🔗 Share this article

To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to a company statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, a wider release will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.