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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release is slated for specific stores in the UK. Importantly, fans cannot purchase this promo through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.