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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating 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 pop-up shop featuring exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition cards celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many of these collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

According to a company statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot acquire this promo via the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.