為了紀念《寶可夢》（Pokémon）自1996年誕生以來邁入30週年的重要里程碑，麥當勞預計將於2026年初再度攜手寶可夢，於美國以及全球部分市場推出備受矚目的「寶可夢集換式卡牌（TCG）」快樂兒童餐聯名活動。此消息一出，立刻在玩家與收藏圈引發高度關注，被視為繼25週年合作後，最具指標性的跨界回歸。

依目前流出的規劃資訊，活動時間點預計落在2026年2月至3月之間，並以2月27日的「寶可夢日」（Pokémon Day）作為宣傳與討論熱度的最高峰。這個日期本身就象徵寶可夢品牌的起點，因此無論在行銷包裝、卡牌設計或話題操作上，都被認為會有更強烈的週年紀念意味，也讓粉絲對實際內容抱持相當高的期待。

在活動內容方面，每一份快樂兒童餐預計將隨餐附贈一包專屬的寶可夢TCG擴充包，包裝形式可能延續過往成功經驗，採用四張一包的設計，其中包含一張閃卡與三張普通卡。整體卡牌池的規模，外界推測可能落在15到50張之間，並不以推出全新寶可夢為主，而是聚焦於歷代人氣角色與經典卡圖的重新詮釋。這些復刻卡有望加入30週年專屬的閃亮處理或標誌設計，讓即使是老玩家也能感受到與以往版本不同的收藏價值。

特別值得一提的是，收藏圈目前最關注的焦點之一，在於美版活動是否會納入曾於日本引發熱潮的「吃漢堡皮卡丘」限定卡。該卡因完美結合麥當勞品牌意象與皮卡丘的高人氣，在日本推出時迅速成為話題焦點，也在二級市場創下驚人的討論度與溢價空間。若這張卡片能於美國或其他地區同步登場，勢必會再度掀起排隊、搶購與社群洗版的現象。

回顧2021年寶可夢25週年與麥當勞合作時的盛況，當時不僅快樂兒童餐卡包被大量掃空，甚至出現非玩家大量囤貨、轉售的情況，也迫使麥當勞在部分地區實施限購措施。因此，對於有意收藏的玩家而言，提早做好準備顯得格外重要。屆時透過美國麥當勞App關注各分店的庫存更新，並留意是否有每人限購數量的規定，將有助於提高入手機會，同時避免不必要的時間與金錢成本。

整體來看，這次30週年聯名不僅是一場單純的促銷活動，更像是一次面向全年齡層粉絲的情懷回顧。對新世代玩家而言，這是用最親民的方式接觸寶可夢卡牌的入口；對老玩家與收藏家來說，則可能成為補齊收藏、甚至見證下一張話題神卡誕生的重要時刻。隨著活動細節逐步公開，這場橫跨速食文化與全球最具影響力IP之一的合作，無疑將成為2026年初最受矚目的流行現象之一。

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, which first debuted in 1996, McDonald’s is expected to once again partner with the franchise in early 2026 to launch a highly anticipated Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Happy Meal collaboration across the United States and selected global markets. As soon as the news surfaced, it sparked intense discussion among players and collectors alike, and is widely seen as the most significant crossover event since the hugely popular 25th anniversary promotion.

According to currently circulating plans, the campaign is projected to run from February through March 2026, with promotional momentum peaking on February 27, Pokémon Day. This date marks the origin of the Pokémon brand itself, and as such is expected to be heavily emphasized in marketing, card design, and overall presentation. Many fans believe the anniversary theme will be deeply woven into the visuals and packaging, reinforcing the celebratory nature of the event.

As for the content, each Happy Meal is expected to include a special Pokémon TCG booster pack. Following the successful format of previous collaborations, each pack will likely contain four cards, consisting of one foil card and three standard cards. The overall card pool is speculated to range from roughly 15 to 50 cards. Rather than introducing entirely new Pokémon, the set is expected to focus on beloved fan favorites and iconic designs from past eras, reimagined with exclusive 30th anniversary foil effects or commemorative markings that differentiate them from earlier printings and enhance their collectible appeal.

One of the most closely watched points among collectors is whether the U.S. release will include the famed “hamburger-eating Pikachu” card that caused a sensation in Japan. That card, which perfectly blended McDonald’s branding with Pikachu’s universal popularity, became an instant hit upon release and generated enormous buzz—and significant price inflation—on the secondary market. Should this card be included in the U.S. or other international versions, it would almost certainly trigger long lines, rapid sellouts, and widespread social media hype.

Looking back at the McDonald’s × Pokémon collaboration for the 25th anniversary in 2021, demand was so overwhelming that Happy Meal packs sold out quickly, with non-players reportedly purchasing large quantities for resale. This led McDonald’s in several regions to impose purchase limits per customer. With that history in mind, collectors are strongly advised to prepare in advance. Monitoring local availability through the McDonald’s App (US) and staying alert to store-specific purchase restrictions could significantly improve one’s chances of obtaining the cards without unnecessary time or expense.

Overall, this 30th anniversary collaboration is shaping up to be far more than a simple promotional tie-in. For younger fans, it offers an accessible entry point into the world of Pokémon cards. For longtime players and serious collectors, it may represent a rare opportunity to secure meaningful commemorative pieces—and perhaps even witness the birth of the next iconic promotional card. As more official details emerge, this fusion of fast-food culture and one of the world’s most influential entertainment franchises is poised to become one of the most talked-about pop-culture events of early 2026.