🔗 Share this article

Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning illustrations depicting creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce once adventurers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items typically highlight the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. While precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores in the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and from its online store, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.