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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration has been formed. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans will find products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome filled with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once adventurers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards for big events or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.