'{{good article}} {{Short description|Fictional Pokémon species}} {{infobox character | name = Mew | image = Sugimori151.png | image_upright = 0.66 | caption = Mew artwork by [[Ken Sugimori]] | series = [[Pokémon]] | firstgame = [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] (1996) | creator = [[Shigeki Morimoto]],<ref name="How Mew Saved Pokemon">{{cite web|last1=Knezevic|first1=Kevin|title=How Mew Saved Pokemon|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-mew-saved-pokemon/1100-6490812/|website=GameSpot|access-date=19 March 2024|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183149/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-mew-saved-pokemon/1100-6490812/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Satoshi Tajiri]]<ref name="story">{{Cite book |last1=Hatakeyama |first1=Kenji |title=Pokémon Story |language=ja |last2=Kubo |first2=Masakazu |date=December 10, 2000 |publisher=日経bp出版センター |isbn=978-4822241995}}</ref> | designer = [[Ken Sugimori]] (finalized artwork)<ref name="Ken Sugimori Works">{{cite book |language=Japanese |title=Ken Sugimori Works |publisher=Tankobon Softcover |date=January 2014 |isbn= 9784198638061}}</ref> | voice = {{Collapsible list|title=Various|[[Kōichi Yamadera]] (''[[Pokémon: The First Movie#Mewtwo Strikes Back|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''<ref name="Mew: Behind the Voice Actors (Mewtwo Strikes Back)">{{cite web|title=Mew: Behind the Voice Actors|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Pokemon-the-Movie-Mewtwo-Strikes-Back-Evolution/Mew/|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=19 March 2024|archive-date=2 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302104048/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Pokemon-the-Movie-Mewtwo-Strikes-Back-Evolution/Mew/|url-status=live}}</ref>)<br/>[[Christine Marie Cabanos]] (''[[Pokémon Origins]]'')<ref name="Mew: Behind the Voice Actors">{{cite web|title=Mew: Behind the Voice Actors (Origins)|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Pokemon-Origins/Mew/|website=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=19 March 2024|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612201402/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Pokemon-Origins/Mew|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | species = Pokémon | title = | occupation = <!-- or |position= or |class= --> | affiliation = <!-- or |alignment= --> | lbl21 = Type | gender = Unknown | data21 = Psychic }} {{nihongo|'''Mew'''|ミュウ|Myū|lead=yes}} <onlyinclude>is one of the many [[fictional species]] in the [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' franchise]]. It is a small, pink, Psychic-type Mythical Pokémon, which are incredibly rare and powerful Pokémon typically available only via special events. It was added to [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] by Game Freak programmer [[Shigeki Morimoto]] at the tail end of the games' development. Though it was not planned to be obtainable, after it was discovered through [[data mining]], its presence in the games was surrounded by many rumors and myths. For years, Mew could not be obtained legitimately in the games except through some specific Pokémon distribution events, though it could be obtained through a variety of [[glitch]]es. Mew's first film appearance was in ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie]]'' as one of the main characters alongside [[Mewtwo]]. In the movie, a team of scientists used a fossilized Mew eyelash to create Mewtwo, a genetically enhanced Mew clone. Mew later appeared in ''[[Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]'' as a main character alongside [[Lucario]]. Due to the mystery surrounding its obtainability in the original games, Mew has been considered highly iconic and a large part of what made the ''Pokémon'' franchise so successful, as the hype around obtaining it greatly increased sales for the games. </onlyinclude> ==Concept and creation== Mew is a fictional species of Pokémon created for the [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' franchise]]. Developed by [[Game Freak]] and published by [[Nintendo]], the series began in Japan in 1996 with the release of the video games [[Pokémon Red and Green|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] for the [[Game Boy]].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |title=Pokémon Red & Blue – A Look Back At The 20-Year Journey To Catch 'Em All |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=December 25, 2016 |accessdate=January 22, 2024 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001192920/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/12/25/pok-233-mon-red-amp-blue-a-look-back-at-the-20-year-journey-to-catch-em-all.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> In these games, the player assumes the role of a Pokémon Trainer whose goal is to capture and train creatures called Pokémon. Players use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon, and some can transform into stronger species through a process called [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokémon evolution|evolution]].