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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, though, is 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 That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to a company statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores in the UK. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases made in the museum store and from its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.