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Marking 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 will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome filled with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition promos for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. However, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.