<ref name="millenial">{{cite book |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |first=Anne |last=Allison |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}}</ref> A major goal in each game is to complete the [[Gameplay of Pokémon#Pokédex|Pokémon index]] (Pokédex), a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia,<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |date=February 2003 |volume=165 |page=102 |title=Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire Preview}}</ref> by capturing, evolving, and trading to obtain individuals from all [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon species]].<ref name="millenial"/> [[File:Mew Gen 1 Sprite.png|thumb|Mew's sprite from the Japanese release of [[Pokémon Red and Green|''Pokémon Red and Green'']] utilized more "fetus-like" aspects.]] Unlike the other Pokémon from ''[[Pokémon Red and Blue]]'', Mew's development was not overseen by [[Ken Sugimori]], but by Game Freak programmer [[Shigeki Morimoto]].<ref name="How Mew Saved Pokemon"/> Morimoto programmed Mew into the game secretly as a prank amongst the staff just prior to its release in Japan.<ref name="iwataasks" /> Its origins, however, lay with [[Satoshi Tajiri]], who conceived the idea of an elusive, phantom-like Pokémon from games like ''[[Xevious]]'' and ''[[Space Invaders]],'' with the basis of these ideas being based around rumors of hidden secrets in those games. He created Mew with the intention of having a "character that exists but doesn't appear" that would be the subject of rumors, which Tajiri considered exciting for players.<ref name="story"/> It was intended to be a Pokémon only Game Freak staff members would know about and be able to obtain.<ref name="Morimoto">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page06.html|script-title=ja:『ポケットモンスター』スタッフインタビュー|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|language=ja|access-date=June 6, 2009|archive-date=October 18, 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001018154023/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page06.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="How Mew Saved Pokemon"/> Mew was added at the very end of the development of [[Pokémon Red and Blue|''Pokémon Red'' and ''Blue'']] by Morimoto after the [[debug]] features were removed, which freed up just enough space to add the character despite being told not to alter the game any further at this point by [[Nintendo]]. When space was made for Mew, Morimoto initially wished for Sugimori to design the creature, but Sugimori was unable to make time due to the game's approaching release date. As a result, Morimoto designed and made Mew himself. Mew's sprite was much smaller and not colored in due to a lack of storage space, which was why it primarily only uses one color in its design.<ref>{{Citation |title=【公式】世間を騒がせた幻のポケモン「ミュウ」の誕生秘話！【#ゲームフリーク ひみつきち #10】 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTjUKpNjW-g |access-date=2024-03-20 |language=en |archive-date=2024-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201050345/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTjUKpNjW-g |url-status=live }}</ref> Sugimori later returned to help make the official artwork for the Pokémon species, basing the artwork off of the in-game sprites. He disliked the [[fetus]]-like aspects of Mew's original in-game sprite and revised the design into its modern-day appearance.<ref name="Ken Sugimori Works"/> Though it was not intended by the developers to be obtainable, due to a glitch, players were able to encounter it.<ref name="iwataasks">{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks – ''Pokémon HeartGold'' Version & ''Pokémon SoulSilver'' Version |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_-_pokmon_heartgold_version__soulsilver_version_16288_16289.html#top |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205023415/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-Pokemon-HeartGold-Version-SoulSilver-Version/Iwata-Asks-Pokemon-HeartGold-Version-SoulSilver-Version/1-Just-Making-The-Last-Train/1-Just-Making-The-Last-Train-225842.html#top |archive-date=December 5, 2012 |access-date=March 12, 2010 |publisher=[[Nintendo]]}}</ref><ref name="How Mew Saved Pokemon"/> During initial distributions for Mew, the pool of those who would potentially receive one was relatively small—numbering only twenty in the first and one hundred in the second—due to the fact that each Mew had to be individually generated on Morimoto's PC and then manually traded to winning cartridges. Morimoto would later aid in the development of a later Mew event that appeared in ''[[Pokémon Emerald]]''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Alistair |date=2019-08-25 |title=Game Freak's Shigeki Morimoto On Mew's Rareness, Simple Design, And More |url=https://www.siliconera.com/game-freaks-shigeki-morimoto-on-mews-rareness-simple-design-and-more/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=2020-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927012949/https://www.siliconera.com/game-freaks-shigeki-morimoto-on-mews-rareness-simple-design-and-more/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew was the first trademark filed by Game Freak.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The 150 Best Pokémon |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/pokemon/the-top-100-pokemon-of-all-time |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Paste Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731073520/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/pokemon/the-top-100-pokemon-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Design and characteristics=== Mew is a Psychic-type Pokémon with high stats.