This Special Release Pokémon Card Seeks to Curb the Influence On Speculators

Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special items. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release cards celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official statement, some of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.