🔗 Share this article

To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with stunning illustrations that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common to issue special edition cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to a company announcement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Critically, fans cannot acquire this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it notes.