<ref name="guide">{{cite web|title=#151 Mew|url=http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/12045/mew.html|website=IGN|access-date=June 16, 2009|archive-date=June 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605212022/http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/12045/mew.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Morimoto designed it as a pale pink [[feliform]] creature with somewhat large eyes and a long, thin tail that broadens at the end,<ref name="biography">{{cite web |title=Mew Biography |url=http://stars.ign.com/objects/143/14349900_biography.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324195218/http://stars.ign.com/objects/143/14349900_biography.html |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |access-date=June 29, 2009 |website=IGN}}</ref> though the shiny version is blue and rarely distributed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fairfax |first=Zackerie |date=2020-12-08 |title=Pokémon GO Adds Shiny Mew In Kanto Tour, But You Have To Pay For It |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-shiny-mew-kanto-tour-ticket-price/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=2022-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414093828/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-go-shiny-mew-kanto-tour-ticket-price/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew was primarily designed off of its in-universe clone, [[Mewtwo]]. It was designed as a simpler version of Mewtwo, being visually much smaller in terms of both size and sprite, with less detail on its body, so it would take up less space in the game's data.<ref name=":1" /> Mew was not shown moving until [[Pokémon: The First Movie|the first movie]], and thus it had no behaviors and personality outlined yet. These movements and personality traits were primarily created by the movie's animators, who were working off its in-game sprite. Morimoto was amazed upon seeing the final product in the film.<ref name=":1" /> Morimoto has stated that Mew is his favorite design from the series, and has even incorporated the Pokémon as a part of his signature.<ref>{{Citation |title=【公式】幻のポケモン「ミュウ」「ミュウツー」誕生秘話！【#ゲームフリーク ひみつきち #39】 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyXDpFd1CQk |access-date=2024-03-20 |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406042553/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyXDpFd1CQk |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew's design has been considered similar to hairless [[cat]]s, as well as [[embryo]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E-26EAAAQBAJ&dq=%22Mew%22+pokemon&pg=PT52 |title=The Secret Mythology of Pokémon: Pokémon Origins and Legends from Generations I through IX |date=2023-04-18 |publisher=Miguel Carvalho Abrantes |isbn=979-12-220-9738-1 |language=en |access-date=2024-03-19 |archive-date=2024-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320012634/https://books.google.com/books?id=E-26EAAAQBAJ&newbks=0&printsec=frontcover&pg=PT52&dq=%22Mew%22+pokemon&hl=en#v=onepage&q=%22Mew%22%20pokemon&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Scientists within the game view it as being the single ancestor of all other Pokémon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=York |first=Marc |date=2022-02-07 |title=Was the Legendary Pokémon God Actually Created by Another Pokémon? |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-gods-arceus-vs-mew/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=2022-02-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208165325/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-gods-arceus-vs-mew/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is shy and rarely seen by humans.<ref name="biography" /> It is a Mythical Pokémon,<ref name="hokeymon" /> Pokémon species which are much more powerful and rare than standard species and are typically only made available by special event.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sweetnam |first=George |date=2023-11-12 |title=Every Pokemon Generation Ranked By Its Mythicals |url=https://gamerant.com/all-pokemon-generation-best-mythicals/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> It is the last of the Pokémon from ''Red'' and ''Blue'' in the order of the in-game [[Pokedex]].<ref name="guide" /> In ''Red'', ''Blue'', ''Yellow'', and their remakes, the player can find journal entries in the Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island stating that Mew was discovered deep in the jungles of [[Guyana]], [[South America]], on July 5 of an unspecified year, named on July 10, and that it "gave birth" to Mewtwo on February 6.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2017-02-06 |title=On Mewtwo's birthday, we revisit the curious case of its conception |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/6/14522336/mewtwo-birthday |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804050631/https://www.polygon.com/2017/2/6/14522336/mewtwo-birthday |url-status=live }}</ref> In the video games, it is possible for Mew to learn any move that can be taught to it via several in-game mechanics, such as tutoring and "Technical Machine" items.