Mewtwo

For fighter info, see Mewtwo (SSBM), Mewtwo (SSB4), and Mewtwo (SSBU).

Mewtwo
Official artwork of Mewtwo from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions.
Universe	Pokémon
Debut	Pokémon Red and Green Versions (1996)
Smash Bros. appearances	Melee Brawl SSB4 Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance	Detective Pikachu Returns (2023)
Console/platform of origin	Game Boy
Species	Mewtwo
Gender	Unknown
Place of origin	Pokémon Mansion (games) New Island (anime)
Designed by	Ken Sugimori
Voice actor	Masachika Ichimura (Melee) Keiji Fujiwara (SSB4/Ultimate)
Article on Bulbapedia	Mewtwo (Pokémon)

Mewtwo (ミュウツー, Mewtwo) is the Genetic Pokémon from the Pokémon series. It debuted in the series' first generation, and is present as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. 4, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Origin

Official artwork of Mewtwo from Pokémon Red and Blue Versions.

Mewtwo is a Psychic-type Pokémon that debuted in Generation I, and is categorized within the Pokédex at #150 as the "Genetic Pokémon". Unlike the overwhelming majority of Pokémon, Mewtwo was artificially created: a team of scientists performed genetic recombination on a sample of DNA derived from the Mythical Pokémon Mew in order to create the most powerful Pokémon in existence. Its creation is documented in a researcher's journals scattered across an abandoned mansion on Cinnabar Island.

However, this process resulted in Mewtwo's appearance and mentality drastically differing from Mew's. Despite being a feline with embryonic features like Mew, it has a large, humanoid physique with a gray and purple coloration, instead of the pink, petite appearance of its genetic relative. Mewtwo also lacks Mew's capability to learn every Technical Machine, Hidden Machine, and Move Tutor move, but its modified genome results in its base statistic total noticeably exceeding Mew's.

Although Mewtwo is reclusive like Mew, this is the only personality trait they share: due to being created solely for battle, Mewtwo has a tendency to be vicious and, upon encountering an opponent, fights savagely while thinking only of defeating them. In comparison, Mew has a gentle temperament and willingness to reveal itself to the pure of heart. After violently escaping captivity, Mewtwo decided to seclude itself from civilization; most notably, it has been seen residing in the deepest depths of Kanto's Cerulean Cave, a small cave within Kalos' Pokémon Village, and a craggy, barren alternate dimension that is accessible via Ultra Space.

Due to being an immensely powerful genetic relative of a Mythical Pokémon, Mewtwo has the status of a Legendary Pokémon in spite of its man-made origin. In-game, Mewtwo was designed to be the final Pokémon of Generation I, and has traits that highlight its status as such: not only is it difficult to find and capture, it belongs to the notoriously powerful Psychic type and sports the highest base stat total in the entire game, with especially high Special and Speed stats. Due to being arguably the strongest Pokémon in existence at the time, as well as its leading role in the franchise's first movie, Mewtwo quickly garnered a good degree of fame and popularity among the Pokémon fanbase. Since then, Mewtwo's power has diminished due to various mechanical changes, although owing to its Legendary Pokémon status, it still remains significantly stronger than most common Pokémon.

After receiving Psystrike as a signature move in Generation V, Mewtwo's prominence underwent a resurgence in Generation VI, with it being among the initial handful of Pokémon to gain access to Mega Evolution. Unlike most Pokémon who can Mega Evolve, it has two Mega Evolutions, a trait shared with Charizard. In Mewtwo's case, it will Mega Evolve into the larger and bulkier Mega Mewtwo X while holding Mewtwonite X, which also changes it into a Psychic/Fighting-type. Conversely, it will Mega Evolve into the smaller and lighter Mega Mewtwo Y while holding Mewtwonite Y.

In the Pokémon anime and movies, Mewtwo is depicted as having been cloned from an eyelash of Mew and created at Team Rocket's behest. Given a more sympathetic backstory than in the games, Mewtwo befriends a group of clones as a child, but the cloning process results in their premature deaths—with the exception of Mewtwo itself, due to having Mew's eternal life force. The trauma of losing its friends, coupled with being dismissed as a science experiment by its creators, causes Mewtwo to develop hatred towards humans and Pokémon subservient to humans. Thus, Mewtwo sets out to prove itself superior to natural lifeforms by creating an army of cloned Pokémon created from the genetic source material of various Pokémon trainers' Pokémon.

