McDonald’s and Pokemon are teaming up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the series by introducing a trio of new Pokemon-themed burgers to restaurants in Japan. The latest collaboration between McDonald’s and Pokemon follows a long history of the two companies working together.
Over the years, McDonald’s and Pokemon have introduced a number of reasons to go to the restaurants, in both Japan and the rest of the world. From video game Pokemon giveaways that could only be accessed via McDonald’s Wi-fi connection to Pokemon cards being given to McDonald’s customers, Pokemon fans are no stranger to the two companies working hand-in-hand.
Pokemon and McDonald’s Team Up With 3 New Burgers
McDonald’s and Pokemon have revealed three new burgers that are arriving at McDonald’s restaurants in Japan. The collab is being held to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, and accordingly, the trio of burgers celebrate the three starters at the beginning of it all: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. The Squirtle burger is made from a roasted sesame tartar shrimp patty, in keeping with its Water-typing, while Bulbasaur is a beef burger with tartar demi-glace sauce. The Charmander burger has a spicy kick to match its Fire-typing, with spicy chicken topped with spicy garlic sauce. The burgers are available at McDonald’s locations in Japan, and will only be available for a limited time.
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Aside from the food themes, the burgers are shown being wrapped in special packaging that feature the starters, Pikachu, or multiple Pokemon. However, no other offers are being made, so there are no promotional items to collect beyond the packaging. That might be for the best, as Pokemon McDonald’s promotions in Japan have been problematic at times in the past. In some instances, Pokemon fans and scalpers have flooded stores to purchase collaboration items, and have simply thrown away the food included as they’re only after the collectibles. This has created a huge food waste problem during the collabs, with photos showing dozens of abandoned or unclaimed bags at stores.
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via McDonald’s
Unfortunately, at this time, there’s no news of this collab or a similar one coming to the west. It makes some sense for it to be exclusive to McDonald’s in Japan, as the country is the birthplace of the franchise. However, that doesn’t mean that the 30th anniversary celebrations as a whole are limited to the country. Plenty of announcements have been made and some events have already been held to celebrate, including new Pokemon card sets, a Target Pokemon 30th anniversary collection, and plenty of exciting additions to select Pokemon games. The series made its 30th anniversary splash in a big way in the west earlier in the year, with a Pokemon 30th anniversary ad during the Super Bowl.
McDonald’s has been celebrating Pokemon all month, with Pokemon toys, special Chicken McNuggets, and a lottery for a special Summer Chance Bag holding Pokemon loot. Though this new reveal is likely exciting for fans of Pokemon, there’s still more to come from the two brands’ partnership. On July 31, McDonald’s will be revealing new Pokemon Happy Meals in Japan, all while the participating restaurant locations are also acting as temporary PokeStops in Pokemon GO.