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McDonald’s Pokémon cards 2025 Japan: Full set, release date & where to buy
If you're a true Pokémon collector or a Japan-exclusive figure fan, McDonald’s Pokémon cards are likely already on your radar. These special-edition cards, paired with Happy Meals in Japan, have become a nostalgic icon and collector’s must-have over the years. And in 2025, the craze is back, with fresh artwork, regional exclusivity, and a Pikachu card that’s already making headlines. At Japan Figure, we help collectors worldwide get access to rare and exclusive Japanese merchandise, including McDonald Pokémon 2025 card promos. Read on to explore everything you need to know about the 2025 release, what’s inside the Happy Meal, how to collect them from abroad, and more.
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1. What are the McDonald's Pokémon cards?
Before they became an annual phenomenon, McDonald’s Pokémon cards first hit the scene in the early 2000s through a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and McDonald’s Japan. These cards are unique promo items that can only be obtained for a limited time with Happy Meals, making them rare, nostalgic, and surprisingly valuable in the collector world.
Key facts about McDonald’s Pokémon cards:
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First introduced: Japan in 2002, and globally by 2011
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Limited availability: Released during short-term campaigns (usually a few days to a week)
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Exclusive art: Many cards feature artwork that is only available during the McDonald’s promotions
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Real cards: These are official TCG cards, playable and produced by The Pokémon Company
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Rising value: Cards like Pikachu 2021 Holo or 2022 Rowlet promos have sold for high resale value on online platforms
Whether you're a Pokémon TCG collector or just a fan of McDonald's Happy Meals, this campaign is a joyful crossover that’s become a staple in Japanese Pokémon fandom.
2. What’s inside the 2025 McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meals?
If you’re in Japan from August 9 to August 11, be prepared, because that’s when the McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meal 2025 officially drops. Each Happy Set (Japan’s version of Happy Meal) comes with a mini Pokémon toy and a card pack.
2025 McDonald’s Pokémon Happy Meal contents:
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Toy: A rotating Pokémon-themed plastic figure (details not yet disclosed)
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Card 1: Special Pikachu Promo with exclusive illustration – Pikachu reaching for a burger!
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Card 2: One random card selected from the following:
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Sprigatito
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Fuecoco
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Quaxly
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Ralts
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Riolu
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Why this set stands out in 2025:
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This Pikachu artwork is newly drawn for the campaign
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The selected Pokémon (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly) are popular Gen 9 starters, increasing their collector appeal
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The campaign is only running for 3 days, increasing scarcity
3. How to get the Pokémon TCG Pocket McDonald's cards?
The Pokémon TCG Pocket McDonald's 2025 promotion is a Japan-exclusive release, meaning the only official way to obtain these cards is through a Happy Meal in McDonald’s Japan during a short time frame. But don’t worry, global collectors still have options.
3.1. Inside Japan
If you’re lucky enough to be in Japan from August 9 to August 11, 2025, then you’re perfectly positioned to join one of the most exciting TCG campaigns of the year. During this limited 3-day window, participating McDonald’s locations across Japan will offer the Pokémon Happy Meal (also known as the Happy Set), which includes exclusive promotional items from the Pokémon TCG Pocket McDonald’s 2025 campaign.
Here’s exactly what to expect and how to get your hands on the new McDonald’s Pokémon cards:
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Step 1 – Visit any McDonald’s Japan location The promotion is available nationwide, so whether you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Sapporo, just head to your nearest McDonald’s branch. There’s no special registration required, just walk in and order.
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Step 2 – Order a Happy Set (ハッピーセット) This is the Japanese version of the Happy Meal. You’ll need to choose from their child-friendly menu options (like a cheeseburger, nuggets, or pancake set), and then request the Pokémon version of the Happy Set. It’s important to go early in the day, some locations may run out due to high demand.
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Step 3 – Receive your exclusive Pokémon bonus Each Happy Set during this promotion includes:
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1 Pokémon-themed toy (such as Pikachu or Sprigatito)
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1 special Pikachu promo card with newly illustrated artwork of Pikachu reaching for a McDonald’s hamburger
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1 random card drawn from the following five Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Ralts, and Riolu
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>>> Important note: This McDonald Pokémon 2025 campaign only runs for 3 days, making the cards incredibly limited in quantity. Once the promotion ends, you won’t be able to get them from stores anymore, at least not firsthand.
>>> Why this matters for collectors: The regional exclusivity, combined with the short time frame, has made Japan-only McDonald's Pokémon cards highly desirable across the globe. Past promo cards from similar events have skyrocketed in value and become staples in graded PSA collections and TCG auctions.
If you're a collector currently traveling or living in Japan, this is a golden opportunity to get your hands on a piece of 2025 Pokémon history, right from the source.
3.2. Outside of Japan
If you’re living in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you might be wondering how to get your hands on the McDonald’s Pokémon cards 2025 without hopping on a plane to Tokyo. Since this campaign is officially limited to McDonald’s Japan and only available for three days (August 9–11), it’s not possible to walk into your local McDonald’s and find these in your Happy Meal, unlike past releases in the West.
