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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce once adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers able to get just one card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Critically, fans cannot purchase the card through the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.