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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.