Bubble Mew
A look at Bubble Mew (Mew ex 232/091) from Paldean Fates, including its artwork, printings, and why it’s become such a talked-about card.
If you’re looking to pick up a Bubble Mew of your own? Browse Rare Candy's listings to see cards for sale and keep an eye on our auctions, where new exciting cards are made available every week!
Few Pokémon cards in the modern era have connected with collectors the way Bubble Mew has. When Special Illustration Rares were introduced in the Scarlet & Violet era, it wasn’t immediately clear which cards would have real staying power. But this one separated itself almost right away. USGMEN’s depiction of Mew floating gently among iridescent bubbles feels calm, playful, and strangely nostalgic a combination that doesn’t come along very often.
What really set Bubble Mew apart wasn’t just the artwork, but how collectors responded to it. This wasn’t a card people rushed to flip. It was a card people sleeved, displayed, and quietly held onto. The soft, cartoon-like style paired with Mew’s naturally ethereal presence created an emotional pull that translated into genuine long-term demand, pushing Bubble Mew into the top tier of modern-era collectibles.
If you’re looking at how this compares to other high-end Scarlet & Violet chases, our Paldean Fates Top 10 Cards breakdown offers a great snapshot of where Bubble Mew sits within the broader market.
The Crown Jewel: Bubble Mew (Mew ex 232/091 - Paldean Fates)
The English Bubble Mew from Paldean Fates has quietly become the most valuable modern Mew card and one of the most expensive pulls of the Scarlet & Violet era overall. Released in January 2024 as a Special Illustration Rare, the card features Mew in its shiny form blue coloring, floating weightlessly among shimmering bubbles in USGMEN’s unmistakably soft, storybook style.
What makes Bubble Mew’s price history interesting isn’t just how high it climbed, but how it got there. Early copies moved around $95, which felt reasonable at the time for a strong SIR. But as more products were opened, something became clear: collectors weren’t rushing to sell this one. By late 2024, prices had pushed into the $250–$300 range, then broke past $400 in early 2025 as demand continued to outpace supply.
There was a brief pullback when attention shifted toward newer releases like Prismatic Evolutions, but the dip didn’t last long. Bubble Mew rebounded quickly and established a higher floor, a pattern you usually see when a card’s value is driven less by hype and more by collectors simply not letting go.
So, what does that actually translate to in today’s market? A clean PSA 10 copy of Bubble Mew is currently selling in the $1,500 range, putting it firmly in elite modern territory. Even raw near-mint copies routinely land between $500 and $700, which is rare air for a Scarlet & Violet card that isn’t gold or promo-gated.
At this point, Bubble Mew isn’t just a big hit from Paldean Fates; it’s become a chase for the entire Scarlet & Violet era. When collectors talk about the defining cards of the Scarlet & Violet era, this one consistently comes up, and the pricing reflects that kind of staying power.
For context on how this compares to other iconic chase cards, our guide on How Much Is Rainbow Charizard Really Worth explores similar price dynamics in the Sun & Moon and Sword & Shield eras.
The Legacy Continues: Shiny Bubble Mew (Mew ex 347/190 - Shiny Treasure ex)
Before Paldean Fates brought Bubble Mew to English collectors, the artwork made its debut in Japan through Shiny Treasure ex (SV4a), released in December 2023, and it arrived with a notable twist. Instead of Mew’s classic pink coloring, the Japanese version features Mew in its shiny blue form, giving the same USGMEN illustration a completely different feel.
This version occupies an interesting space in the market. On one hand, it’s the original printing of the artwork, which naturally appeals to collectors who value first releases and Japanese print quality. On the other, the shiny color variant attracts a different group entirely, collectors who specifically chase alternate-color Pokémon. That dual appeal has helped the card hold steady interest without the volatility seen in some modern chases.
