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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than 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 each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. While precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its web shop, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.