<ref name="guide" /> It can also transform into other Pokémon via the move Transform.<ref name="guide" /><ref name="biography" /> Due to its high overall statistics and vast move pool, Mew is regarded as one of the strongest Pokémon in ''Red'', ''Blue'', and ''Yellow''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Loe |first=Casey |title=Pokémon Perfect Guide Includes Red-Yellow-Blue |publisher=Versus Books |year=1999 |isbn=1-930206-15-1 |page=124}}</ref> In the anime, it is capable of [[flight]], [[teleportation]], [[shapeshifting]] (via the move Transform), rendering itself [[Invisibility|invisible]], and summoning bubbles of psychic energy.<ref>{{cite video|date=July 18, 1998|title=[[Pokémon: The First Movie|Pocket Monsters Mewtwo no Gyakushū]]|medium=VHS|publisher=[[Toho]]/Nintendo|location=Japan|language=ja}}</ref> ==Appearances== ===In the video games=== Mew is known for mewing in a journal entry in Ohio at the Cinnabar Mansion, referencing an encounter with a skibidi gyatt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/where-mewtwo-pokemon-go-theory-about-location-legendary-creatures-2396947|title=Where Is Mewtwo in Pokémon GO? Theory About Location Of Legendary Creatures|website=[[International Business Times]]|date=2 August 2016|access-date=5 October 2016|archive-date=3 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203224550/https://www.ibtimes.com/where-mewtwo-pokemon-go-theory-about-location-legendary-creatures-2396947|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of its introduction, Mew could only be legitimately obtained in the [[Pokémon (video game series)|''Pokémon'' video games]] via Nintendo promotional event distributions.<ref name="guide"/> This period of event exclusivity ended with the release of ''[[My Pokémon Ranch]]'', where Mew was accessible legitimately without an event distribution.<ref name="guide"/> Mew has subsequently been made available in many games in the series. Players can obtain it by buying a [[Poké Ball Plus]],<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Hirun |first=Cryer |date=2023-05-24 |title=Pokemon Let's Go Mew – How to Get Mew in Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee – How to Get the Mystery Gift |url=https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-lets-go-mew-how-to-get-mew-in-pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-eevee-how-to-get-the-mystery-gift |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=VG247 |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324214244/https://www.vg247.com/pokemon-lets-go-mew-how-to-get-mew-in-pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-eevee-how-to-get-the-mystery-gift |url-status=live }}</ref> which contains a Mew inside of it that can be sent into ''[[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]]<ref name=":3" />'' or ''[[Pokémon Sword and Shield]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-11-15 |title=Pokémon Sword and Shield Mew explained – how to get Mew using the Poké Ball Plus |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sword-shield-mew-poke-ball-plus-6017 |access-date=2024-03-24 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324214244/https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sword-shield-mew-poke-ball-plus-6017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew is also obtainable in ''[[Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl]]'' if save data exists on the console for one of the ''Let's Go'' games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pelliccio |first=Meg |date=2021-11-20 |title=Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: How To Get Mew And Jirachi |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-shining-pearl-bdsp-mew-jirachi-unlock-guide/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=2022-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807152807/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-shining-pearl-bdsp-mew-jirachi-unlock-guide/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''[[Pokémon Sun and Moon]]'', a special "Z-Crystal" item was created for Mew, which allowed it to use a powerful attack only it could use, known as "Genesis Supernova".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-25 |title=『ポケモン サン・ムーン』が『ポケモンバンク』に対応！「ミュウＺ」がもらえるほか、VC版を含む過去作のポケモンを連れてくることが可能に |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2017/01/25/104904.html |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=インサイド |language=ja |archive-date=2024-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325000123/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2017/01/25/104904.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A special event in which players could obtain Mew and use it to battle a boss Mewtwo took place in ''[[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]]'' for a limited time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pulliam-Moore |first=Charles |date=2023-08-08 |title=Mew and Mewtwo are coming to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/8/23824222/mew-mewtwo-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301224533/https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/8/23824222/mew-mewtwo-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew has appeared in multiple spin-offs, such as ''[[Pokémon Snap]]'',<ref name=":2" /> ''[[Pokémon Go]],''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/how-to-catch-mew-mewtwo-pokemon-go/ |title=How to get Mew and Mewtwo in Pokemon Go {{!