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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos for big events or brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, broader availability is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.