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To celebrate the launch of a captivating 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 featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with stunning illustrations depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards for big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official statement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases from the Museum shop and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.