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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration 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 products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept is what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers in the UK. Critically, collectors cannot purchase this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.