}} GamesRadar<!-- Bot generated title --> |date=May 2020 |access-date=2021-07-07 |archive-date=2021-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709191015/https://www.gamesradar.com/how-to-catch-mew-mewtwo-pokemon-go/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Pokémon Unite|Pokémon UNITE]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pellegrino |first=Christian |date=2022-09-04 |title=Pokemon Unite: Mew's Mural Challenge Guide |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-unite-mew-mural-challenge-guide-unlock-mew-license/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923100934/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-unite-mew-mural-challenge-guide-unlock-mew-license/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Pokémon Masters EX]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=2020-02-14 |title=A Pokémon game will finally let Professor Oak go into battle for the first time |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/14/21137674/professor-oak-pokemon-masters-sync-pair-mew-red-blue-cut-battle |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127044226/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/14/21137674/professor-oak-pokemon-masters-sync-pair-mew-red-blue-cut-battle |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[New Pokémon Snap]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-pokemon-snap-mew-locations-jungle-day-night-myth-jungle-request-8018 |title=New Pokémon Snap – Mew locations in the Jungle Day and Night courses and Myth of the Jungle request explained • Eurogamer.net<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=2021-07-06 |archive-date=2021-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184435/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/new-pokemon-snap-mew-locations-jungle-day-night-myth-jungle-request-8018 |url-status=live }}</ref> It also appears as one of the Pokémon that can be released from the Poké Ball item in the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.screenrant.com/smash-bros-ultimate-pokemon-fighters-spirits-how-many/amp/ | title=How Many Pokémon Are Actually in Smash Bros. Ultimate | website=[[Screen Rant]] | date=19 March 2022 | access-date=24 April 2022 | archive-date=13 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413175457/https://screenrant.com/smash-bros-ultimate-pokemon-fighters-spirits-how-many/amp/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Mew has long been accessible by the use of glitches or cheating devices.<ref name="iwataasks"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spicer |first=Alexandra |date=2023-07-17 |title=How Mew Was Secretly Programmed Into Pokémon Gen 1 |url=https://www.cbr.com/mew-secretly-programmed-pokemon-red-blue-green/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902170829/https://www.cbr.com/mew-secretly-programmed-pokemon-red-blue-green/ |archive-date=2023-09-02 |access-date=2023-09-02 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> One of the glitches discovered in ''Pokémon Red'', ''Blue'', and ''Yellow,'' dubbed "The Mew Glitch," involves exploiting programmed events in order to trigger a wild battle encounter with Mew, allowing for its capture.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-11 |title=Two Incredible Glitches Make The First Pokémon Games Way Easier |url=https://kotaku.com/two-incredible-glitches-make-the-first-pokemon-games-w-1541387847 |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=2020-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614130551/https://kotaku.com/two-incredible-glitches-make-the-first-pokemon-games-w-1541387847 |url-status=live }}</ref> The glitch was included in [[Virtual Console]] re-releases of the game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]], though the captured Mew is not allowed to be transferred into ''[[Pokémon Bank]]'' without the use of further glitches, which changes an in-game "ID Number" to allow for Mew's successful transfer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2017-01-26 |title=Pokémon Bank's Mew glitch ban cracked by Sun and Moon players |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/1/26/14400184/pokemon-bank-mew-glitch |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328175054/https://www.polygon.com/2017/1/26/14400184/pokemon-bank-mew-glitch |url-status=live }}</ref> ===In other media=== Mew's first major appearance in the [[Pokémon (anime)|''Pokémon'' anime]] was in ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie]]'', where it served as one of the main characters. It was believed to be long-extinct, as well as the most powerful Pokémon in existence.<ref name="hokeymon">{{cite web|title=Hokeymon|url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1999-12-02/film/hokeymon/print|website=[[Phoenix New Times]]|last=Klein|first=Andy|date=December 2, 1999|access-date=June 8, 2009|archive-date=January 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114072916/http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1999-12-02/film/hokeymon/print|url-status=live}}</ref> After years of research, scientists used Mew's DNA to create Mewtwo, a genetically enhanced clone of Mew who becomes the film's main antagonist.