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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.