This Special Release Pokémon Card Aims to Be Super Effective On Resellers

To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept like what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot of these collector items typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per an official statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, broader availability is slated for specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot purchase this promo via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.