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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location 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 stunning illustrations depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is what an in-world scientist might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition cards for big events or brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its unusually large size. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. But, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot purchase this promo through the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.