Pokémon fans in Japan are getting another exclusive collaboration with McDonald’s this summer, and it already looks set to become one of the year’s most sought-after promotions. The limited-time Summer Chance Bag includes exclusive Pokémon merchandise, food coupons, and even the chance to receive a rare bonus reward.
With memories of last year’s scalping problems still fresh, McDonald’s Japan is also taking a different approach to distribution by using a lottery system instead of traditional first-come, first-served sales.
Exclusive Pikachu Collectibles Lead the Promotion
The highlight of the Summer Chance Bag is the Popping Pikachu Potato Timer, a playful kitchen timer disguised as a McDonald’s fries container. Once the countdown reaches zero, a Pikachu figure suddenly pops out of the fries, making it one of the collaboration’s most unique collectibles.
The bag also includes several Pokémon-themed accessories inspired by the original Kanto starters:
- Bulbasaur cup
- Charmander cup
- Squirtle cup
- Matching Pokémon storage pouch
One of the standout features is that the cups change to a darker color whenever a cold drink is poured inside.
Every Bag Includes Food Coupons
The Summer Chance Bag costs ¥3,900 (around $24) and includes coupons that can be redeemed for menu items at McDonald’s Japan, including popular choices such as Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets.
Some buyers will receive an additional surprise. Roughly one in every ten bags will contain a special gold McDonald’s Card, making certain bags even more valuable for collectors.
Lottery System Aims to Reduce Scalping
Rather than selling the bags directly, McDonald’s Japan is distributing them through a lottery on its official mobile app.
Applications remain open until July 20, after which selected winners will receive the opportunity to purchase and collect their Summer Chance Bag between July 27 and August 2.
The system follows widespread criticism during a previous Pokémon collaboration in 2025, where large numbers of promotional items were quickly bought by scalpers and resold online. McDonald’s later apologized for the situation, while both The Pokémon Company and several retailers have since introduced stricter anti-scalping measures, including identity verification for some Pokémon product releases.
Although McDonald’s Japan has not confirmed identical measures for this campaign, many fans expect similar protections if demand becomes overwhelming.
More Pokémon Events Arrive Throughout July
The Summer Chance Bag is only part of a larger Pokémon collaboration.
Starting July 16, McDonald’s Japan will introduce Pokémon-themed burgers, followed by brand-new Pokémon Happy Meals beginning July 31.
Meanwhile, every McDonald’s Japan restaurant will temporarily function as a PokéStop in Pokémon GO, giving players another reason to visit participating locations throughout the event.
One detail remains unknown: McDonald’s has not confirmed whether the upcoming Happy Meals will include Pokémon Trading Card Game cards, something collectors are eagerly waiting to learn.
