We’re super excited to announce that we’re hosting a Phantasmal Flames Prerelease on Saturday, November 1st at 6:00 PM, and we’d love to see you there!
Wait… What’s a Prerelease?
If you’re new to the game, you might be wondering what a prerelease event actually is. Think of it as your first chance to get your hands on brand new cards before they officially hit store shelves!
At a prerelease, everyone opens fresh packs from the new set and builds a deck on the spot with what they pull. It’s super casual, beginner-friendly, and honestly one of the most fun ways to experience new cards. You don’t need to bring anything except your enthusiasm—we provide everything you need to play. Plus, prerelease events are the perfect place for newcomers because everyone’s figuring out the new cards together!
Here’s How It Works
We’ve only got 30 spots available for this event, and we know a lot of you are going to be interested! So here’s what we’re doing:
Sign-ups are open now – let us know you want in!
We’ll be doing a random drawing to select the 30 participants fairly
Winners will be announced next Monday
One Important Thing…
Last time we hosted an event, we had a few people sign up and then not show up, which meant someone else missed out on their chance to play. We totally get that life happens, but please—only sign up if you’re genuinely able to attend. We want to make sure everyone who gets a spot actually gets to experience this awesome event!
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re ready to dive into the world of Phantasmal Flames, sign up and get your name in the drawing! We can’t wait to see you on November 1st at 6:00 PM for what’s going to be an amazing evening of gaming.
McDonald’s Japan just released one of the most charming Pikachu cards we’ve seen in years, and collectors are calling it “Burgerchu” for the most adorable reason — Pikachu is reaching for a hamburger.
Let me tell you why this little card is stealing hearts.
What Makes This Card Special
In August 2025, McDonald’s Japan brought Pokemon cards back to Happy Meals for the first time in eleven years. That’s right — the last time they did this was 2014. So when they announced a new promo, nostalgia was already at max level.
But here’s what really makes this card stand out: brand new, exclusive artwork created specifically for this promotion. This wasn’t just another reprint with a McDonald’s stamp slapped on it. They commissioned original art, and wow, did they pick the right artist.
Meet the Artist: Yuu Nishida
The illustration comes from Yuu Nishida (西田ユウ), and if you collect Pokemon cards, you probably already have some of her work. She’s illustrated over 117 Pokemon cards since winning the first Pokemon Card Game Illustration Grand Prix back in 2019.
You might recognize her style from popular cards like:
Iono’s Bellibolt ex (that gorgeous Special Art Rare)
Dachsbun ex
Gardevoir promos
Nishida works digitally using a touchscreen tablet and Clip Studio Paint. She’s actually a part-time high school art teacher from Akita prefecture, and her stated goal is to “draw illustrations that fill viewers with warmth.”
Mission accomplished with Burgerchu.
The Artwork Itself
Picture this: Pikachu sitting at what looks like a cozy café, reaching up toward a McDonald’s hamburger with those big, excited eyes. The golden arches are subtly worked into the background. The whole composition has this warm, inviting feel — like Pikachu’s having the best day ever.
The lighting, the expression, the way Pikachu’s positioned — it all comes together to create something genuinely joyful. It’s the kind of card that makes you smile when you look at it.
This is actually the first new exclusive McDonald’s artwork in nine years. Most recent McDonald’s promos just reuse existing card art. Getting something completely original is rare, especially something this well-executed.
The card itself features:
70 HP Electric-type Basic Pikachu
Holographic lightning finish
McDonald’s logo stamp
Card number 020/M-P (the new M-P designation for McDonald’s Promos)
Attack: “Denki Spark” (10 damage for 1 Lightning Energy)
Why Collectors Love It
There’s something special about cards that capture a moment or collaboration like this. Pokemon x McDonald’s has been a thing since 2002, but this particular card nails the vibe perfectly. It’s playful, it’s charming, and it celebrates both brands in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
Plus, Yuu Nishida’s warm illustration style is perfect for this kind of promotional card. She has a talent for capturing personality and emotion in her Pokemon, and you can really see that here. Pikachu doesn’t just want that burger — Pikachu is so happy about that burger.
Getting Your Hands on One
The promotion ran August 9-11, 2025, and yes, it was incredibly popular (understatement of the year). Each ¥490 Happy Meal came with a 2-card pack — one guaranteed Pikachu plus a random bonus card.
