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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is what an in-world scientist might publish once trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating big events or brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to an official statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability is slated for select retailers in the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.