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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome packed with beautiful illustrations that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its unusually large size. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot purchase this promo through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like 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, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.