McDonald’s Just Announced Its Own TCG, And Ronald McDonald Is The Chase [Update]

Why It Matters

The TCG extends McDonald’s brand into the lucrative collectibles market, driving foot traffic and consumer engagement. Its UK‑only scarcity may spark a secondary‑market boom, offering new revenue streams beyond traditional food sales.

Key Takeaways

• McDonald’s TCG launches UK March 17, 2026, 24 cards.
• Series includes Ronald, Grimace, Fry Girl, and Cheeseburger Chair.
• U.S. market excluded; promotion remains UK‑only.
• Collectibility hype may drive secondary‑market prices for years.
• Game uses “Take it or Flip it” mechanic.

Pulse Analysis

McDonald’s has taken a bold step beyond burgers by entering the trading‑card game (TCG) arena, a space traditionally dominated by franchises such as Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. The fast‑food giant unveiled a 24‑card set that showcases its iconic mascots—Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Fry Girl, and even the whimsical Cheeseburger Chair—transforming familiar menu characters into collectible assets. This move aligns with a broader trend of legacy brands leveraging nostalgia to create limited‑edition merchandise that resonates with both children and adult collectors. By packaging its cultural symbols as cards, McDonald’s taps into a lucrative hobby market while reinforcing brand loyalty.

The launch is scheduled for 17 March 2026 exclusively in the United Kingdom, with no immediate plans for a U.S. rollout. A UK‑only release creates artificial scarcity, a tactic that often fuels secondary‑market demand and drives prices well above face value. Early reports already describe the “Take it or Flip it” mechanic, hinting at a simple yet potentially addictive gameplay loop that could encourage repeat purchases. Collectors who secure rare cards—particularly the Ronald “chase” variant—may see their holdings appreciate significantly as the set ages.

From a marketing perspective, the TCG serves as a cross‑channel touchpoint that bridges physical retail, social media, and potential future digital extensions such as NFT‑based cards. By embedding a collectible narrative within its menu ecosystem, McDonald’s can gather consumer data, stimulate foot traffic, and generate buzz that extends beyond the typical promotional calendar. If the UK experiment proves profitable, the brand may consider phased international releases or limited‑edition collaborations with gaming influencers, turning a novelty promotion into a recurring revenue stream and reinforcing McDonald’s position as an innovator in experiential branding.

McDonald’s Just Announced Its Own TCG, And Ronald McDonald Is The Chase [Update]

By John Walker · Published February 16, 2026

Ronald dances with joy at McD's TCG cards. © McDonald's / Kotaku

When McDonald’s PR tipped me off that there would be an announcement today regarding the fast‑food chain and a trading card game, I assumed we were being prepared for the announcement of 2026’s annual Pokémon tie‑in, when the entire planet loses its collective mind buying Happy Meals just to get the packs of cards. But no, these are literally McDonald’s trading cards, with a set of 24 to collect including the “beloved” Ronald McDonald.

It’s set to launch in the UK on March 17, and we’ve chased up to find out when the equivalent is happening in the U.S. Update: We’ve just found out it won’t be coming to the U.S.! The cards feature all your favorite McDonald’s characters, like Grimace, and wait what, a sentient stool called “Cheeseburger Chair,” and, oh god, Fry Girl, who appears to be a ball of fries with legs and eyes. This is truly cursed stuff. She’s wearing shoes. Why is she wearing shoes? Apparently this is something to do with a 1972 campaign called Fry Kids, who were originally collectively known as “French Fry Gobblins” and seem to have popped up here and there throughout the decades.

Other cards glimpsed in photos from this weekend’s London Card Show show the non‑sentient Multimixer, which appears to be a milkshake dispenser, and an iconic Milkshape Dip, showing a french fry being dunked into a milkshake. And respect for that. Thankfully neither has eyes or any sense of self‑awareness ahead of their being consumed, but good lord, find me the person who’s going to be excited about pulling a card showing a drink distribution system.

An enigmatic “trailer” on Instagram shows a teasing hint of what looks to be a foil reverse of a card featuring the M logo and absolutely nothing else. It declares this to be “A new game from The M Universe,” which is not a reality I’d previously been aware of. We’re also promised that one card will feature Pennywise’s more sinister cousin, Ronald McDonald, which we’re told will “stand out.” This is described as “the return of Ronald McDonald,” and I’ll confess I didn’t know he’d been away. Although perhaps this is some sort of day‑release scheme? I imagine the card would cut off before it showed any tags on his ankles.

I know the wait is going to be unbearable, but the information concludes that “the brand is keeping a few cards close to its chest, with plenty more to come. So, keep your eyes peeled…” I’m not sure why, but that really reads like a threat.

The reality is, if McDonald’s has any sense and has this be a complete one‑off, these cards are going to be worth a billion‑kerjillion bucks in 20 years. Quite how the game aspect of them works is yet to be outlined, but I did read the words “Take it or Flip it game,” and that’s their capitalization. The UK gets to find out next month, and we’ll let you know when Americans can get in on the McD’s TCG action.

Updated: 02/16/2026, 10:22 a.m. ET: Updated the post to add the information that this is to be a UK‑only promotion.