However, Mewtwo has a change of heart after witnessing Ash Ketchum sacrifice himself to stop a battle between its clone army and their originals; Mewtwo subsequently realizes that life is defined by one's actions instead of their origins. To this end, it begins to protect its fellow clones after whisking them away to Johto's Mount Quena, a mountain that is virtually inaccessible by humans. After stopping Team Rocket's attempt at recapturing it and subsequently erasing their memories of its existence, Mewtwo decides to travel the world in order to avoid detection and find a purpose in its life, whereas its fellow clones decide to live peacefully among natural Pokémon in the wild. This Mewtwo reappears in an episode of Pokémon Journeys.

Despite the species' one-of-a-kind nature originally, other Mewtwo have appeared in the core series and across the various Pokémon continuities ever since. Two other Mewtwo have fully-voiced appearances: one in the sixteenth movie that is capable of undergoing Mega Evolution, and one in both the Detective Pikachu spin-off game and the live-action movie of the same name.

Mewtwo is a gender-unknown species, although this is not depicted consistently in other media. In the anime, the telepathically-generated voice for the first Mewtwo is male (which is reflected in the Super Smash Bros. series), whereas the second Mewtwo featured in the sixteenth movie has a feminine voice. In comparison, the Detective Pikachu film's Mewtwo possesses an artificial, androgynous voice, but is referred to with male pronouns nonetheless.

In Super Smash Bros.

Mewtwo does not appear in Super Smash Bros. in any capacity. However, according to a page on Smabura-Ken (the game's Japanese site), it was planned for inclusion in the roster as a playable fighter, but was removed from the game along with Bowser and King Dedede for unknown reasons.

In an official poll held on Smabura-Ken regarding characters for a potential sequel, Mewtwo placed sixth with 35 votes; it was tied with James Bond from GoldenEye 007.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee

As a playable character

Mewtwo, as it appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Mewtwo made its Super Smash Bros. series debut as an unlockable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee. It can be unlocked after playing 20 cumulative hours of Versus Mode matches (5 hours for 4 players) or playing 700 Versus Mode matches.

Mewtwo is very floaty and possesses a decent combo game, a very good wavedash and grab game, above-average dodges, a strong projectile in Shadow Ball, and one of the best recoveries in Teleport. Mewtwo also possesses a reflection-capable move in Confusion, while Disable stuns any close-range opponent that directly faces Mewtwo. On the other hand, Mewtwo has a flawed combination of large size and light weight; this not only results in it being an easy target to hit and combo, but also especially easy to KO despite its recovery and defensive prowess. Mewtwo also has general awkwardness in its mobility and moveset, the latter of which is burdened with minimal utility and a small number of KOing options.

As a result of its weaknesses and flaws outweighing its strengths, Mewtwo infamously sat in the bottom-tier of Melee's tier list for most of the game's lifespan, to the point that it was even considered the worst character in the entire game at several points in Melee's lifespan. However, the efforts of Taj resulted in Mewtwo being reassessed as a low-tier character; this has been reflected with its current ranking of 20th out of 26 on the tier list, placing it in the D tier.

Trophies

As a playable character, Mewtwo has three trophies - a main trophy acquired by clearing Classic Mode with Mewtwo on any difficulty, and the two Smash trophies are by clearing Adventure Mode and All-Star Mode, respectively.

Mewtwo's Classic Mode trophy in Melee

Mewtwo

(1.0/1.01) A genetically created Pokémon, Mewtwo is the result of many long years of research by a solitary scientist. Although Mewtwo was cloned from the genes of the legendary Pokémon Mew, its size and character are far different than its ancestor. Its battle abilities have been radically heightened, making it ruthless.

(1.02) A genetically created Pokémon, Mewtwo is the result of many long years of research by a solitary scientist. Although Mewtwo was bio-engineerd from a fossil of the legendary Pokémon Mew, its size and character are far different than its ancestor. Its battle abilities have been radically heightened, making it ruthless.

