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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept is what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be specific stores within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it notes.