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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome packed with stunning illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once trainers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common to issue special edition promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

According to an official statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase the card through the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its online store, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.