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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Fans will find offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common to issue special edition promos celebrating big events or brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via 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, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.