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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common to issue special edition cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be highly restricted, with fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. However, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the museum store and its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," it notes.