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Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special items. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release cards celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many of these collector items often feature the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per a company statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo through the official web shop. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.