A genetically created Pokémon, Mewtwo is the result of many long years of research by a solitary scientist. Although Mewtwo was born from the genes of the legendary Pokémon Mew, its size and character are far different than its ancestor. Its battle abilities have been radically heightened, making it ruthless.

Pokémon Red & Blue (9/98)

Mewtwo's Adventure Mode trophy in Melee

Mewtwo [Smash]

As Mewtwo relies mostly on its powerful brain, there are times when it scarcely uses its arms and legs. Since Mewtwo spends much of its time floating, it flies far when struck. Shadow Ball traces a jagged path once released: the longer Mewtwo holds it, the more powerful it becomes. Mewtwo uses Confusion to spin its foes around.

B: Shadow Ball

Smash B: Confusion

Mewtwo's All-Star Mode trophy in Melee

Mewtwo [Smash]

Mewtwo is definitely not a speedy character, but its ESP-powered grab and throw moves are comparatively strong. Teleport has a short range, but doesn't leave it open to attack. It's best used as an escape move during disturbances. Mewtwo can daze a foe if it makes eye contact and uses Disable; the move is useless unless Mewtwo is facing its enemy.

Up & B: Teleport

Down & B: Disable

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Mewtwo did not return in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as a playable character, despite not being a clone like the other cut characters. Although Mewtwo was unpopular among Melee's competitive community, its departure nevertheless resulted in a significant amount of fan outcry, as the majority of players saw it as an unjustified cut. Brawl also introduced Lucario, a fellow Pokémon series fighter, who was widely perceived by fans as being a replacement for Mewtwo around the time of Brawl's release; however, other than their similar neutral specials Shadow Ball and Aura Sphere, their movesets are vastly different.

Unfinished data

While Mewtwo does not appear as a playable character in Brawl, there are several empty files on the game disc bearing its name. These include a graphic effects file (ef_mewtwo.pac), a victory theme (snd_bgm_Z38_MYU2), and a Wii Remote selection sound (which no other cut character has). While it is possible that some of these files are leftover data imported from Melee for referential purposes, the prevailing theory is that Mewtwo was planned to be playable, but ended up being cut. As Mewtwo has the most unused content of any scrapped character, it can be assumed that Mewtwo was a late cut to Brawl's roster.

Trophy

Mewtwo appears in Brawl as a collectible trophy, obtained by completing All-Star Mode on Intense difficulty. The trophy describes Mewtwo's appearance in the Pokémon games, but makes no reference whatsoever to its appearance in Melee.

Mewtwo's trophy in Brawl

Mewtwo

A Genetic Pokémon. This Legendary Pokémon was based on a recombination of Mew's DNA, created by a scientist after years of research. However, Mewtwo greatly differs from Mew in both size and personality and is said to be the most twisted and savage Pokémon ever. Mewtwo has incredibly high combat abilities and uses Psychic-type attacks.

: Pokémon Red/Blue

: Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen

In Super Smash Bros. 4

As a playable character

Mewtwo, as it appears in Super Smash Bros. 4.

During development of the game, an appearance of Mewtwo's Mega Evolution was reportedly considered by Masahiro Sakurai. During the Pokémon X and Y Developer Roundtable at E3 2013, an audience member asked if developers wanted to see Mega Mewtwo in the next Super Smash Bros. game. While the developers stated that they had nothing to report about the question, Sakurai, who was in the audience at the time, reportedly said "We are thinking about it."

Despite this, Mewtwo did not initially make the final cut of the game as a playable character, returning only as a collectible trophy. Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y also appear together as a singular trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Mewtwo was later announced in the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: 50-Fact Extravaganza as a playable character, becoming the first fighter in Super Smash Bros. history to be made available as downloadable content.

Consumers who registered both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U on Club Nintendo before March 31, 2015 could download it for free as of April 15th, while others were able to purchase it beginning on April 28th. Its moveset is mostly unchanged from Melee, aside from the addition of its own Final Smash, consisting of Mega Evolving into Mega Mewtwo Y before performing its signature move, Psystrike.

Upon its return to the series, Mewtwo was poorly regarded by the competitive scene, as its already light weight was lowered further and its already large hurtbox became slightly taller. However, Mewtwo did see improvements to Confusion and Disable, two of its most arguably least used moves: the former now functions as a traditional reflector, while the latter's stun effect has a longer duration.

