The direct official way to receive Mew in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield is to link a Poké Ball Plus whose one-time Mew redemption has not been used. If you already have Mew, you may be able to transfer it through Pokémon HOME or trade for one, but compatibility and availability matter.
Choose the route that fits what you have
| Your situation | Best route to check | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| You have a new Poké Ball Plus | Link it to Sword or Shield | The official game page says a new device includes Mew, subject to its one-time redemption. |
| You have a used Poké Ball Plus | Confirm its Mew redemption is unused | A previous claim, including one in a Let’s Go game, uses the device’s redemption. |
| You already own Mew | Check compatibility in Pokémon HOME | Transfer is possible only if that individual Mew is eligible for the destination game. |
| You know someone willing to trade | Arrange a game or HOME trade | Trading is supported, but obtaining Mew depends on finding a trading partner. |
Get Mew from a Poké Ball Plus
The official Pokémon Sword and Shield Poké Ball Plus page says a Poké Ball Plus purchased new contains Mew and can deliver it to the linked game. The accessory is sold separately. Follow the in-game prompts after linking the device to your copy of Sword or Shield.
The claim is one-time per device. The official page states: “You will only be able to receive Mew once per Poké Ball Plus.” If Mew was already received from that device in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, it cannot provide another Mew to Sword or Shield. A claim made on another save file—or one followed by deleting that save data—cannot be repeated.
That makes a used Poké Ball Plus uncertain unless the seller can establish that the redemption remains unused. The device also does not function as a controller in Sword or Shield; its controller role applies to the Let’s Go games.
#1 Best Overall
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
Transfer a Mew you already own with Pokémon HOME
Nintendo’s Pokémon HOME FAQ and transfer instructions for Sword and Shield describe moving compatible Pokémon between HOME and the games. This is an option only if your particular Mew is eligible to enter the destination game; not every Pokémon can move to every game.
- On Nintendo Switch, open the console version of Pokémon HOME.
- Choose Pokémon and select Sword or Shield as the game to connect.
- Inspect Mew’s summary and compatibility list. Proceed only if the destination game is listed as compatible.
- Move Mew into the game’s storage box, then save and exit HOME.
Nintendo’s instructions specify the console version of HOME for these transfers. A Premium Plan is not required for Switch-to-game transfers.
Rank #2
- New entries in the main series of Pokémon RPGs arrive on Nintendo Switch simultaneously in late 2019
- The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games take place in the newly discovered Galar Region
- Galar is an expansive region with diverse environments - an idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forest and craggy, snow-covered mountains
- Fans will have the opportunity to visit Gyms in the Galar region in their quest to become Champion
- Newly discovered partner Pokémon join in this new iteration of the games - Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble
Trade for Mew
Sword and Shield support direct trades with other players. Pokémon HOME trading is also available in its smart-device app, according to Nintendo’s HOME FAQ. Either route depends on another player who has Mew and is willing and able to trade it.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- A new generation of Pokemon is coming to the Nintendo Switch system.
- Become a Pokemon Trainer and embark on a new journey in the new Galar region!
- Choose from one of three new partner Pokemon: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble.
- In this all new adventure, you'll encounter new and familiar Pokemon as you catch, battle, and trade Pokemon while exploring new areas and uncovering an all-new story.
- Get ready for the next Pokemon adventure in the Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield games.
Rank #3
![Nintendo Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass (Retail Version) - [Switch Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51l34qxMYhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Continue your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield adventure in The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, two new areas to explore that will be added to the Galar region as part of the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass or Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass
- Redeem your download code in the Nintendo eShop for either the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass. Upon redeeming the code, you will be prompted to select one Expansion Pass. Only redeemable for one Expansion Pass.
- You'll also see some familiar Pokémon that didn't appear in the Galar region before, a total of over 200 Pokémon
- Part 1: The Isle of Armor is available now; Part 2: The Crown Tundra is scheduled for release during the fall of 2020
- If you purchase the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, you'll receive two codes redeemable to get two special uniform sets of in-game apparel as a bonus
Is there a Mew Mystery Gift event?
Nintendo describes Mystery Gift as a feature that can connect to a Poké Ball Plus or to wireless sponsored events, but that general feature information does not confirm an active Mew distribution for Sword or Shield. Check current official Pokémon announcements before relying on a claimed code or event; the information here does not establish that one is available.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
