🔗 Share this article

Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common to issue special edition cards celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official statement, some of the merchandise may also be available beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.