McDonald's x Hello Kitty x Yu-Gi-Oh cross over into the US with new Happy Meals

[Enter Stage Rite]

McDonald’s has added a little extra magic to its Happy Meals with the introduction of a limited-edition crossover featuring Sanrio’s beloved Hello Kitty and the legendary Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise. This highly anticipated collaboration, which has already thrilled fans across the globe, finally hit the United States on August 20, 2024.

 

The Hello Kitty x Yu-Gi-Oh! Happy Meal comes with nine exclusive plush toys that mash up characters from both universes in charming combinations. Fans can snag Hello Kitty dressed as the Dark Magician, while other favorites like Cinnamoroll team up with Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and Pompompurin gets a powerful upgrade as Exodia the Forbidden One. This unique collection celebrates Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary and taps into the nostalgia of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Universe.

 

• Hello Kitty as Dark Magician
• My Melody as Dark Magician Girl
• Kuromi as Slifer the Sky Dragon
• Keroppi as Kuriboh
• Pompompurin as Exodia the Forbidden One
• Cinnamoroll as Blue-Eyes White Dragon
• Tuxedosam as Obelisk the Tormentor
• Chococat as The Winged Dragon of Ra
• Badtz-maru as Red-Eyes Black Dragon
• Pochacco as Time Wizard

 

McDonald’s senior marketing director Guillaume Huin announced the collaboration on X (formerly Twitter), playfully noting the excitement around these limited-edition toys. “In your Happy Meal today. Probably on eBay for $500 in a week,” Huin joked. And he might not be far off—some of these plush toys have already appeared on resale sites, demanding high prices due to their limited availability.

 

 

McDonald’s has also cooked up an animated TV commercial that reveals how these two worlds collided to create such an adorable array of Happy Meal goodies.

 

 

This stateside launch comes on the heels of successful rollouts across Europe, South America, and Central America. The global enthusiasm suggests that the combo has hit upon a winning recipe—one part nostalgia, two parts pop culture, and a generous helping of kawaii charm. 

 

 

Opening image: McDonald’s