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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers provide field notes, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

Per an official announcement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits of sales made in the museum store and from its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.