The McDonald’s Happy Meal remains a cherished icon in American fast food culture, presenting a delightful package that, while not particularly nutritious, is brimming with delicious treats and fun surprises for children. This unique offering has successfully captivated the imagination of kids around the globe, largely due to McDonald’s knack for featuring themed toys that resonate with current pop culture trends—ranging from blockbuster films to popular cartoons and the latest video games that dominate school playground discussions.
Our exploration here focuses specifically on the gaming franchises represented through Happy Meal toys, creating a retrospective look at the most memorable prizes distributed by McDonald’s over the years. To maintain clarity, we will only highlight one franchise per listing unless a new game or spin-off warrants a second mention. We will also steer clear of film tie-in promotions, except in cases where those collaborations stand exclusive in relation to McDonald’s offerings.
9 Multiversus
(March 12th – April 1st 2024)
Surprisingly, not many gaming franchises have made their way into Happy Meals, leading us to include the recent and short-lived Multiversus. The idea of seeing beloved cartoon and superhero characters in Happy Meal packaging certainly sounds appealing; however, the “toys”offered were less than impressive. Rather than traditional play items, kids received small collectible tins adorned with Multiversus branding, which probably wouldn’t hold much excitement for children seeking engaging toys to accompany their meals.
8 Crash Team Rumble
(December 5th – December 25th 2023)
This isn’t the first time the lovable Bandicoot has partnered with McDonald’s, yet the Crash Team Rumble promotion presented a somewhat disappointing entry. The franchise’s unusual offering reflected its niche multiplayer gameplay—turning out to be a series of lackluster print-outs and cheap bean-bag toys that fell flat in the eyes of collectors and children alike. While the potential for excitement was there, the execution ultimately dimmed the shine of an otherwise interesting gaming concept.
7 Super Mario Bros.3
(August 3rd – August 30th 1990)
Throughout the years, Mario has emerged as a consistent feature at McDonald’s, not just due to his status as a gaming icon, but also as a pioneer for others in the industry. Back in 1990, he became the first video game franchise to collaborate with McDonald’s, coinciding with the release of Super Mario Bros.3. The line included inventive toys such as a jumping Mario, a cloud-riding Luigi, and a Koopa shell on a string. Though the designs may seem a bit crude today, these toys have transformed into coveted collectibles over time.
6 Sonic The Hedgehog 3
(February 4th – March 3rd 1994)
A mere four years after Mario’s debut, Sonic made his McDonald’s entrance, aligning with the release of Sonic The Hedgehog 3. The collection featured fan-favorite characters, including a toy of Dr. Eggman and Knuckles in a puff of smoke, representing Sonic’s fast-paced world perfectly. Despite their rough aesthetic, these toys capture a nostalgic essence and are still valued among collectors today.
5 Spyro & Crash Handheld Toys
(May 13th – June 9th 2005)
One standout from the collection remains the Spyro handheld toy, which evokes nostalgia for many who opened it decades ago. This unique offering, inspired by the crossover GBA games featuring both Spyro and Crash Bandicoot, brought players simple yet fun pixel-based gameplay. Though one might argue using a Game Boy Advance would be superior, the charm of receiving a complimentary toy made it special, enticing kids to revisit McDonald’s for multiple variations.
4 Sega Handheld Collection
(December 3rd – December 27th 2004)
Not to be overlooked, the SEGA handheld collection introduced a variety of mini-games featuring beloved characters from the Sonic franchise and beyond. Each toy was designed with vibrant colors and embossed casings, making them visually appealing while offering an addictive gaming experience. Reminiscing about my own collection from this promotion, I fondly think of the hours spent enjoying the pixel playgrounds of these toys.
3 Mario Kart
(March 8th – April 4th 2022)
Mario’s legacy continued into 2022 with the introduction of Mario Kart-themed Happy Meal toys, marking the franchise’s first spin-off representation in the series. Celebrating the anniversary of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, McDonald’s produced a captivating line-up of die-cast karts and characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and others. These toys not only entertained children but also became sought-after collector’s items that have since become staples at thrift stores and flea markets.
2 Minecraft
(April 1st – May 12th 2025)
In recent years, McDonald’s demonstrated that they could still produce quality toys with the launch of Minecraft-themed collectibles, paired with the Minecraft movie. Drawing attention from fans, the designs were visually striking, featuring classic elements from the game such as Creepers and Villagers. Despite varied opinions on the movie, these toys’ overall quality stood out and made them highly desirable among collectors.
1 Pokemon Black & White (2011)
(June 17th – July 7th 2011)
Surprisingly absent from previous mentions, Pokémon finally made its mark on this list with the launch of McDonald’s toys in promotion of Pokemon Black and White in 2011. After years of being exclusive to Burger King, McDonald’s struck a significant partnership that allowed them to distribute a series of high-quality toys, featuring beloved characters like Pikachu and the Pokémon starters from Unova. Each toy came with collectible trading cards, making them not just toys, but treasured items for young fans of the trading card game as well.
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