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“MissingNo.” meme: meaning, origin and rare card

MissingNo.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 8 min read
MissingNo. meme
The “MissingNo.” meme, 1996

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “MissingNo.” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71, number 21086 of the collection, and the 55th best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “MissingNo.” meme mean?

It represents coding errors, visual chaos, or the non-existent. People use it to describe bugs, corrupted data, or technical anomalies, often with nostalgic or humorous intent.

Where does the “MissingNo.” meme come from?

Appearing in 1996 in the original Japanese and Western releases, MissingNo. is not an official Pokémon but an invalid Pokédex entry. The name abbreviates "Missing Number." Its discovery was documented by Nintendo Power in May 1999 as a "programming quirk." Players noticed that encountering it caused graphical anomalies and allowed duplicating rare items (+128 units in the sixth inventory slot). This mechanic fueled its spread among gamers before the mass internet era. It remains a staple of video game folklore, with no identified creator or specific initial viral post.

How to use the “MissingNo.” meme

  • Use it to illustrate an unexpected graphical bug on your screen.
  • Mention it when you want to evoke nostalgia for early video games.
  • Apply it to describe an object or data that seems corrupted.

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The “MissingNo.” card in MyMemeCards

MissingNo. card
NumberNo. 21086
RarityRare
CollectionMemes World series 71
Fame73/100 · #55 of 300
Recycle value10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 71: 300 cards
  • Rare300100%

How to get the “MissingNo.” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; MissingNo. comes out of the Memes World series 71 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.

Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.

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5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.

Free · no account needed

Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details

Memes like “MissingNo.”

More cards of the Memes World series 71

Every card of the Memes World series 71 →

Frequently asked questions

What does MissingNo mean?

It is a glitch from Pokémon Red and Blue, appearing in 1996. It corresponds to an invalid Pokédex entry that causes visual errors.

How to encounter MissingNo?

It appears after battling certain NPCs near Five Island. The game attempts to load data for non-existent species, generating this chaotic sprite.

Is MissingNo real or fake?

The phenomenon is real and documented since 1996. It is not a rumor but a confirmed programming bug verified by Nintendo Power in 1999.

How do I get the MissingNo. meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “MissingNo.” is a rare card of the Memes World series 71. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the MissingNo. card?

It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: MissingNo.: The Pokémon Red and Blue Glitch Explained · MissingNo. | Know Your Meme · Pokémon Meme Guide: Mudkips, Slowpoke, Dat Ash & More · checked on October 12, 2026.

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