McDonald's has re-entered the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) scene with its latest Happy Meal promotion, enchanting kids and collectors alike. Starting January 21 and running through February 24, 2025, McDonald's will feature the "Dragon Discovery" theme, which brings together classic favorite Pokémon with exciting new items.
According to PokéBeach, the initiative follows prior successful promotions, enhancing the relationship between the fast-food giant and the Pokémon franchise. Each Happy Meal will contain one promo card pack featuring four cards—one of which is specially crafted as holofoil—from the promotion's exclusive set of 15 collectible cards. Although not all the featured Pokémon are Dragon-types, iconic figures like Pikachu and Charizard are part of the lineup, adding to the promotion's appeal.
Historically, the Pokémon TCG has collaborated frequently with McDonald's, making this new initiative part of a nearly annual tradition. This specific promotion will introduce children not only to Pokémon cards but also to new stickers, poster designs, and puzzles, transforming the meal experience. The delightful surprises replace the Match Battle spinners from the earlier promotions.
This year showcases four distinct Happy Meal boxes, each highlighting different Pokémon; they include artwork from Charizard, Dragonite, Rayquaza, and Roaring Moon—each bringing its unique flair to the initiative. The specially crafted boxes, especially the Pikachu-themed one, attract attention and spark interest among children who are fans of the series.
Within the card packs, collectors and kids alike can expect to find both beloved and lesser-known characters. The lineup covers various Pokémon, including: Charizard, Pikachu (holo), Miraidon (holo), Jigglypuff, Hatenna, Dragapult, Quagsire, Koraidon (holo), Umbreon, Hydreigon (holo), Roaring Moon (holo), Dragonite (holo), Eevee, Rayquaza, and Drampa (holo). The promotion features strong selections of Dragon-type Pokémon, with several cards being reprints from past sets, including both Scarlet & Violet and Sword & Shield eras.
Interestingly, the promotion's cards will showcase unique "confetti pattern" holofoil, which is exclusive to McDonald’s initiatives. The limited release and exciting design may ignite additional enthusiasm among collectors, ensuring fans are eager to complete their sets. Prices for these cards may fluctuate but previous trends reflect low resale value post-promotion.
A new player in the Pokémon Promotions arena is Boss Coffee. The brand is rolling out limited-edition Pokémon-themed coffee cans, featuring its new product, Boss Ex Evolution Light Sweet. Launching on February 4, 2025, this collaboration not only adds to the Pokémon-themed beverage offerings but also aims to engage consumers through interactive campaigns.
Boss Ex Evolution Light Sweet references the Ex Pokémon cards known for their high-powered abilities, promising to energize users through the day. Crafted from high-quality Brazilian coffee beans, the drink combines rich flavors with mild sweetness, intending to energize and uplift coffee lovers. The cans will show off different Pokémon card designs for added visual appeal.
Fans of Pokémon can engage with Boss Coffee’s promotion through various contests. By purchasing specific packs of coffee cans, consumers can enter lotteries for exciting Pokémon merchandise, including rare outerwear. For those who crave instant rewards, the Instant Win Campaign offers immediate prizes like Pokémon card cushions by simply scanning the 2D code found on Boss cans.
With the competitive nature of collecting and the fun appeal of Pokémon, both McDonald's and Boss Coffee have creatively tied their promotions to the beloved franchise. With vibrant world of Pokémon continuing to capture hearts worldwide, both promotions not only celebrate nostalgia but also open doors for new generations to engage with iconic characters and stories.
Overall, these collaborations demonstrate the enduring popularity of the Pokémon brand, particularly through innovative marketing efforts with major retailers. Pokémon cards once again are making their way to dinner tables and coffee breaks, inviting both fans and newbies to discover and collect fascinating new editions. So whether you're stopping by McDonald's for a Happy Meal or grabbing Boss Coffee cans from the store, it’s the perfect time to join the Pokémon TCG craze!