Can You Catch Mew in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch?

The recent release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for the Nintendo Switch has sparked excitement and a touch of nostalgia among fans. Whereas the inclusion of event tickets for Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys has been well-received, many players are wondering if it’s possible to catch one of the most elusive Pokémon of all: Mew. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

The Truck in Vermilion City: A Familiar Dead Finish

For many veteran players, the first place they check for Mew is near the truck in Vermilion City, a popular rumor from the original Game Boy Advance releases. Unfortunately, this method does not work in the Switch versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Despite the enduring legend, Mew will not appear when attempting this trick.

Is There Another Way to Receive Mew?

Currently, there is no legitimate in-game method to obtain Mew in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch. However, the possibility of future updates or events remains.

Looking Ahead: Potential for Future Mew Distribution

The re-release of these classic games has already included event-exclusive Pokémon like Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys, distributed via the Mystic and Aurora Tickets. This precedent suggests Nintendo may consider distributing Mew through a similar event in the future.

The Connection to Pokémon Emerald and Hoenn

A key element fueling speculation about future content is the mechanics within FireRed and LeafGreen that hint at connectivity with the Hoenn region (Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald). The game features a machine on the Sevii Islands that allows for trading with the Generation III titles. Currently, it’s impossible to complete the National Pokédex in the Switch versions of FireRed and LeafGreen due to the inability to transfer Pokémon from those other Gen 3 games.

Pokémon Emerald, in particular, had a special event for Mew on the Game Boy Advance, where players could obtain the Classic Sea Map and access Faraway Island to encounter Mew. If Nintendo were to re-release Pokémon Emerald on the Switch, it would logically follow that players could then trade Mew to FireRed and LeafGreen via Celio’s machine.

Will We See Pokémon Emerald on Switch?

While nothing is confirmed, the existing infrastructure within FireRed and LeafGreen strongly suggests that a re-release of the Hoenn games is a possibility. The inclusion of event items for other legendary Pokémon in the Switch versions of FireRed and LeafGreen further fuels hope that the Old Sea Map, or a similar event, could be implemented in a future release of Pokémon Emerald.

Whether or not this will happen remains to be seen, but many fans, including this author, are eagerly anticipating the possibility of adding Mew to their Pokédex.

Today’s best Pokemon FireRed and Pokemon LeafGreen deals

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