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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept is what an in-world scientist might publish after adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common to issue to release cards celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new promotion apart is its unusually large dimensions. While precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with customers limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Interest

Per an official announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot purchase the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases made in the museum store and from its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.