This Special Release Pikachu Promo Seeks to Curb the Influence On Resellers

To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both the physical location to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume packed with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after adventurers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase the card through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases from the Museum shop and its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.