<ref name="hokeymon"/> Mew later battles it in the film, where it appears to stop Mewtwo, though in the Japanese version of the film, Mew was depicted as a cruel being who wished to destroy Mewtwo and its clones.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How The Original Pokemon Movie Was Changed (And Made Worse) Outside Japan |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-the-original-pokemon-movie-was-changed-and-mad/1100-6466755/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=2019-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019040908/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-the-original-pokemon-movie-was-changed-and-mad/1100-6466755/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew later appears in ''[[Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]'', where Mew kidnaps Pikachu so it can play with him, kickstarting the plot of the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edmundson |first=Carlyle |date=2023-10-11 |title=Every Pokémon Movie In Order (And The Best Way To Watch Them) |url=https://screenrant.com/every-pokemon-movie-in-order-best-way-watch-how/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=2023-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015064205/https://screenrant.com/every-pokemon-movie-in-order-best-way-watch-how/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', Mew appeared in a flashback showing the childhood of Goh, one of series protagonist [[Ash Ketchum]]'s traveling companions. In his childhood, Goh encountered Mew, and ever since, Goh's goal was to capture Mew. He ends up joining a group named "Project Mew" which seeks to find and capture the Pokémon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuiper |first=El |date=2022-05-21 |title=Pokémon Master Journeys: What Is Project Mew? |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-mew-project-go-what/ |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924132858/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-mew-project-go-what/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew appears in the ''[[Pokémon Adventures]]'' series of ''Pokémon'' manga. Mew, also known as the "Phantom Pokémon" in the manga, appears in the first chapter when the criminal organization [[Team Rocket]] tries to capture it. Red, the protagonist, also tries to capture it, but he is easily defeated by Mew.<ref>{{cite book |last= Kusaka |first= Hidenori|author2=Mato| title=Pokémon Adventures 1|year=2000 |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |isbn=978-1-56931-507-1 |chapter= Chapter 1}}</ref> In following chapters, it is revealed that Team Rocket wants to have Mew's DNA to finish the creation of Mewtwo, and Red and the character Green—at this point an antagonistic figure to Red—join forces to save it from being captured.<ref>{{cite book |last= Kusaka |first= Hidenori|author2=Mato| title=Pokémon Adventures 2|year=2000 |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |isbn=978-1-56931-508-8 |chapter= Chapter 16}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= Kusaka |first= Hidenori|author2=Mato| title=Pokémon Adventures 2|year=2000 |publisher= [[Viz Media]] |isbn=978-1-56931-508-8 |chapter= Chapter 17}}</ref> ==Cultural impact== [[File:Legendary Offer.png|thumb|A scan of [[Coro Coro Magazine|CoroCoro Magazine]], showing the "Legendary Offer" to obtain Mew. Contests and distributions such as these helped greatly contribute both to Mew and the ''Pokémon'' franchise's popularity.]] The initial sales of the ''Pokémon'' games were sluggish due to their release window, which was considered a rough patch for new game releases. However, Mew was accidentally discovered by players via glitches, and the existence of Mew led to rampant rumors on how to obtain it, the most notable of which involved looking under a truck sprite in one of the game's major cities. Some players called Nintendo to ask about it, with the company not even being aware of Mew's existence. To stymie possible repercussions for inserting Mew into the game, plans for releasing the Pokémon were quickly unveiled.<ref name="How Mew Saved Pokemon" /> In the spring of 1996, Game Freak's president [[Satoshi Tajiri]] used the Japanese manga journal ''[[CoroCoro Comic]]'' as an experimental exhibition of Mew and distributed the first [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] cards of it as free giveaways,<ref name="pokemania">{{Cite book |author1=(:Unav) |url=http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/item/ac:109287 |title=Pokemania: Secrets behind the international phenomenon |publisher=Columbia University |year=2000 |location=Columbia University |language=en |doi=10.7916/D8V12CPD |access-date=May 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075227/http://academiccommons.columbia.edu/item/ac:109287 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which surprised many at Game Freak, including Morimoto.<ref name="Morimoto" /> Due to the success of the experiment, Game Freak announced further contests that would allow for Mew to be obtained.<ref name="winners">{{cite web |script-title=ja:ポケモン年 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0006/02/y1996.