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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept like what a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest promotion apart however, is the distinctly bigger size. While precise specs were not immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and customers able to get just one card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Interest

Per a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.