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.[1] 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 snowclone of the Pokémon slogan "Gotta catch 'em all!".
Coinciding with the VHS release of Pokémon: The First Movie, from March 13 to March 26, 2000, Burger King once again distributed the 59 Pokémon toys, giving customers one more chance to complete the collection.
Gold cards
Starting on November 15, customers could purchase one of six gold cards for $1.99 with the purchase of a meal.[1][2]
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 Howard Lincoln, the Chairman of Nintendo of America.
Both the card and the certificate are contained in a plastic Poké Ball with a shiny red top and white bottom, with a button for opening and closing.
Card descriptions
| Pokémon | Description |
|---|---|
| Charizard | Spits fire that is hot enough to melt boulders. Known to cause forest fires unintentionally.
Evolution: Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard |
| Jigglypuff | When its huge eyes light up, it sings a mysteriously soothing melody that lulls its enemies to sleep.
Evolution: Jigglypuff → Wigglytuff (Moon Stone) |
| Mewtwo | It was created by a scientist after years of horrific gene splicing and DNA engineering experiments.
Evolution: Mewtwo |
| Pikachu | When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity could build and cause lightning storms.
Evolution: Pikachu → Raichu (Thunder Stone) |
| Poliwhirl | Capable of living in and out of water. When out of water, it sweats to keep its body slimy. |
| Togepi | Information on Togepi unknown at this time!!
Evolution: ? |
Pokémon Toys
Launchers
Light-ups
Key Chains
- Cubone
- Dragonite
- Electabuzz
- Geodude
- Hitmonlee
- Kangaskhan
- Muk
- Nidoking
- Nidoqueen
- Nidorino
- Sandshrew
- Sandslash
- Vileplume
Poké Beanbags
Spinners
Squirters
Talking
- Pikachu A says "Pikachu" when pressed.
- Pikachu B says "Pika Pika Pika" when pressed.
- Pikachu C says "Pika-chu" when pressed.
Recall
In December 1999, the Poké Balls that the toys came in 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.[3] This led to Hasbro putting air holes in their Poké Ball toys.
Trivia
- A promotional poster was 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.
Gallery
Burger King Pokémon poster with all the toys
Another poster from the promotion
A poster displayed in the restaurants during early November 1999
Burger King Pokémon toys checklist paper
Article showcasing the toys
A checklist showcasing all available Pokémon to collect
A flyer advertising the gold-plated trading cards
The back of the checklist, continuing all available Pokémon to collect
A fragment from a newspaper on Wednesday November 10, 1999
A fragment from Miami's The Associated Press on Saturday November 13, 1999
A poster from the March 2000 promotion re-release
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 POKéMON™ COMING TO BURGER KING® (archive)
- ↑ Pokémon Toys at Burger King IGN (archive)
- ↑ Burger King Announces Toy Recall (retrieved March 15, 2009)
Related articles
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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. |
