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McDonald's is reportedly set to launch a Yu-Gi-Oh Happy Meal in the U.S. this August, following its successful overseas debut. Meanwhile, Pokemon has announced a new toy line for its Japan-exclusive Happy Meal, adding to the excitement.
McDonald's Set to Launch Yu-Gi-Oh and Hello Kitty Happy Meal in the U.S. This August
Are you ready to duel? McDonald's is preparing for the arrival of a highly anticipated Happy Meal in the U.S. Earlier this year; reports emerged that McDonald's had launched a Yu-Gi-Oh Happy Meal overseas, sparking excitement among U.S. fans who eagerly called for its stateside release. Now, the wait is almost over. A new report suggests that Hello Kitty and Yu-Gi-Oh will visit U.S. McDonald’s locations this month, per ComicBook.
The news comes from a TikTok video posted by pinkbosslady, who works at a McDonald's in Orange County, California. The video showcases new promotional materials sent to the location, featuring posters highlighting the upcoming Hello Kitty x Yu-Gi-Oh collaboration.
According to the report, this new Happy Meal is expected to launch on August 20. While McDonald's has not officially confirmed the date, fans are optimistic that this information is accurate. The Yu-Gi-Oh Happy Meal, released in Asia earlier this year, quickly went viral, adding to the anticipation.
Yu-Gi-Oh enthusiasts eagerly await this release, and the collaboration with McDonald's is a natural fit. Over the years, McDonald's has partnered with various popular franchises for Happy Meals, with Pokémon being a frequent collaborator. Pokémon has had numerous successful Happy Meal promotions, from trading cards to exclusive toys. Now, Yu-Gi-Oh is set to join the ranks alongside the beloved Hello Kitty, making this collaboration truly special.
Pokémon Expands Its Reach with New McDonald's Toy Line in Japan Amid Continued Global Popularity
Meanwhile, the Pokémon franchise continues to dominate the entertainment world with its video games, anime, manga, and merchandise. Even though Ash Ketchum has left the television series, the show continues with two new protagonists following in his footsteps as World Champion. Given Pokémon’s enduring popularity, it's no surprise that companies are keen to collaborate with the franchise. McDonald's Japan is set to release a new Pokémon toy line later this month.
The "Pokémon Natsumatsuri Happy Set," translated as the Pokémon Summer Festival Set, will be available in Japan from August 11 to 17th. Unfortunately, whether this set will be released at North American McDonald's locations has not been confirmed. The set features Pikachu dressed for a summer festival in Japan, joined by the starter Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet—Fuecoco, Sprigatito, and Quaxly.
The Pokémon toys in the Japan-exclusive Happy Meal include a drum set, Poké Ball cochin, fishing and ring toss toys, a squirt gun set, an uchiwa fan, a pinball game, and a disc-fishing game. McDonald's Japan has also hinted at additional toys, demonstrating how Pokémon continues to be a cultural phenomenon, with new merchandise released decades after its debut.
Although these toys may not reach North American McDonald's restaurants, Pokémon fans can look forward to significant anime releases on Netflix later this year. The final episodes of Ash Ketchum’s journey will be available starting September 8, with the new series Pokémon Horizons expected to follow soon after.
