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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from on-site at the museum to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating big events and brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.