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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common to issue to release cards for major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards often feature the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card is its unusually large size. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits of sales made in the museum store and from its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," it says.