How many mew twos are there?

As a passionate Pokémon gaming fan, I‘m often asked, "Just how many different Mewtwo forms and identities exist across the games and anime?" While the original powerful psychic legendary remains the most iconic, over the years a few distinct variants have emerged between alternate timelines and mega evolutions.

In total, there are 4 separate forms of Mewtwo spread across media and games:

1. The Original Mewtwo from Pokémon Red/Blue
2. A Second Anime Mewtwo
3. Mega Mewtwo X
4. Mega Mewtwo Y

Below I‘ll provide a comprehensive overview of each distinct Mewtwo as well as analysis on the potential for new forms. With over 25 years of history, tracking the mythology and backstories around such an influential legendary Pokémon provides fascinating insights into the franchise lore!

Background on the Legendary Genetic Pokémon

First appearing in the Kanto region games and anime in Generation 1, Mewtwo stands out as one of the most recognizable and powerful Pokémon. As described in scientific journals and notes found throughout the games, Mewtwo was cloned from the rare mythical Pokémon Mew and altered to be more powerful during battle.

Type: Psychic
Abilities: Pressure, Unnerve (Hidden Ability)

With a massive special attack stat and versatile move pool, Mewtwo consistently ranks amongst the strongest late-game Pokémon trainers could catch. And as the star legendary of the beloved first Pokémon movie, its backstory and lore surrounding its origin solidified its mascot-like status.

The Original Mewtwo

Appearing in Pokémon Red/Blue and prominently featured in movies and anime through various generations, the original Mewtwo serves as the genetic template that subsequent clones and forms derive from.

Created by the scientist Dr. Fuji on Cinnabar Island, this is the vicious Mewtwo viewers were introduced to in the iconic first movie plotting revenge against its creators. After escaping the lab, it honed its powers alone on islands before establishing its team of cloned Pokémon.

While largely appearing as a solo actor serving as a boss, its inclusion on later game rosters and movies provided the foundation for Mewtwo‘s popularity. And as the lone final Pokémon in the original 151 roster without an evolution, it remains one of the most formidable psychic types to battle against.

The Second Anime Timeline Mewtwo

Due to some ambiguous legal clauses surrounding the original Mewtwo‘s characterization, a separate Mewtwo was introduced in the special The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon. While clearly drawing inspiration from the genetic experiments that spawned the initial legendary, this new Mewtwo has slightly altered backstories between appearances.

Unlike the emotional, vengeance-seeking original, this iteration showcases more subdued emotions and desire for solitude. Its muted personality also pairs with subtler character design elements, trading intimidating musculature for a diminished frame. Still, despite some key differences, its astounding psychic abilities demonstrate how formidable Mewtwo remains even in alternate incarnations.

When looking across 20 films, this adaptation controversy highlights intriguing behind-the-scenes details fans may overlook when enjoying the anime‘s continuous worldbuilding!

The Anime Mewtwo‘s By The Numbers

Mega Mewtwo X

With the introduction of Mega Evolutions in Pokémon X & Y, fans were thrilled at the prospect of not only mega evolving to gain a mid-battle power boost but seeing classic fan favorites reach even greater heights. And developing the Gen 1 legend into a fierce Mega Mewtwo X form became an obvious opportunity to revisit its mysterious backstory.

Gaining the secondary fighting type in addition to its psychic prowess, its black and blue design seems to draw inspiration from its synthetic origin. The stockier frame bulging with muscles gives it a more menacing silhouette while retaining signature elements like its long tail.

In terms of gameplay impact, the 100 point base stat increase launches its special attack to a staggering 194, cementing its reputation as one of the scariest sweepers. Paired with boosted speed allowing it to fire off shots before falling to counters, this exciting evolution lets veterans and newcomers enjoy Mewtwo‘s roaring rampages!

Mega Mewtwo X Key Stats

Mega Mewtwo Y

Alongside introducing Mega Mewtwo X, developers also crafted its sibling evolution Mega Mewtwo Y to align with mascot legendary Mew‘s aesthetic and typing. Trailing pink streamers and smoother design call back to Mew‘s cute persona. And while it may suggest a kinder personality, trainers should not underestimate its terrifying psychic assaults!

With base special attack now breaching 200, Mega Mewtwo Y outpaces nearly all competition when it comes to special sweeping. Backed by boosted speed to fire first and improved special defense to take a hit, players can annihilate unprepared opponents by deploying this tiny terror!

And when reviewing competitive usage statistics below, its overwhelming representation on winning lineups proves veterans recognize everything this little legendary is capable of when positioned as the ace. Catch one for yourself and revel in the destruction!

Mega Mewtwo Y Competitive Viability

What Does The Future Hold for New Mewtwos?

With four distinct versions unveiled over 25 years, where does the Mewtwo evolutionary line go next? As a speculative gamer always eyeing what comes around the next bend, a few potential variants I ponder include:

Regional Forms: Similar to Alolan forms twisting designs, a Galarian Mewtwo could sport ghost or dark typing! An opportunity to reinvent the legend through the lens of Galar‘s history.

New Mega Evolutions: Given Charizard and others have multiple mega forms, I wouldn‘t be shocked if developers revisit the fan favorite through fresh mega perspectives!

Alternate Universe Forms: Between Pokémon Legends Arceus and spin-off titles, glimpses at ancient forms or entirely separate timelines may introduce unknown Mewtwos!

Of course as veterans know, with each new generation and release anticipation builds around what fresh legendary beasts or returning favorites Game Freak could unveil. And I‘ll be here covering every surprise they have in store for our iconic Gen 1 experiment escapee!

So while currently four distinct forms exist, who knows what exciting new genetic iterations await discovery down the line! For now, journey back and catch them all, Trainers!