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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept like what an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per an official announcement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot acquire this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

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