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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled from the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is what an in-world scientist might publish after trainers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition cards for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to a company statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores in the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and from its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it notes.