While it never reached the heights of the English release, the Shiny Treasure ex version has been appreciated consistently. PSA 10 copies currently sit around $400, with clean raw copies typically available for purchase for around $300. For collectors who want the iconic Bubble Mew artwork without committing to a four-figure purchase, this version remains one of the most appealing entry points in the modern Japanese Scarlet & Violet lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called "Bubble Mew"? The nickname comes straight from the artwork. USGMEN’s illustration shows Mew floating calmly among translucent, iridescent bubbles, and that visual stuck immediately. It didn’t take long for collectors to start calling it “Bubble Mew,” and once the name caught on, it became the shorthand everyone used
What's the difference between the Paldean Fates and Shiny Treasure ex versions? The biggest differences come down to language, color, and price. The Paldean Fates version (232/091) is the English release and features Mew in its traditional pink coloring. The Shiny Treasure ex version (347/190) is Japanese and shows Mew in its shiny blue form.
The Japanese card was released first in December 2023 and remains significantly more affordable, while the English version commands a premium due to higher demand and fewer available copies in top condition.
Is Bubble Mew a good investment? Bubble Mew has shown strong price resilience so far, bouncing back after market corrections and maintaining steady collector demand. That said, no card is a guaranteed investment. Prices can shift based on new releases, broader market trends, and collector sentiment.
What works in Bubble Mew’s favor is the combination of iconic artwork, Mew’s long-standing popularity, and its position as the defining chase card of the Scarlet & Violet era. Still, the safest approach is always to collect what you genuinely enjoy first and treat value as a secondary consideration.
Should I get my Bubble Mew graded? If your copy is clean, well-centered, and free of surface issues, grading can significantly increase its value. PSA 10 copies often sell for two to three times the price of raw cards. However, these full-art SIRs are notoriously tough to grade. Print lines, edge whitening, and minor surface flaws are common, even straight out of the pack.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth taking a careful look under good lighting before deciding. For a deeper breakdown, check out our Complete Guide to Card Grading Services.
How can I tell if my Bubble Mew is authentic? Unfortunately, high-value modern cards like Bubble Mew are common targets for counterfeits. Key things to check include proper cardstock weight, accurate color saturation, correct font alignment, and the distinctive textured finish found on Special Illustration Rares.
When in doubt, stick to trusted sellers and platforms that offer authentication. If you want a deeper dive, our Spotting Fake Pokémon Cards. guide walks through the details step by step.
What's the pull rate for Bubble Mew? Special Illustration Rares are among the hardest pulls in Paldean Fates. While exact odds vary by product, estimates generally put the odds of pulling any specific SIR at roughly 1 in 100+ packs. That level of scarcity plays a big role in why Bubble Mew carries such a premium.
Will Bubble Mew prices go up or down? Short-term price movement is always hard to predict, but several factors suggest Bubble Mew will remain relevant long-term. Mew’s status as the original Mythical Pokémon, USGMEN’s instantly recognizable art style, and the card’s established identity as the flagship Scarlet & Violet chase all support sustained demand.
That said, new releases can temporarily pull attention elsewhere, and prices may fluctuate. What’s clear is that Bubble Mew has already earned a place in modern collecting history and cards with that kind of identity tend to stick around.
How Do I Get One?
Bubble Mew is a great example of how modern Pokémon artwork can go beyond being “just another pull” and turn into something collectors genuinely connect with. USGMEN’s illustration style paired with Mew’s legacy as the original Mythical Pokémon gives this card a timeless feel that resonates with both longtime collectors and newer fans. Whether you’re chasing the English Paldean Fates version or the shiny Japanese original, Bubble Mew has earned its place as a modern classic.
If you’re hunting raw copies, stick to reputable marketplaces where you can closely review seller feedback and high-resolution photos. Centering and surface condition matter a lot here, especially with full-art SIRs that tend to show flaws more easily. For graded copies, patience is key, set alerts, watch the market, and be ready to move when a well-priced example appears.
Tools like the Rare Candy app can also help, letting you scan cards and check current market values before you buy, trade, or make an offer. Whether you’re actively searching or just keeping an eye out, it’s worth staying plugged into shops and auctions. You never know, the next listing you come across might be the Bubble Mew you’ve been waiting for.
Looking to pick up a Bubble Mew of your own? Search Rare Candy's listings to see cards for sale and keep an eye on our auctions, where new, exciting cards are made available every week!
Prices current as of December 2025. Market values fluctuate based on condition, and market trends always verify current sold listings before purchasing.