However, Mewtwo underwent a considerable turning point thanks to game updates. Update 1.1.3 increased Mewtwo's grounded and aerial speeds, as well as improving its already potent forward smash and aerial attacks. Although update 1.1.5 provided very few changes, they were effective regardless: Mewtwo's weight was marginally increased, its already fast dashing speed was increased to the point of becoming the seventh fastest in the game, and both its up smash and neutral aerial were made safer thanks to adjustments to their ending lag and hitbox sizes, respectively.

As a result of these very substantial buffs, opinions on Mewtwo drastically improved, as it has managed to earn some noteworthy representation and consistently achieves high placings at all levels of play. Thanks to this newfound success, Mewtwo is currently ranked 10th out of 54 on the tier list, placing it in the A tier and assessing it as a top-tier character.

Trophies

After being added as downloadable content, Mewtwo gained the following two trophies:

Mewtwo's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Mewtwo's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Mewtwo

Mewtwo puts its psychic powers to great use in this game. Not only does it have floaty jumps, but its telekinesis gives its attacks extra reach and its throws added power. However, its light body makes it easy to launch, so if you're willing to take the risk of getting in close, it might just be worth it!

Mewtwo puts its psychic powers to great use in this game. Not only does it have floaty jumps, but its telekinesis gives its attacks extra reach and its throws added power. However, its light body makes it easy to launch, so if you're willing to risk getting in close, it might just be worth it!

: Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (09/1998)

: Pokémon X & Pokémon Y (10/2013)

Mewtwo puts its psychic powers to great use in this game. Not only can it float in midair, but its telekinesis gives its attacks extra reach and its throws added power. However, its light body makes it easy to launch, so if you're willing to take the risk of getting in close, it might just be worth it!

: Pokémon Red/Blue (10/1999)

: Pokémon X/Y (10/2013)

Mewtwo (Alt.)'s trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Mewtwo (Alt.)'s trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Mewtwo (Alt.)

Mewtwo's Confusion side special not only lets you repel projectiles—it also reflects the damage back on your opponent. Its down special, Disable, stuns an enemy for longer the higher its damage is. As it works by having Mewtwo glare at its foe, this only works if they make eye contact.

Mewtwo's Confusion side special not only repels projectiles—it also reflects the damage back on your opponent. Its down special, Disable, stuns an enemy for longer the higher its damage is. Disable only works on foes that are facing Mewtwo.

: Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (09/1998)

: Pokémon X & Pokémon Y (10/2013)

Mewtwo's Confusion Side Special not only lets you repel projectiles, it also reflects the damage back on your opponent. Its Down Special, Disable, stuns an enemy for longer the higher its damage is. As it works by having Mewtwo glare at its foe, this only works if they make eye contact.

: Pokémon Red/Blue (10/1999)

: Pokémon X/Y (10/2013)

Prior to being added as downloadable content, Mewtwo only had the following two trophies:

Mewtwo's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Mewtwo's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Mewtwo

Created from modified Mew DNA, Mewtwo was designed to be the ultimate Pokémon. It didn't take on any of Mew's kinder traits and only uses its intelligence to destroy its enemies. Or...so it seems. Perhaps it just feels frightened or even tormented, and that's why it lashes out. Whatever the reason, Mewtwo is not to be messed with.

: Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (09/1998)

: Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen (09/2004)

Created from modified Mew DNA, Mewtwo was designed to be the ultimate Pokémon. It didn't take on any of Mew's kinder traits, and only uses its intelligence to destroy its enemies. Or...so it seems. Perhaps it just feels frightened or even tormented, and that's why it lashes out. Whatever the reason, Mewtwo is not to be messed with.

: Pokémon Red/Blue (10/1999)

: Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen (10/2004)

Mega Mewtwo X & Y's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Mega Mewtwo X & Y

It's almost no surprise that a Pokémon as powerful as Mewtwo wouldn't be limited to a single Mega Evolution. Mega Mewtwo X has strong arms and legs, while Mega Mewtwo Y has a whiplike, slender head. The differences aren't just physical—X brings improved fighting power, while Y can unleash even more psychic power.

