How to Catch Mew in Pokémon Yellow

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-1.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-2.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-3.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [2]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-4.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-5.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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).
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-6.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-7.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now is the time to approach the trainer who is hiding in the grass, who you did not battle before.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-8.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-9.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-10.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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]
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-11.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Then walk back up Nugget Bridge and your start menu will appear.
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-12.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [6]
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-13.jpg\/aid1885128-v4-728px-Catch-Mew-in-Pok%C3%A9mon-Yellow-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    14. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 49
  • Question
    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
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 84
  • Question
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 48
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      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.
        Thanks
      • 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.
        Thanks
      • 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.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips

      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.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Find Mew in Pokémon Red/Blue
      How to
      Catch Mewtwo Without Beating the Elite Four
      How to
      Catch Mewtwo in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
      How to
      Catch Missingno. in Pokémon Red and Blue
      How to
      Get Bulbasaur in Pokémon Yellow
      How to Find HM Cut in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
      How to
      Get a Bike in Pokémon Red
      How to
      Get Flash in Pokémon Yellow
      How to
      Get Fly on Pokémon Yellow
      How to
      Duplicate Items in Pokémon Red or Blue
      How to
      Catch Zapdos in Pokémon Yellow
      How to
      Catch Articuno in Pokémon Blue
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-red-blue-yellow-version/Mew
      2. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-red-blue-yellow-version/Mew
      3. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mew_glitch
      4. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/pokemon-red-blue-yellow-version/Mew
      5. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mew_glitch
      6. ↑ https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Mew_glitch

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Restart your saved game if you went too far in the game.
      2. Press the "Start" button immediately in front of Gambler.
      3. Fly to Cerulean City.
      4. Go to the Youngster in the bush area just after Nugget Bridge.
      5. Defeat the trainer and fly back to Lavender Town.
      6. Walk to the left exit of the town.
      7. Exit out of the menu to begin the battle.
      8. Catch the Mew with the Master Ball or weaken it using attacks.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 762,784 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anon Y. Mous

        Oct 7, 2020

        "Worked perfectly! I used on a RG300 and RG350 system, both had no issues getting this trick to work (I was a bit ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement