Pokémon Sword and Shield: How to get Mew

Pokemon Sword and Shield Mew
Pokemon Sword and Shield Mew (Image credit: iMore/ Casian Holly)

You got to catch them all in Pokémon in Sword and Shield, and what better way to do it than by adding Mew to your collection. That's right; this mysterious and evasive Pokémon can be yours. Follow these easy steps, and the very first Mythical Pokémon can join you on your adventures in the Galar region!

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How to do the thing

  1. Unlike Joy-Cons and other Switch controllers, the Poké Ball Plus can only be paired by connecting the provided USB cable from the Poké Ball Plus to the USB port on the side of the Switch Dock. Keep in mind; this must be a brand new Poké Ball Plus. If you have already used this Poké Ball Plus to claim Mew, you cannot claim another, even on a different game.

Nintendo Switch Pairing Controller (Image credit: iMore/ Casian Holly)
  1. Once paired, the Poké Ball Plus will light up and play a familiar Pokémon sound clip.
  2. Open Pokémon Sword or Shield.
  3. Press X to open the main menu.

Pokemon Sword and Shield Main Menu (Image credit: iMore/ Casian Holly)
  1. Select Mystery Gift.
  2. Select Take a Stroll with Poké Ball Plus.

Pokemon Sword and Shield Poké Ball Plus (Image credit: iMore/ Casian Holly)
  1. A message will pop up telling you that a Pokémon is in your Poké Ball Plus. Select Yes to accept it.
  2. The Switch will connect to the internet and transfer Mew into your Rotom PC.

Pokemon Sword and Shield Mew (Image credit: iMore/ Casian Holly)
  1. Add your brand new Mew to your party and enjoy!

Pokemon Sword and Shield Mew Pokédex entry (Image credit: iMore/ Casian Holly)

And, just like that, you not only have a Pokéball to carry your Pokémon from Sword and Shield out into the real world, but you also have the very first Mythical Pokémon, Mew on your team!

Casian Holly

Casian Holly has been writing about gaming at iMore since 2019, but their real passion is Pokémon. From the games to the anime, cards and toys, they eat, sleep, and breathe all things Pokémon. You can check out their many Pokémon Go and Pokémon Sword and Shield guides and coverage here on iMore.