New Sonic the Hedgehog Happy Meal Sets Arrive in the UK

After making its debut in Portugal late last year, the new range of Sonic the Hedgehog McDonald's Happy Meal toys are now available to collect in UK restaurants. The promotion will run from 4th January until 6th February 2024, and will feature bespoke blue boxes containing one of twelve different goodies.

The selection of toys on offer range from Sonic character hoverboards, tower stackers, puzzles and mosaic posters to name but a few. Staying true to McDonald's policy of reducing plastic waste, most of the gifts here appear to be cardboard-based. A full list of toys is not yet available, so we're not sure if all of the hoverboard characters that were available in Portugal previously will be on rotation here - fingers crossed! 

Additionally, a new limited edition Sonic mobile game will be available to play through Happy Meal. By scanning the QR code on the box, fans can launch a short game where you have to guide Sonic and friends through a number of mazes to collect rings.

Dine-in customers will also be able to get themselves a number of small goodies to entertain the family, such as headbands, flags and activity sheets (the latter of which can also be downloaded from the McDonald's website.

If Sonic's not your thing (and to be honest, if it isn't, what are you even doing here?), you can also opt to obtain one of two childrens' books as your Happy Meal toy instead of something blue blur-related.

For the time being, this looks like it has only launched in the UK - McDonald's US website has not yet updated with any mention of Sonic Happy Meals, but we imagine it's only a matter of time.

We received some assets from SEGA's PR team but they ended up being absolutely tiny. But if you want to look at them, here you go:

We've requested some higher resolution assets and will update the story with them as soon as we get them. In the meantime, check out the press release in full below.

Quote

IT’S A SUPERSONIC TAKEOVER AT MCDONALD’S THIS JANUARY AS THE NATION’S FAVOURITE, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG™ RETURNS TO HAPPY MEAL®

He’s BACK, at the speed of light, Sonic has returned to McDonald’s Happy Meal®. Perfectly timed to beat those January blues, parents can join their little ones on an adventure with Sonic and friends.

Sonic returns to Happy Meal, from 4th January to 6th February and will offer customers a bespoke blue Sonic-themed Happy Meal Box and one of 12 premium toys, encouraging children aged 4-11 to unlock their sense of achievement and raise their game! With hoverboards, mosaic Posters, Knuckles Tower Challenges and puzzle racer toys all available with Happy Meal®, customers can experience the thrill of a super-sonic adventure at McDonald’s alongside Sonic and his friends. Knuckles, Tails and Sonic and Amy will take customers on a journey through speed and reveal a range of fun and exciting activities for the whole family. If that’s not enough, customers can visit the McDonald’s Family Hub for a range of Super-Sonic activity sheets!

Children can also participate in a Sonic mission accessible via QR codes on the side of each Sonic Happy Meal® box and toy packaging. Customers who purchase a Sonic Happy Meal can scan the QR Code to progress through Sonic missions and unlock rings to multi-layered Sonic experiences! See below for instructions on how to use the digital experience.

Let’s face it, each family has a little book worm, right? Customers who opt for a book instead of a toy will receive one of two Little People BIG DREAMS books: 

• I Can Be an Inspirational Writer 
• I Can Be a Sports Legend

Available for around £3.49, a Happy Meal® contains a choice of Fish Fingers, Chicken McNuggets or Veggie Dippers with a Pineapples stick, or Carrot Bag side, plus drink options including water, milk, or Fruit Shoot. Customers can also round up at the kiosk for RMHC UK (Ronald McDonald House Charities), donate via the McDonald’s app or in restaurant and can also choose to gift their MyMcDonald’s Rewards points to the charity, with 1,500 points equal to a £1.50 donation.