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Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common to issue to release cards celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to a company announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.