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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items. Enthusiasts will find offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release promos celebrating big events or brand collaborations. A lot such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with customers able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release is slated for specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase the card via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.