McDonald's announces Pokémon crackdown after depriving card stock

McDonald's has announced new restrictions aimed at fighting scalpers as it launches the next wave of its extremely popular Pokémon promotion in Japan.

Last weekend, Fast food chains are flooded with kraft paper and they buy dozens of happy meals just for their exclusive Pokémon card. Photos and videos posted to social media by angry fans highlighted the customer’s arguments on scalping and showed examples of large amounts of food waste, with roadsides pouring happy meals or unjoined restaurants.

The incident meant McDonald's had run out of cards within hours of the start of the three-day promotion, forcing the Hamburg brand to apologize to Pokémon fans. And now, McDonald's has gone further – with new regulations on the availability of Pokémon merchandise in the joyful meals used today.

“We express our deepest attitude to customers who often use McDonald's restaurants, as well as our store staff and many others,” McDonald's wrote in a new new content. statement Posted this morning.

“We will continue to release Pokémon’s Happy Meal, which includes five different toys, is now held on Friday, August 15. However, given the current situation, we will impose the following purchase restrictions within three days until Sunday, August 17.”

These limitations include maximizing purchase of three happy meals per set (previously higher, higher per person). McDonald's now says: “If you order four or more, we will reject your purchase and cancel your order.”

“In addition, during this period, there may be restrictions on certain stores and during certain times.” “We will not allow purchases from customers who do not comply with the above rules and etiquette.”

However, the biggest difference from the promotion next weekend is that it no longer has a Pokémon card, but a Pokémon toy.

McDonald's said in particular during a skinning: “In a direct response to certain customers' activities last weekend, buying a happy meal for reselling or giving up or disposing of food. “However, it's unclear how the chain will be and will be able to implement this. Nevertheless, it's obvious that the brand has noticed the anger of social media, as well as the disappointment of young Pokémon fans and family, to be unable to get the card.

“We apologize for any inconvenience that customers expect to dine with their children, grandchildren or friends,” McDonald’s concluded. “We will continue to review and improve these sales methods and measures to listen to customers and store employees.”

Last week in other Pokémon news Pokémon replaces artworks from its Lugia and Ho-Oh cards Claims they include fan designs.

Tom Phillips is the news editor for IGN. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on the Blues @tomphillipseg.bsky.social