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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot of these collector items often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores within the UK. Critically, collectors cannot acquire this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases made in the museum store and its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it says.