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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful illustrations that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin might have created if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition promos for major tournaments and crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items often feature the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be strictly limited, with customers limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot acquire this promo via the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.