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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, 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 and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome filled with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new 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 with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.