How to Catch Mew in Pokémon Yellow

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA Reviewed by Ishrak

Last Updated: April 20, 2024 Fact Checked

The following is a walkthrough of the glitch in Pokémon Yellow version that allows you to catch Mew, without using Action Replay, Gameshark or other third party device. If done properly, following this procedure will result in an encounter with a level 7 Mew on Nugget Bridge.

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His first Pokémon will be a Spearow of level 18, so it would be wise to have a Rock or Electric-type Pokémon as the first in your party. After this is completed, you must clear all of the trainers on Nugget Bridge, including the final man who offers you a position in Team Rocket.^{[1]
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Start to work your way up towards where the other trainers are, battling each trainer and saving after each battle until you reach the trainer who has nothing but a level 17 Slowpoke.
Shut the game off and resume where you saved at the last trainer you fought (This is not part of the glitch, and if you already know which trainer not to fight you don't have to battle him and shut it off. The video link should help clarify this but if you are unable to access it you will find the saving technique useful).
This is harder than one would think because it will teleport away from you on its first turn. It is hard to find, and throwing a Poke Ball on your first turn and crossing your fingers is basically your only option. However, once you've caught Abra you will be able to move on to the next step.^{[3]
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Now is the time to approach the trainer who is hiding in the grass, who you did not battle before.
Walk in front of where he is, far enough away so that he cannot see you, but will see you if you take one step towards Cerulean. Save your game right here, because this next step can be tricky.
You will take a step down toward the trainer, but the start menu will appear instead of the exclamation point above his head. Teleport back to the Pokémon Center with Abra, and walk back up Nugget Bridge. At this point your start menu will be disabled, but do not despair as this is part of the glitch.^{[4]
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Fight the trainer with the level 17 Slowpoke, being sure to have him walk at least one step towards you to battle or the game will freeze.^{[5]
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Then walk back up Nugget Bridge and your start menu will appear.
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Question

What should I do if I lose to the final person on the nugget bridge?

Community Answer

Just go back and try again since the glitch hasn't started yet at this point.

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Would this glitch work with the 3DS play store download?

Community Answer

Yes it does work. I have done it myself multiple times after resetting my game

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What about The Truck?

Community Answer

The truck is just a myth. This is the easiest way to catch Mew and the earliest point it is possible to do so.

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Tips

If you're having a hard time catching an Abra, try using a Pokémon with an attack that will put it to sleep to prevent it from using Teleport.

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Mew can be tricky to catch. However if you search between Mt Moon's exit you might find a Great Ball. I tried this and it made things a lot easier.

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As long as you follow the steps you can get your Pokémon healed at the Pokémon Center. You also need to visit Bill's house in order to move officer Jenny aside.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

This glitch can be used to get other Pokemon besides Mew! For example, follow the method for the glitch, but fight a Pidgey. Instead of a Mew, a Nidoking will appear. However, getting the Nidoking can make items disappear.
If you already defeated the Slowpoke there’s still a chance to get Mew, but only if you haven't beaten the Cerulean City Gym. Just follow the steps but instead of beating the Slowpoke, beat the first trainer in the gym.
You don't need an Abra specifically, any Pokemon that knows teleport will do!
To get a level 100 Mew, use growl on the Slowpoke 6-7 times.

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