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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially is what an in-world scientist could produce once adventurers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. Many of these collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card is its unusually large size. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, with customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.