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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition cards celebrating big events or brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with customers limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to an official announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire this promo through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," it says.