1999 Burger King promotional Pokémon toys

The 1999 Burger King promotional Pokémon toys were a set of toys distributed with Kids Meals at Burger King from November 8 to December 31, 1999. All toys were paired with trading cards, which were made exclusively for this promotion. The toys were used to promote Pokémon: The First Movie. There are 59 toys in total (although it was promoted as 57 due to 3 of the toys being variants of each other). There were also a set of six 23-karat gold plated cards which came in Poké Balls that were available to buy at the restaurant chain that year. The promotion used the slogan "Gotta catch 'em here!", a parody of the Pokémon slogan "Gotta catch 'em all!".

A poster advertising the promotion

A promotional poster was also distributed at restaurants which had run out of toys (a common occurrence as this was at the height of Pokémon's popularity). The paper "Burger King crown" was also given a Pokémon edition.

Gold cards

All six, in their packaging

The gold cards came in either a blue or red box; with images of the Pokémon, the card, and the whole set of trading cards. The card is a thick piece of 23 karat gold plated metal in a plastic cover, with a picture on the front and back, and Pokédex data on the back. It also came with a certificate of authenticity signed by the Chairman of NoA at the time. Both the card and the certificate are contained in a plastic Poké Ball with a shiny red top, with a button for opening and closing.

Card descriptions

Charizard	Jigglypuff	Mewtwo
Spits fire that is hot enough to melt boulders. Known to cause forest fires unintentionally. Evolution: Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard	When its huge eyes light up, it sings a mysteriously soothing melody that lulls its enemies to sleep. Evolution: Jigglypuff → Wigglytuff	It was created by a scientist after years of horrific gene splicing and DNA engineering experiments. Evolution: Mewtwo
Pikachu	Poliwhirl	Togepi
When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms. Evolution: Pikachu → Raichu	Capable of living in and out of water. When out of water, it sweats to keep its body slimy. Evolution: Poliwag → Poliwhirl → Poliwrath	Information on Togepi unknown at this time!! Evolution: ?

Pokémon Toys

Launchers

• Bulbasaur
• Lapras
• Rhyhorn
• Slowpoke
• Venusaur
• Arcanine
• Rapidash
• Tauros
• Nidoran♂

Light-ups

• Charmander
• Gengar
• Mew
• Mewtwo
• Raichu

Key Chains

• Cubone
• Dragonite
• Electabuzz
• Geodude
• Hitmonlee
• Kangaskhan
• Muk
• Nidoking
• Nidoqueen
• Nidorino
• Sandshrew
• Sandslash
• Vileplume

Poké Beanbags

• Butterfree
• Golbat
• Gyarados
• Meowth
• Oddish
• Poliwhirl
• Snorlax
• Togepi

Spinners

• Chansey
• Clefairy
• Diglett
• Ditto
• Golem
• Graveler
• Koffing
• Magnemite
• Tangela
• Venonat
• Voltorb
• Jigglypuff

Squirters

• Blastoise
• Kabuto
• Poliwag
• Poliwrath
• Psyduck
• Seadra
• Shellder
• Squirtle
• Tentacruel

Talking

• Pikachu A says "Pikachu" when pressed.
• Pikachu B says "Pika Pika Pika" when pressed.
• Pikachu C says "Pika-chu" when pressed.

Controversy

That very same year, the toys were recalled. Two infants suffocated to death when half of the outer portion of the Poké Ball covered their mouth and nose cutting off their air supply. This led to Hasbro putting air holes in their Poké Ball toys.

External links

• Pokémon.com page (archive)

References

Fast-food chain promotional Pokémon toys KFC: 1998 Burger King: 1999 • 2000 • 2008 • 2009 • 2019 Wendy's: 2003 Subway: 2005 McDonald's: 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 • 2006 • 2011 2012 • 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 2018 • 2019 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023

This toy article is part of Project Merchandise, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all Pokémon toys, dolls, books, and collectible merchandise.