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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 and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue special edition promos for big events or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card is its unusually large size. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City later this year.

"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 research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.