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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, though, is 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 its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful artwork that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card is its unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits from purchases made in the museum store and from its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.