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811003226/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0006/02/y1996.html |archive-date=August 11, 2019 |access-date=June 6, 2009 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |language=ja}}</ref> Tajiri described using Mew to create hype around an "invisible character" within the game and to keep interest alive in the title and create rumors and myths about the game passed around by word of mouth,<ref>{{cite magazine |date=November 22, 1999 |title=The Ultimate Game Freak |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/pokemon6.fullinterview2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514144559/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/pokemon6.fullinterview2.html <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=May 14, 2009 |access-date=June 7, 2009 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time Asia]]}}</ref> which resulted in increased sales for the game.<ref name="timeasia">{{cite magazine |author1=Chua-Eoan, Howard |author2=Larimer, Tim |date=November 22, 1999 |title=TIMEasia.com – Cover: Digi Mania – Page 2 – 11/22/99 |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519002004/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/99/1122/cover2.html <!--Added by H3llBot--> |archive-date=May 19, 2009 |access-date=May 21, 2009 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time Asia]]}}</ref> The reveal and distribution of Mew through organized events has been noted as a major reason for the series' success in Japan,<ref name="pokemania" /><ref name="timeasia" /> with a promotion in the April 1996 issue of ''CoroCoro Comics'' called the "Legendary Pokémon Offer" offering twenty winners the opportunity to send their cartridges in for Nintendo to add Mew to their games. The offer received over seventy eight thousand entries, exceeding Nintendo's initial expectation of three thousand.<ref name="winners" /><ref>{{cite news |author=Land, Calum |date=2000-04-16 |title=35 Things your children Pika-choose not to tell you about Pokemon |newspaper=[[The People]]}}</ref> Nintendo CEO [[Satoru Iwata]] called it "really when things turned round for Pokémon", noting that it caused weekly sales of ''Red'' and ''Green'' to match their previous monthly sales, subsequently becoming three to four times larger.<ref name="iwataasks" /> Players who missed the in-person events were forced to unlock Mew with cheat devices such as the [[Pro Action Replay]]. Fans often bought them solely for that purpose.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=NGamer Staff |date=July 25, 2007 |title=Nintendo Feature: Best and Worst of Pokémon |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=168880 |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080429205947/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=168880 |archive-date=April 29, 2008 |access-date=June 9, 2009}}</ref><ref name="biography" /> Many rumors about Mew circulated due to its popularity, ranging from methods on how to obtain it<ref name="How Mew Saved Pokemon" /><ref name="guide" /> to theories on its association with a similar Pokémon, [[Ditto (Pokémon)|Ditto]], the latter of which was later disproven by [[Junichi Masuda]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |title=Pokémon's Burning Questions |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/07/13/pok-233-mon-39-s-burning-questions.aspx |access-date=2024-03-19 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208153532/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/07/13/pok-233-mon-39-s-burning-questions.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Many distribution events for other [[Mythical Pokémon]] followed in subsequent games, which were based off of the success of Mew.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-04 |title=【特集】1996年2月27日、全てはここから始まった…ポケモンゲーム史「ゲームボーイ」編 |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2016/02/23/96216.html |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=インサイド |language=ja |archive-date=2024-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319225509/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2016/02/23/96216.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Studies on the impact of fictional characters on children, such as those in the book ''Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon'', have noted Mew as popular with younger female children who tend to be drawn to "cute" characters; Mewtwo in comparison was described as a polar opposite, popular with older male children who tend to be drawn to "tough or scary" characters.<ref>{{cite book |last=Tobin |first=Joseph Jay |title=Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon |publisher=Duke University Press |year=2004 |isbn=0-8223-3287-6 |pages=180, 283}}</ref> The book ''Media and the Make-believe Worlds of Children'' noted a similar comparison, describing Mew as "child-like and gentle, combining characteristics of power and cute" and emphasizing the importance of the contrast for children between it and Mewtwo.