Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Happy Meal Sparks Scalper Frenzy

In celebration of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, a new collaboration with McDonald’s is set to bring Pokémon Trading Card Game cards to Happy Meals. Expect scalpers to be on the prowl, eager to snag every card after their previous letdowns with the anniversary merchandise.

Each Happy Meal will come with a four-card booster pack, featuring one holographic card and three standard cards. Collectors will need to track down 15 unique cards to complete their set, including six special confetti holofoil cards that are likely to be the most coveted. While some details have been shared, the actual cards remain under wraps until the promotion kicks off. This campaign is scheduled to run from November 5 to December 9.

This isn’t McDonald’s first foray into offering Pokémon TCG cards as Happy Meal toys, but past promotions have faced challenges. The concept is fun and engaging, but it often gets marred by eager gamers and scalpers looking to cash in.

With the campaign spanning over a month, Pokémon fans should have ample opportunity to visit their local McDonald’s and gather the full set of cards. However, it may not be as straightforward as it seems. While many fans will casually pick up a Happy Meal to get a booster pack, others might buy in bulk to secure their collections immediately. This could lead to stock shortages, making it tough for others to find packs. It also raises concerns about food waste, as many bulk buyers may not consume all the meals they purchase. Additionally, scalpers are likely to scoop up hundreds of Happy Meals during the promotion to maximize their chances of obtaining rare cards, which they can later resell at inflated prices.

If these scenarios unfold, McDonald’s may need to implement limits on the number of Happy Meals customers can buy each day. Otherwise, it could become nearly impossible for kids to complete their collections.

There are 14 different products available, each featuring its own promo card and other TCG surprises.