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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both on-site at the museum to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release promos for major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart however, is the unusually large size. Although precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per an official announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases from the museum store and from its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.