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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once adventurers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago later this year.

"All profits of sales made in the museum store and its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.