Pokémon Nuggets Arrive at McDonald’s with Limited-Edition 30th Anniversary Boxes
McDonald’s Japan has revealed special Pokémon-themed packaging for its popular 15-piece Chicken McNuggets as part of this year’s “Pokémon Summer at McDonald’s” collaboration.
Pokémon first debuted in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Green on the Game Boy before growing into one of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises, spanning video games, anime, trading cards, movies, and merchandise enjoyed by generations of fans.
The “Pokémon Summer at McDonald’s” campaign celebrates both Pokémon’s 30th anniversary and McDonald’s Japan’s 55th anniversary, with the limited-edition Chicken McNuggets boxes joining previously announced promotions including the Pokémon Summer Chance Bag, which contains exclusive collectible merchandise, and soon-to-be-revealed themed main menu burgers and Happy Sets.
The new 15-piece Chicken McNuggets packaging features exclusive Pokémon artwork across every side of the box, turning a familiar McDonald’s favorite into a collectible item for fans.
Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle headline the artwork alongside starter Pokémon from later generations, celebrating the many Pokémon that have accompanied Trainers on their first adventures throughout the series’ history.
The special packaging encourages fans to discover different Pokémon illustrations on each side of the box, making it a fitting tribute to the franchise’s milestone anniversary.
McDonald’s is also introducing two brand-new limited-time dipping sauces alongside the promotion.
The Cheese Curry Sauce blends creamy cheese with mild Japanese curry spices to create a rich new flavor option.
The Savory Salt Garlic Sauce combines roasted garlic with a lightly salted finish for a more robust alternative.
The campaign also forms part of McDonald’s “Toku ni Naru-do” value promotion, giving customers the chance to enjoy the 15-piece Chicken McNuggets at a significantly discounted price throughout the event.
A new television commercial starring actor Masato Sakai, titled “Toku ni Naru-do: Summer 15-Piece Nuggets – Nugget Balloon,” will begin airing ahead of the campaign launch.
The 15-piece Chicken McNuggets will be available for a special promotional price of ¥490 (approx. $3 USD / £2.50 GBP), reduced from the regular ¥740 (approx. $5 USD / £3.80 GBP), at participating McDonald’s restaurants across Japan from July 15, 2026.
The limited-edition Pokémon packaging, together with the Cheese Curry Sauce and Savory Salt Garlic Sauce, will be available (while supplies last) from July 15 through August 11, 2026, while the new television commercial begins airing across Japan on July 14, 2026.
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