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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 are opening a temporary store stocked with special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many of these collector items often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be highly restricted, with fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot purchase this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.