But don’t worry. While you can’t get these promo packs directly through McDonald’s in your country, there are still smart and safe ways to collect them from abroad.
Here’s how international collectors are securing these Japan-exclusive treasures:
Option 1: Use a Japanese proxy shopping service
Proxy services like Japan Flow, Buyee, or White Rabbit Express allow overseas customers to buy products directly from Japanese marketplaces (such as Yahoo! Auctions, Mercari Japan, or Rakuten) with international shipping options. These services act as a “middleman”, you tell them what you want, they purchase it locally, and then ship it to you.
Option 2: Watch for trusted resellers after August 11
Once the promotion ends in Japan, many collectors and Japanese sellers will begin listing these items on international platforms such as:
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eBay
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TCGPlayer (US-specific)
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Facebook marketplace groups for Pokémon collectors
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Reddit communities like r/PokemonTCG
Be cautious with sellers that don’t provide photos or offer vague descriptions. If possible, request clear images of the cards, packaging, and McDonald’s Japan promotional inserts.
Option 3: Connect with local or regional Pokémon communities
Some collectors obtain extra sets and offer them at local prices within their community. Discord groups, TCG forums, and Facebook groups often have users who buy in bulk from Japan and split the cost. This method sometimes saves on international shipping fees.
Tips for buying safely from abroad:
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Check authenticity: Genuine McDonald’s Pokémon cards will have promo numbering, Japanese text, and often a McDonald’s logo or event-specific design.
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Verify seller reviews: Whether you're using a marketplace or proxy, always check for past reviews and feedback.
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Ask about packaging: For collectors, the condition of the cards matters. Ask sellers how they plan to ship the cards, top loaders or sleeves are a must.
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Use payment protection: Services like PayPal Goods & Services provide an extra layer of security in case something goes wrong with the transaction.
Getting McDonald’s Pokémon cards from Japan may take a little effort, but for serious collectors, it’s well worth the pursuit. These promo cards don’t just offer cute artwork, they capture a moment in time and deliver the thrill of owning something truly rare.
>>> Looking to expand your Japanese Pokémon collection beyond McDonald’s cards? Explore Japan Figure, a trusted store offering 100% authentic Japanese Pokémon cards, including rare TCG decks, booster boxes, and collector-grade figures. They ship worldwide and specialize in Japan-exclusive merchandise that’s hard to find elsewhere.
4. FAQs – People also ask about McDonald's Pokémon cards information
Still have questions about the 2025 McDonald’s Pokémon cards? Below are quick answers to the most searched topics, from rarity and checklist to value and identification.
4.1. How many McDonald's Pokémon cards are there to collect?
There are a total of 6 cards in the 2025 McDonald’s Japan promo set, 1 exclusive Pikachu card and 5 randomly distributed Pokémon cards: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Ralts, and Riolu.
4.2. Are McDonald's Pokémon cards worth anything in 2025?
Yes, especially if they’re kept in mint condition or graded. Some promos from previous years have reached $20–$100+ in resale value. The McDonald Pokémon cards value tends to increase after the campaign ends due to their scarcity.
4.3. What is the Pokémon Happy Meal Toy 2025?
Along with each Happy Set, kids and collectors will receive a small Pokémon toy, typically a plastic figure featuring characters from the promo set, such as Pikachu or Fuecoco. These toys are exclusive to the event period.
4.4. What Pokémon are in the McDonald's 2025 checklist?
The Pokémon McDonald’s 2025 card list includes:
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Pikachu (special burger artwork)
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Sprigatito
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Fuecoco
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Quaxly
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Ralts
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Riolu
These are all standard-sized TCG cards featuring unique illustrations and regional promo markings.
4.5. Are McDonald's Pokémon cards real?
Yes! They are official Pokémon TCG cards, printed and distributed by The Pokémon Company for this McDonald’s collaboration. They're legal for play (if format-eligible) and highly sought after by collectors.
4.6. How to see through McDonald's Pokémon packs?
While some collectors attempt to “pack peek” using backlight or weighing tricks, this is discouraged in the collecting community. It may damage the packaging and reduce the card’s future value.
4.7. How to identify McDonald's Pokémon cards?
Look for these features:
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Japanese text (if it’s a Japan promo)
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Unique promo numbering (e.g., 001/SV-P)
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Event-specific artwork, like the Pikachu reaching for a hamburger
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Light cardstock (common for McDonald’s releases)
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No rarity star at the bottom corner
In 2025, McDonald’s Pokémon cards are more than just a Happy Meal bonus, they’re a symbol of how Pokémon continues to connect generations through games, collectibles, and creativity. With only 3 days of availability, exclusive artwork, and popular Pokémon characters, this promo is one that fans shouldn’t overlook. Whether you're collecting to play, display, or invest, this limited set is both visually charming and potentially valuable in the long run. Want more authentic Japanese Pokémon collectibles? Head over to Japan Figure’s Pokémon Collection to browse Japanese booster boxes, card sets, collector figures and plushies, as well as Pokémon TCG accessories & sleeves.
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