A Special Release Pokémon Card Seeks to Be Super Effective Against Speculators

Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled 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 much-awaited tome filled with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release promos for major tournaments and crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be select retailers within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.