Ever since the Pokemon phenomenon started nearly 30 years ago, fans of all types have tried to get their hands on all manner of items connected to the franchise. The games and cards are arguably the most popular of the bunch, and for collectors, they especially want to get every card possible, as it could be extremely valuable later. Sure enough, McDonald’s is a place where card promotions happen often, and in Japan, one just occurred, and then had to be stopped due to something going terribly wrong. Specifically, fans went straight for the “end goal” and didn’t enjoy the “process” behind it.
As you can see below, a LOT of Pokemon fans went out to the various McDonald’s in Japan to get the special cards offered in Happy Meals, but…they just got rid of all the food instead of eating it! They went straight for the card! Just look at those piles of uneaten food!!!
McDonald's announced that the Pokémon Card Happy Meal promotion in Japan ended early due to higher than expected sales.This is for the best. The food waste was out of control.People would buy Happy Meals, keep the cards, toss the food.pokebeach.com/2025/08/amid…
— Stealth40k (@stealth40k.bsky.social) 2025-08-10T21:31:27.449Z
Please remember, there are those who are truly starving out there and would KILL to have something like a Happy Meal, or anything from a place like McDonald’s sometimes. So, while it’s fair to want the cards, do your part and eat the meal. You paid for it! You might as well!!!
One can only imagine what it’ll be like when Pokemon Legends Z-A arrives on the Switch and Switch 2 in October.
