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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept like what an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition promos for big events and brand collaborations. A lot such collector items often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per a company statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo through the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.