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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome filled with stunning artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common to issue to release promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the Museum shop and from its online store, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.