Microsoft has revealed the second batch of games coming to Xbox Game Pass this month, and there are few genuine corkers, including the console debuts of The Séance of Blake Manor and Mouthwashing, and the addition of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade – which only arrived on Xbox earlier this year.
I’m strongly of the opinion that loot boxes, gacha mechanics and whatever other form of gambling remains present in games…
## Pokémon Happy Meal Makes Its Comeback for 30th Anniversary in 2026
No worries, the Pokémon Happy Meal is set for a glorious comeback in 2026 as part of the festivities for the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The promotion is scheduled to kick off on November 5 and last until December 9, bringing the thrill of long lines at McDonald’s drive-thrus nationwide, as fans rush to enjoy a nostalgic meal, even if their initial plan was just to get a banana milkshake.
### What to Anticipate in the Happy Meal
Initially revealed by PokéBeach, the yearly Pokémon promotion has stirred excitement among fans, although it hasn’t been officially listed on McDonald’s websites yet. PokéBeach has established itself as a trusted source, making their announcements quite credible. As per their announcement, the forthcoming set will feature the usual 15 cards, packaged in booster packs containing four cards—three standard and one holographic. Traditionally, these cards are reprints from previous sets, easily identifiable by a small set symbol at the bottom left corner. Notably, past releases have showcased unique holographic designs, adding a collectible allure to the cards.
### Meal Features
The Happy Meal will comprise one booster pack along with the choice of a toy or a booklet. This adjustment is particularly appreciated by U.S. customers, especially since McDonald’s UK has entirely phased out plastic toys from its Happy Meals, opting instead for less appealing cardboard options.
### The Hype of the Promotion
Annually, the Pokémon and McDonald’s collaboration sparks an enthusiastic response, causing scalpers and eager collectors to attempt to acquire multiple meals just to obtain sealed four-card packs that often have minimal value in the aftermarket. This phenomenon results in significant wait times for customers merely wanting to enjoy a quick meal, complicating access for younger fans eager to secure their cards.
The situation escalated to chaos last year in Japan, where a promotional event was swiftly abandoned after only three days due to the overwhelming crowds and disorder it generated in McDonald’s establishments. As the TCG (Trading Card Game) continues to gain traction, alongside the excitement around the 30th-anniversary cards, there’s considerable curiosity about how the forthcoming promotion will unfold in the upcoming months.
### What’s Ahead
At this point, there’s no information regarding which particular cards or Pokémon will feature in this year’s Happy Meal promotion or if the cards will have any significant tie to the 30th anniversary. Traditionally, these packs tend to include rather standard bulk cards, which brings forth questions about the overall enthusiasm surrounding the promotion each year.
In summary, the return of the Pokémon Happy Meal is set to ignite both nostalgia and excitement among fans, but it also brings with it the challenges of crowd management and availability that have been typical of past promotions. Collectors and families will need to navigate the hustle and bustle, hoping to make the most of this special occasion as they celebrate three decades of Pokémon.
Steam has a new feature in beta aimed at helping completionists feel like they’ve got a bit more of a handle on their never-ending quests to 100% games whose trophy lists keep on growing and evolving. Steam achievements can now be grouped into sets determined by the developers, creating a means of separating off the likes of DLC trophies from the base game’s to-do list, thereby making it clearer what you’ve done so far and where you might want to focus next.