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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release cards celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items often feature the iconic electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its online store, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.