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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store will operate from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist might publish once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest promotion apart is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and from its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.