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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with stunning illustrations depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce once adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest promotion apart is its unusually large size. Although precise specs were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, with fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase the card through the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.