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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos for major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, with fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per an official announcement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.