<ref>{{cite book |last=Götz |first=Maya |title=Media and the Make-believe Worlds of Children: When Harry Potter Meets Pokémon in Disneyland |author2=Lemish, Dafna |author3=International Communication Association Conference |author4=Aidman, Amy |author5=Moon, Hyesung |publisher=Routledge |year=2005 |isbn=0-8058-5191-7 |page=105}}</ref> Mew has been highlighted as a success in part due to its mysterious nature,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-12-10 |title=The 25 Awesomest Hidden Characters - UGO.com |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/the-25-awesomest-hidden-characters?page=4 |access-date=2024-03-25 |archive-date=2010-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210114032/http://www.ugo.com/games/the-25-awesomest-hidden-characters?page=4 |url-status=dead }}</ref> with TheGamer writer Ben Sledge praising the mythology of Mew, both for its in-game lore and the rumors it generated. He highlighted the big impact it had on his youth, and how it made him disappointed with its easier obtainment in [[Pokémon Go|''Pokémon GO'']].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sledge |first=Ben |date=2021-11-15 |title=Why I'm Waiting To Catch Mew In Pokemon Go |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-waiting-to-catch-mew/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=2022-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804070954/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-go-waiting-to-catch-mew/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mew has been widely used to promote the ''Pokémon'' franchise due to its iconicity. Mew was one of the Pokémon featured in the 1998 painting on the [[All Nippon Airways]] [[Boeing 747-400]].<ref>{{cite web |title=ANA's Pokémon Jet Home Page – Design |url=https://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207185035/http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/flights/pokemonjet/design.html |archive-date=February 7, 2009 |access-date=May 21, 2009 |publisher=[[All Nippon Airways|ANA]]}}</ref> In September 2006, in celebration of the release of ''Lucario and the Mystery of Mew'' and [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team|''Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team'' and ''Red Rescue Team'']], players with a copy of ''Ruby'', ''Sapphire'', ''Emerald'', ''FireRed'', or ''LeafGreen'' could go to a [[Toys "R" Us]] store to download the creature for free.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 2006|title=Mew Distribution Sept. 30|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|issue=208|page=97}}</ref> Included in the DVD of ''Lucario and the Mystery of Mew'' was a promotional Mew trading card.<ref name="presszoom">{{cite web|title=VIZ Media Announces New Pokemon Products for 2006 Holiday Season|url=http://presszoom.com/story_119009.html|date=October 12, 2006|publisher=PressZoom|access-date=June 13, 2009|archive-date=September 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910222016/http://presszoom.com/story_119009.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> A special DS, featuring a color scheme similar to Mew, was also released to promote the film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New DS looks like Mew |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-ds-looks-like-mew/1100-6126709/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926103545/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-ds-looks-like-mew/1100-6126709/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A special Pokémon Card, nicknamed the "Ancient Mew" card, was used to promote the [[Pokémon the Movie 2000|second Pokémon movie]] and featured in the film as the inspiration for antagonist Lawrence III's goals of capturing Legendary Pokémon. The card was reprinted for Japanese showings of ''[[Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back — Evolution]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caddick |first=Joseph |date=2022-11-08 |title=What Makes Mew Pokémon TCG's Most Iconic Promo Card |url=https://screenrant.com/pokemon-tcg-ancient-mew-promo-card-value-rarity/ |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126135958/https://screenrant.com/pokemon-tcg-ancient-mew-promo-card-value-rarity/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, [[Oreo]]s depicting Pokémon characters were released, with those depicting Mew being particularly rare and sought after by fans of the series, leading to bids on sales of the cookie jumping up to prices as high as several thousand dollars.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-27 |title=Rare Mew Pokémon Oreos Are Selling For Thousands |url=https://kotaku.com/rare-mew-pokemon-oreos-are-selling-for-thousands-1847752974 |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315211842/https://kotaku.com/rare-mew-pokemon-oreos-are-selling-for-thousands-1847752974 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{Portal|Video games}} * {{Bulbapedia}} *[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/mew Mew on Pokemon.com] {{Pokémon Generation 1|state=expanded}} {{Pokémon}} {{DISPLAYTITLE:Mew (''Pokémon'')}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Mew (Pokemon)}} [[Category:Shapeshifter characters in video games]] [[Category:Pokémon species introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue]] [[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1996]] [[Category:Video game characters who are psychics]] [[Category:Video game characters who can turn invisible]]'