The $500 Bubble: 5 Reasons Why The Mew Ex Special Illustration Rare Is The Hottest Card In Paldean Fates
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) market has a new monarch, and it’s the adorable yet incredibly powerful Mythical Pokémon, Mew. The Mew ex Special Illustration Rare (SIR) card, numbered 232/091 from the *Scarlet & Violet: Paldean Fates* expansion, has quickly become the most talked-about and valuable card in the set, often surpassing even the coveted Shiny Charizard ex. As of late 2025, this unique card—lovingly nicknamed the "Bubble Mew" by collectors—commands a staggering price, consistently selling for hundreds of dollars and cementing its status as the ultimate chase card for collectors and competitive players alike.
Released on January 26, 2024, the *Paldean Fates* set is a special, high-rarity expansion that introduced a massive wave of Shiny Pokémon cards, but it is the artistic brilliance and competitive viability of the Mew ex SIR that has driven its market value to exceptional heights. This article will break down everything you need to know about this legendary card, from its stunning artwork and powerful game mechanics to its current, shocking market price.
Mew ex (Special Illustration Rare) Card Profile and Market Value
The Mew ex SIR is a masterpiece of card design, featuring the Psychic-type Pokémon Mew floating serenely inside a large, iridescent bubble, a visual that has captured the hearts of the TCG community. This specific card is the most valuable version of Mew ex in the set, separate from the less expensive Shiny Ultra Rare (216/091).
- Set: Scarlet & Violet: Paldean Fates (SV: PAF)
- Card Number: 232/091
- Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
- Type: Psychic
- Stage: Basic Pokémon ex
- HP: 180
- Weakness: Darkness (x2)
- Resistance: Fighting (-30)
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Current Market Price (Ungraded): Approximately $389 - $503 (as of late 2025)
- Nickname: "Bubble Mew"
The card’s exceptional value is a direct result of its extreme rarity, its iconic status as a Mythical Pokémon, and the unique, captivating artwork that truly makes it stand out from other Special Illustration Rares in the *Paldean Fates* set.
5 Reasons The Mew ex SIR is The Ultimate Paldean Fates Chase Card
The high demand for Mew ex is not just about collecting; it’s a perfect storm of collectibility and competitive power. Here are the five core reasons why this card is the most sought-after pull in the entire *Paldean Fates* expansion:
1. The "Restart" Ability: An Unrivaled Draw Engine
In the competitive Pokémon TCG, consistency is king, and the Mew ex's Ability, Restart, provides an unparalleled level of consistency.
- Ability: Restart
- Effect: Once during your turn, you may draw cards until you have 3 cards in your hand.
This ability is a powerful, reusable draw engine, especially valuable in the early game or when your hand is empty after playing many Supporter cards. The ability to refill your hand to three cards without having to play a Supporter (like Professor's Research or Iono) frees up your turn to use other crucial Trainer cards, making it a staple in many top-tier competitive decks.
2. The Game-Changing "Genome Hacking" Attack
Beyond its utility, Mew ex offers a highly flexible and dangerous attack, Genome Hacking.
- Attack: Genome Hacking (CCC - Three Colorless Energy)
- Effect: Choose 1 of your opponent's Active Pokémon's attacks and use it as this attack.
This attack allows Mew ex to copy any attack from the opponent's Active Pokémon, regardless of Energy cost or type. This means Mew ex can suddenly hit for massive damage, exploit type Weakness, or even use powerful utility attacks from the opponent's side of the field. For example, against a Charizard ex deck, Mew ex can copy Charizard's devastating Burning Darkness attack, often leading to an unexpected Knock Out (KO).
3. The Iconic and Highly Collectible "Bubble Mew" Artwork
The visual appeal of the Special Illustration Rare is undeniable. The artwork, which depicts Mew nestled inside a large, shimmering bubble, is one of the most unique and charming illustrations in the entire *Scarlet & Violet* era. The vibrant, full-art design and the card's holographic texture make it a stunning display piece, driving demand purely from the collector's perspective. The nickname "Bubble Mew" has only amplified its popularity on social media and in collector groups, creating a cultural phenomenon around the card.
4. Competitive Synergy with Top-Tier Decks
Mew ex is not a standalone deck but a powerful tech card that slots seamlessly into some of the best decks in the current format. Its Psychic typing and Colorless attack cost make it highly versatile. It is often paired with:
- Gardevoir ex: Mew ex provides much-needed draw support with Restart, while Gardevoir ex's Psychic Embrace ability can easily accelerate the three Colorless Energy needed for Genome Hacking.
- Fighting-Type Decks: Some innovative decks use Mew ex alongside Fighting-type Pokémon to specifically counter the dominant Charizard ex decks, leveraging the ability to copy attacks and the inherent type advantage.
5. The Paldean Fates Rarity and Chase Card Status
As a Special Illustration Rare from a special set, the Mew ex SIR is exceptionally difficult to pull. *Paldean Fates* is known for its high concentration of Secret Rares, but the SIRs are the absolute pinnacle of rarity. The set also features other major chase cards, including the Special Illustration Rare Charizard ex (234/091) and Gardevoir ex (233/091), but the "Bubble Mew" has consistently held its position at the top of the price charts, solidifying its status as the most valuable single card in the entire expansion.
Collecting Mew ex: The Different Rarity Versions
For collectors on a budget, it is important to know that there are multiple versions of Mew ex in the *Paldean Fates* set, each with a vastly different price point:
- Mew ex (Special Illustration Rare) - 232/091: This is the highly valuable "Bubble Mew" featuring the full, colorful background art. This is the card commanding the $400+ price tag.
- Mew ex (Shiny Ultra Rare) - 216/091: This version features a full-art design of a Shiny Mew with a textured, iridescent background, but it is less artistically complex than the SIR. Its market price is significantly lower, often around $30 - $50, making it a more accessible option for players.
- Mew ex (Regular Rare Holo) - 053/091: This is the standard, non-full-art holographic version, which is the most common and least expensive, making it the preferred choice for players who only need the card's mechanics without the premium artwork.
The Mew ex Special Illustration Rare is more than just a trading card; it is a cultural touchstone that perfectly blends nostalgia, cutting-edge game mechanics, and breathtaking artwork. Its current price reflects its incredible desirability, making it the undisputed champion of the *Scarlet & Violet: Paldean Fates* expansion.
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