McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal Toys: Every Series (1999–2026)
By Dexhaul Team · October 13, 2026 · 6 min read
McDonald's and Pokémon have run Happy Meal collaborations in the US and Japan across more than a dozen separate series since 1999, per Bulbapedia's Pokémon Happy Meal archive.
The most collectible releases are the 2021 US 25th Anniversary holofoil TCG promo set (25 unique cards), the 2019 Power Disc figure series, and the 2011-2012 Black & White figure waves. Individual pieces run $4–$50 at independent shops, with sealed sets higher. Japan has run separate promotions since at least 2003, including figure sets in 2023 and promo booster packs in 2025.
Every McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal Series
The program has covered figures, disc accessories, trading cards, and booster packs. Japan releases run independently from US ones.
| Series | Year | Market | Format | Example Pokémon | In stock now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First US Series | 1999 | US | Hard-plastic figures | Pikachu, Marill, Mew, Ditto | No |
| Japan Series 1 | 2003–2006 | Japan | Figures and toys | Various Gen 1–3 | Yes (2005–06) |
| Black & White Wave 1 | 2011 | US | Figures with cards | Tepig, Zoroark, Zorua, Axew | Yes |
| Black & White Wave 2 | 2012 | US | Figures | Pignite, Servine, Pikachu, Axew | Yes |
| XY Series | 2015–2016 | US | Figures | Pikachu, Squirtle | Yes |
| Sun & Moon | 2017 | US | Figure + trading card | Solgaleo, Rowlet, Yungoos, Pikachu | Yes |
| Power Disc Series | 2019 | US/UK | Figure + spinning disc | Groudon, Lapras, Caterpie, Magmar | Yes |
| 25th Anniversary | 2021 | US/CA/UK | Holofoil TCG promo cards | All 25 starters + Pikachu, each holo | Yes |
| Match Battle | 2022 | US | Booster card pack set | Various | Yes |
| Happy Meal Set | 2023 | Japan | Figures, set of 4 | Various | Yes |
| Promo Pack Series 1 | 2025 | Japan | Promo booster packs | Various | Yes |
On this page 7 sections
Where to Start
Three entry points depending on what you are looking for.
Value picks: the 2019 Power Disc series
Each 2019 Happy Meal included a molded Pokémon figure and a spinning disc accessory. Groudon, Lapras, Caterpie, Tornadus, and Magmar are available from independent shops on DexHaul for $4–$12. The disc slots into the figure for a simple battling mechanic, making them more playable than most promotional toys of that era.
2019 Collector's Pokemon Magmar McDonald's #7 Happy Meal Toy (with Pokemon Card)
$7.00 USD
Vintage figures: 2011–2012 Black & White waves
The Gen 5 era produced two US Happy Meal waves. The 2011 set covered Tepig, Zorua, Zoroark, Axew, and Pikachu, each packaged with a promotional trading card. The 2012 follow-up added Pignite and Servine.
Sealed examples with the original hang-card packaging are harder to find than loose figures. Loose figures start at $3–$6 each; a complete sealed run commands significantly more from import shops.
TCG collector: 2021 25th Anniversary promos
This is the series that changed what a McDonald's Pokémon promotion could be. Skip to the next section for the full breakdown.
The 2021 25th Anniversary Set: The First Real TCG Cards
Every McDonald's Pokémon promotion before 2021 included proprietary toy figures, disc accessories, or packaging-native cards not compatible with official TCG rules.
The 2021 25th Anniversary set was different. Each Happy Meal included one of 25 unique holofoil promo cards numbered across all nine Pokémon generations, from Bulbasaur (1/25) to Pikachu (25/25).
All 25 were legal, playable holofoil promos, not display-only novelties. That distinction made this the most widely collected McDonald's Pokémon release to date.
Individual cards remain available at independent shops. Pikachu 25/25 and Gen 1 starters carry the highest demand; pricing as of October 2026 sits at $20–$30 for Pikachu 25/25 near-mint and $6–$15 for other holos.
Japan-Exclusive Series
Japan has run McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal promotions separately from the US since at least 2003. Japanese releases are not available outside Japan through official retail; import shops are the only option.
The 2023 Japan set featured four figure toys sold in individual sealed bags. The complete set is available from import shops for around $43.
The 2025 Japan series shifted to promo booster packs: each Happy Meal came with a pack instead of a figure. Import shops list individual 2025 packs for £24–£40 depending on condition and seller location.
Telling Versions Apart
Official McDonald's Pokémon toys carry a Pokémon trademark notice on the bag or hang-card. The molded figure usually has a Pokémon copyright stamped on the underside or base.
For the 2021 TCG cards, check the card number format: official promos are numbered with leading zeros (e.g. 025/025 for Pikachu). The holofoil pattern should match standard TPC foil texture from that era.
Cards with oversaturated or misaligned holofoil are not official. Sealed 2021 Happy Meal packs carry a small Pokémon logo on the clear bag.
Sealed versus loose matters most for the 2011-2012 figure waves. Sealed examples with the original hang-card still attached are worth significantly more than loose figures alone.
Condition and seal integrity drive pricing more than the figure itself. See the vintage Pokémon collecting guide or the Pokémon Gashapon sets guide for grading conventions that apply here.
Gift Ideas and Display
Individual 2019 Power Disc figures at $7–$12 make strong stocking stuffers for any Pokémon fan who grew up with the series. A sealed 2011 Tepig or Zorua figure with its original packaging sits well on a shelf alongside other Gen 5 Unova memorabilia.
For a TCG collector, the 2021 25th Anniversary set makes a natural companion piece to the main 25th Anniversary TCG set (Celebrations): the McDonald's promos are not in the Celebrations booster pool, so they fill a genuine gap in any 25th Anniversary collection. The complete set of 25 holofoil promos in near-mint is a display piece worth pursuing for any Pokémon TCG binder. See the Pokémon 2026 holiday gift guide for more ideas across figures, plush, and TCG products.
FAQ
How many McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal series have there been in the US?
At least eight documented US series between 1999 and 2022, ranging from the original 1999 figure set to the 2021 25th Anniversary TCG promo promotion. Japan has had additional separate series running independently.
Are the 2021 McDonald's Pokémon cards real TCG cards?
Yes. The 2021 25th Anniversary set included 25 official, playable holofoil TCG promo cards numbered 1/25–25/25, legal in Expanded format as tournament promos. Every prior McDonald's Pokémon promotion used proprietary toy figures or non-TCG cards.
What Pokémon were in the 2019 Power Disc series?
The 2019 US series included Groudon, Lapras, Caterpie, Tornadus, and Magmar, each paired with a spinning disc accessory. Individual figures with the original disc packaging are still available from independent shops for $7–$12.
Are Japan McDonald's Pokémon toys available outside Japan?
Not through official retail. Import shops carry the 2023 Japan figure set and the 2025 promo booster packs; expect import premiums of 2–4× the original Japan retail price depending on condition and shipping region.
Can I still find the 2011 Black & White figures sealed?
Sealed examples with the original hang-card and packaging are uncommon but available. Expect to pay $20–$30 for individual sealed Gen 5 figures from independent shops; loose figures run $3–$8.
Browse Pokémon figures and collectible toys from independent shops worldwide at DexHaul Figures. Dexhaul is an independent search engine, not affiliated with or sponsored by The Pokémon Company.
Catch 'em all
More McDonald's Pokémon Happy Meal toys from independent shops on DexHaul.