Right now, you’re looking at around $25-35 for a raw near-mint card on the secondary market. PSA 10 graded copies go for $200-400. Is that higher than the original Happy Meal price? Absolutely. But for a card with exclusive artwork by a celebrated illustrator, first M-P promo designation, and genuine charm? It’s not unreasonable for what you’re getting.
Compare that to vintage McDonald’s Pikachus from 2002-2014, which trade in similar ranges, and you can see why collectors think this one has staying power.
The Bottom Line
Burgerchu is more than just a promo card — it’s a perfect little snapshot of what makes Pokemon collecting fun. Adorable artwork, thoughtful design, and that warm feeling when you look at Pikachu’s happy face reaching for that burger.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who appreciates good Pokemon card art, this one’s worth tracking down. It’s the kind of card that reminds you why you started collecting in the first place.
And that Pikachu? Still the happiest electric mouse in the TCG.
Every once in a while, something walks through our doors that makes us stop in our tracks. This weekend, you’ll get to see one of the rarest pieces of Pokémon history we’ve ever had the privilege to showcase.
Back in 2004, Kids’ WB! ran something extraordinary – the Poke Card Creator Contest, inviting young artists to design their own Pokémon cards. Five winners were chosen, and their artwork was turned into real, official Pokémon cards. Here’s the kicker: only 5,250 packs were ever created.
One of our customers was a lucky runner-up winner in that contest and has entrusted these incredible cards to us. We just got them back from PSA, where they’ve been professionally encapsulated to protect them for life. These aren’t your typical tournament prizes or promotional cards – these are one-of-a-kind designs created by kids, for kids, capturing the pure imagination and creativity of Pokémon’s golden era.
With only 5,250 packs ever produced and distributed over 20 years ago, these cards are virtually impossible to find. The artwork, the story, the nostalgia – it’s all here.
Come see them this weekend at Izzi’s Gym. Whether you’re a collector hunting for the holy grail, a long-time fan, or someone who just loves a good story, you need to see these in person.
Think Pokemon cards are just child’s play? Think again. Science says your hobby might be the secret weapon your mental health has been waiting for.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
A massive 2023 study tracking 93,263 adults across 16 countries found that collectors experience:
30-35% reduced risk of cognitive decline
Significant decreases in depression and anxiety symptoms
Measurable improvements in life satisfaction and self-reported health
But here’s the kicker: 94% of hobby participants across all research studies reported positive mental health outcomes. That’s better than most prescription medications.
Your Brain on Pokemon Cards
When you’re sorting through that fresh booster pack, your brain lights up like a Christmas tree:
🧠 Stress melts away: Cortisol levels drop during “flow states” of organizing and trading 🎯 Cognitive boost: Memory, decision-making, and executive function all get stronger ❤️ Social superpower: r/PokemonTCG has 1.2+ million members creating instant community 💪 Nostalgia therapy: Acts like “a hug from your mom,” according to nostalgia researchers
The Secret Sauce? It’s Multi-Generational Magic
Here’s what makes Pokemon special: 74% of kids in Pokemon families actively collect cards, creating shared experiences that bridge generations. Parents report these activities maintain family bonding well into their children’s teenage years—when most family activities typically fade.
When 47% of Adults Say Money Hurts Their Mental Health…
Pokemon collecting offers a unique solution. Unlike expensive therapy sessions, a $4 booster pack can provide:
Immediate stress relief
Social connection opportunities
Cognitive exercise
Purposeful achievement
The bottom line? Harvard Medical School research confirms hobby engagement even improves cardiovascular health—your heart arteries literally work better when you have an engaging hobby.
Red Flags to Watch For
Keep it healthy by avoiding:
❌ Collections overtaking living spaces
❌ Financial strain from purchases
❌ Neglecting relationships for cards
❌ Emotional distress when unable to buy
The Verdict
Science has spoken: Pokemon card collecting isn’t just fun—it’s functional medicine for your mind. With benefits spanning stress reduction, cognitive enhancement, and social connection, that childhood hobby might be the adult wellness strategy you never knew you needed.
Ready to boost your mental health? Your next booster pack is waiting.
