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Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's theme. The big draw, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store is scheduled both the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with stunning artwork depicting creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue special edition cards for big events or brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new promotion apart however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and its online store, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.