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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card is its distinctly bigger size. While precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

Per a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo through the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases from the museum store and its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.