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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Interest

According to a company statement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. But, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases from the museum store and 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 conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.