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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce once adventurers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release promos for major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be highly restricted, with fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to an official announcement, some of the merchandise may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors cannot acquire the card via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," it says.