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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase 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 Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with stunning illustrations depicting creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor could produce once adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. Many of these collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

Per a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases from the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.