McDonald's next batch of Happy Meal toys has seemingly been revealed. According to a leaked photo, the golden arches are planning to bring back Pokemon toys.
The fast food giant is no stranger to working with the long-running franchise, having most recently brought back Pokemon toys in late 2019. While the last toys were centered around Poke Ball-themed disc launchers, this promotion appears to have a bit of a different focus.
An image posted by Twitter user Pokejungle shows what looks like a cardboard display, showcasing all the various Pokemon "toys" available as part of the upcoming promotion. The upper part of the display has what appears to be some kind of sticker sheets or booklets. While speculation, it would seem there are a few different variations, including Pikachu, Scorbunny, and Poke Ball designs. Additionally, there seems to be a poster that could be used as a backdrop for McDonald's customers to create their own Pokemon scene. Lastly, a frame featuring a Pikachu design. The frame holds one of four Pokemon cards, guaranteed with every Happy Meal.
These aren't just any Pokemon cards either. When looking towards the very top of the image, viewers will be able to make out a '5' on a silhouette of Pikachu's head. This all but confirms that the fast food chain is taking part in Pokemon's 25th anniversary, which includes the re-release of classic Pokemon cards.
Upon closer inspection, Happy Meal buyers will have the chance to get their hands on cards spanning across most-all generations. The text at the bottom states every order will come with four cards featuring Pokemon from all regions, so fans can expect an eclectic mix. This should all be taken with a grain of salt, however, as McDonald's has yet to officially confirm anything.
Pokemon cards in general have been as lucrative a market as ever. In recent months, several stories have made headlines with single cards being purchased for astronomical amounts, including a rare Blastoise card that went for a ton of money at auction. Retired Rapper Logic purchased a first-edition holographic Charizard last year for nearly $200,000, and a student was able to pay his entire med school tuition from selling his old collection. While the new, anniversary cards definitely won't hold the same value initially, that could entirely change given enough time.
Pokemon's 25th anniversary continues to reveal surprises such as the new Happy Meal toys. However, there are far, far more collaborations the franchise is releasing products with. For people who are fans of Pokemon, but aren't big on burgers, fries, and McNuggets, fancy Pokemon tea sets are available. It's definitely a great time to be a Pokemon fan.