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To celebrate the launch 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 items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum and 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 stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially is what an in-world scientist might publish once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart is its unusually large size. While exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per an official statement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase this promo via the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.