A Limited-Edition Pikachu Promo Seeks to Be Super Effective Against Speculators

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 will launch a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Fans will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with stunning artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per an official announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases from the Museum shop and its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.