featured Pokemon cards and a spinner.
It’s important to note that these cards have appeared in previous Pokemon TCG sets. However, the Dragon Discovery versions boast subtle differences in the holofoil patterns and card numbering, making them unique additions for collectors. While McDonald’s and The Pokemon Company haven’t officially confirmed the promotion’s start date, the information from Poke Beach suggests a January 21st launch. As restaurant offerings can vary, contacting your local McDonald’s before heading out is recommended.
In past Pokemon Happy Meal promotions, McDonald’s has often restricted the purchase of the toys without a full Happy Meal due to reseller activity impacting availability for fans and children. It remains to be seen if the same restrictions will apply to the Dragon Discovery promotion.
2025: A Promising Year for Pokemon
The Pokemon Dragon Discovery Happy Meal promotion kicks off what promises to be an exciting year for the franchise. Pokemon Day, an annual event where The Pokemon Company announces upcoming releases, falls on February 27th, just a few days after the McDonald’s promotion concludes. This year’s Pokemon Day is highly anticipated, particularly as it’s expected to bring updates on Pokemon Legends: Z-A, slated for release on Nintendo Switch later in 2025. The game hasn’t been discussed since last year’s Pokemon Day, so fans are eager for news. Potential leaks about TCG sets related to Pokemon Legends: Z-A suggest we may learn more about them during the event as well.
Connect with the Author
Share your thoughts on the Pokemon Dragon Discovery Happy Meal promotion and your experiences with past McDonald’s collaborations directly with the author on Twitter @Marcdachamp, Bluesky @Marcdachamp, or Instagram @Dachampgaming.
