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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring special items. Fans will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. But, broader availability will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Critically, fans cannot acquire the card via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and from its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.