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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once adventurers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common to issue to release promos for big events and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this latest museum card is its distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the UK. Importantly, fans cannot acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny from purchases from the museum store and from its online store, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.