: Pokémon X & Pokémon Y (10/2013)

Mega Mewtwo comes in two forms rather than just one. Mega Mewtwo X has visibly strengthened limbs, which greatly boost its physical abilities in battle. Mega Mewtwo Y, on the other hand, has a whip-like tendril extending from the back of its head, which augments its psychic powers.

: Pokémon X/Y (10/2013)

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

As a playable character

Mewtwo, as it appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Mewtwo returns as an unlockable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Much like in Melee, it is one of the very last characters to be unlocked, as all three of its unlock methods (Smash battles, Fox's Classic Mode unlock tree, and World of Light) designate it as one of the last characters encountered.

Spirits

Fighter spirit

• 

  411. Mewtwo

Primary spirit

No.	Image	Name	Type	Class	Slots	Base	Max	Base	Max	Base	Max	Ability	Series
464		Mega Mewtwo Y		★★★	1	3411	10283	1830	5516	1271	3833	PSI Attack ↑	Pokémon Series

Names in other languages

Language	Name
Japanese	ミュウツー, Mewtwo
English	Mewtwo
French	Mewtwo
German	Mewtu
Spanish	Mewtwo
Italian	Mewtwo
Chinese (Simplified)	超梦, Mewtwo
Chinese (Traditional)	超夢, Mewtwo
Korean	뮤츠, Mewtwo
Dutch	Mewtwo
Russian	Мьюту
Portuguese	Mewtwo

Trivia

• Like Charizard in Super Smash Bros. 4 and Lucario, Mewtwo draws inspiration from a particular member of its species depicted in the Pokémon anime. In Mewtwo's case, it is based on the Mewtwo from Pokémon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back and the TV special Mewtwo Returns, although it also makes some references to the Mewtwo from Mewtwo — Prologue to Awakening and Genesect and the Legend Awakened:
  • It is voiced by Masachika Ichimura in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Japanese voice actor for the first Mewtwo, which is emulated by Keiji Fujiwara in SSB4. Its Japanese quotes in both games have it boast about its power and question its existence, much like the first Mewtwo did on several occasions. The quotes were not dubbed in other languages; they were swapped out with language-neutral voice clips in the non-Japanese versions. In Ultimate, the same thing would happen to some of Hero's voice clips.
  • It can use Shadow Ball like the first Mewtwo. Its presence in Mewtwo's moveset is notable, as it appeared in the first movie before it even appeared in the core series.
  • It can undergo Mega Evolution into Mega Mewtwo Y like the second Mewtwo.
  • It can use its signature move, Psystrike, like the second Mewtwo. However, Psystrike has a unique design and functions differently in the Super Smash Bros. series compared to how it looks and functions in the games and the anime.
    • Incidentally, Psystrike's animation was updated in Generation VII to resemble its depiction in the Super Smash Bros. series.
  • Its character introduction tagline in SSB4, "Mewtwo Strikes Back!", references The First Movie's full English title.
  • Its Boxing Ring character title, "A Legend Reawakens", references Genesect and the Legend Awakened's English title.
• Mewtwo is the only playable Legendary Pokémon in the Super Smash Bros. series. It is also the only playable Pokémon without evolutionary relatives and whose gender is unknown.
  • Despite this, it does possess a form of kinship with another Pokémon. In Mewtwo's case, it is one half of the Mew duo.
• Mewtwo's status as a lightweight in the Super Smash Bros. series contradicts its weight in the Pokédex, where it is listed as weighing 269 pounds/122 kg. This is seemingly attributed to its telekinetically-induced anti-gravity. A similar case applies to Rosalina.
• Mewtwo and Lucario are the only playable Pokémon whose on-screen appearances do not involve them emerging from a Poké Ball.
• In all its appearances, Mewtwo only holds one item with its hands. In this case, it is the Parasol while descending. Otherwise, it uses telekinesis to make items float in front of it.
• By default, Mewtwo has the fastest air speed of every Melee newcomer.
  • Mewtwo also has the 3rd fastest air speed to Jigglypuff and Yoshi, despite having the same air speed as the latter in Melee, thus also making it the second fastest Pokémon character in every Smash game where it is playable.
• Mewtwo is the only character cut in the transaction from Melee to Brawl that is not a moveset clone of another character.
• Mewtwo is the only playable character to be known to be planned for more than one installment without being playable, those being the original Super Smash Bros. and Brawl.