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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per an official statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase the card via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.