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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from the physical location to online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially is what an in-world scientist could produce after trainers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers in the UK. Critically, fans cannot acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.