Here are all the 2024 Pokemon cards coming to McDonald’s

TL;DR

  • 2024 McDonald’s Pokemon cards feature 15 dragon-themed Pokemon with special holo variants
  • Collection launched in France December 2024 with global rollout continuing into 2025
  • Roaring Moon emerges as competitive highlight while Charizard appears in non-holo form
  • Cards sourced from multiple TCG expansions spanning 2020-2024 releases
  • Strategic collecting requires understanding holo distribution and regional timing

2024 mcdonald's pokemon cards

McDonald’s has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 Pokemon TCG promotional collection, currently available in French locations as the partnership’s latest annual installment. This early international debut provides collectors worldwide with crucial insights into the upcoming card series.

The longstanding collaboration between Pokemon and McDonald’s continues its tradition of featuring exclusive Happy Meal cards as the primary attraction. While supplementary toys enhance the experience each year, the trading cards consistently remain the most sought-after component. Current market valuations for these promotional releases pale in comparison to vintage collector’s editions from earlier partnership years, yet many customers express disappointment when encountering locations offering only children’s books instead of the coveted card sets.

As 2024 approached its conclusion, enthusiasts grew concerned about potential discontinuation of the popular promotion. The appearance of the 2024 card series in French McDonald’s outlets confirms the program’s continuation and reveals the dragon-themed direction.

McDonald’s 2024 Happy Meal promotion showcases an exclusive Pokemon card collection celebrating the Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Dragon. This thematic approach features multiple dragon-type legendary Pokemon alongside fan-favorite creatures representing diverse elemental types.

Here’s the comprehensive roster of Pokemon included in the 2024 McDonald’s Happy Meal card series:

  • Charizard
  • Pikachu
  • Miraidon
  • Jigglypuff
  • Hatenna
  • Dragapult
  • Quagsire
  • Koraidon
  • Umbreon
  • Hydreigon
  • Roaring Moon
  • Dragonite
  • Eevee
  • Rayquaza
  • Drampa

Strategic collectors should prioritize obtaining the holographic versions of Roaring Moon, Drampa, Pikachu, Koraidon, Miraidon, and Hydreigon, as these represent the premium variants within the set. The inclusion of Charizard in standard non-holo format may surprise veteran collectors accustomed to this fan-favorite Pokemon typically receiving special treatment.

Unlike the 2023 McDonald’s Pokemon card collection that primarily utilized Scarlet and Violet base set reprints, the 2024 assortment draws from multiple expansion sets. These range from 2020’s Vivid Voltage through November 2024’s Surging Sparks, creating a diverse sourcing approach that distinguishes this year’s offering.

Competitive TCG players will find particular value in the Roaring Moon card, which features the distinctive speckled holographic pattern characteristic of recent McDonald’s promotional releases. Roaring Moon-based decks have maintained competitive viability across several expansion cycles, even as developers introduced specific counter strategies.

The collection includes several formidable Paldean region Pokemon beyond Roaring Moon, notably featuring cover legendaries Koraidon and Miraidon. Additional highlights include pseudo-legendary dragon-types Hydreigon, Dragonite, and Dragapult. Completing the dragon-type representation is Drampa, the frequently overlooked Alolan dragon Pokemon that gains renewed collector attention through this promotion.

Determining the definitive chase card presents challenges for collectors. While Charizard typically commands immediate attention, its initial release as a non-holo variant alters traditional collection dynamics. Roaring Moon, Drampa, Pikachu, Koraidon, Miraidon, and Hydreigon all receive holographic treatments, potentially elevating their desirability above the iconic fire-type Pokemon.

Regional distribution patterns indicate the 2024 McDonald’s Pokemon card collection will not simultaneously launch across all global markets. According to PokeBeach reporting, the series debuted in French locations during December 2024. Historical release schedules demonstrate that McDonald’s typically staggers global promotions across multiple months rather than synchronized worldwide deployments.

With many international markets currently featuring Christmas-themed Happy Meal toys throughout the holiday season, most collectors outside France should anticipate card availability beginning in early 2025. This phased rollout strategy has precedent in previous years’ Pokemon collaborations with the fast-food chain.

Seasoned collectors recommend monitoring regional McDonald’s social media channels and Pokemon community forums for location-specific launch announcements. The delayed availability in certain regions may create arbitrage opportunities for early collectors to acquire multiple sets before broader distribution.

Action Checklist

  • Verify local McDonald’s participation before visiting using store locator tools
  • Prioritize obtaining holographic variants of Roaring Moon, Drampa, and legendary Pokemon
  • Check card condition immediately upon acquisition to maintain collector value
  • Monitor Pokemon community forums for regional release announcements outside France
  • Store cards in protective sleeves to preserve condition during trading or display

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Here are all the 2024 Pokemon cards coming to McDonald’s Complete guide to 2024 McDonald's Pokemon TCG Dragon Year collection with release dates and collector strategies