How To Restart A Pokemon Game On Ds

How to Restart a Pokemon Game on DS

Ever feel like starting a new Pokemon adventure from scratch? Maybe you want to try a different starter Pokemon, or just relive the excitement of your first journey. Restarting a Pokemon game on your Nintendo DS is totally possible, and it’s easier than you might think! Let’s go through the steps so you can begin your new quest.

Why Restart Your Pokemon Game?

There are many reasons why you might want to restart your Pokemon game. Here are some common ones:

• Choosing a Different Starter: Maybe you always pick the Fire-type and now you want to try the Water or Grass-type Pokemon. Restarting lets you pick a new partner.
• Replaying the Story: It’s fun to go through the story again, especially if it’s been a while. You might see things you missed the first time!
• Trying a Challenge Run: Some players like to do “challenge runs” where they use specific rules. A fresh start is required for these types of play-throughs.
• If You Borrowed or Bought Used: Sometimes you get a DS game used, and it already has someone else’s data on it. You will need to restart if you want to start fresh.
• Just for Fun! Sometimes you simply want a fresh adventure, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Understanding Game Saves on DS Pokemon Games

Before we dive into restarting your game, it’s helpful to know how Pokemon games save on the DS. Most DS Pokemon games use an internal save file on the game cartridge itself. This means that when you play and progress, your game’s data gets stored directly on the little game card. This is different from some older consoles where the save was stored on the console or a separate memory card. This also means that restarting a game will actually erase this data directly from the game card, which is why you need to be sure you really want to before you take that step.

Restarting Pokemon Games: Step-by-Step

Now that you have a better grasp on why and where games are saved, here’s a detailed guide on how to reset a pokemon game on your DS. The method is generally the same across different Pokemon games, but there are small differences we will cover.

General Method for Most DS Pokemon Games

Most Pokemon games on the DS have a similar method for restarting the game. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Turn off your Nintendo DS: Make sure your DS is completely powered down. Don’t just close it, hold the power button to turn it off.
2. Insert Your Game: If the game is not already inserted, insert your Pokemon game into the Nintendo DS cartridge slot.
3. Turn on your Nintendo DS: Power the DS back on.
4. Start the Game: Select and start the Pokemon game on the DS menu screen.
5. Look for Title Screen Options: Wait until you see the game’s title screen. This is where you usually see the game’s logo and maybe some images.
6. Start Reset Combination: When you are at the title screen, you will need to press a specific combination of buttons at the same time. The combination is usually Up on the Directional Pad (D-pad), Select and the B Button. Press and hold all three buttons at the same time. Some users report that if this doesn’t work you can try pressing Up + B + X but normally the former is the one that will work.
7. Confirm Your Decision: A message will appear on the screen that asks if you are sure you want to delete all save data. It will ask something similar to “Do you want to delete all saved game data?” or “Do you want to reset the game?” If you are sure you want to restart, select “Yes” or “OK”. This action is permanent. Your progress will be erased and can’t be recovered.
8. Start Your New Adventure: After confirming, the game will restart like it’s brand new. You will be able to start from the beginning, choosing your starter Pokemon and embarking on your new journey.

Note that you need to perform the button combination (Steps 6 & 7) on the title screen, not the main menu after the load screen. If you have a black screen or are seeing a “continue” game option you will need to close the game, and go back to the title screen then try the key combinations again.

Specific Instructions for Different DS Pokemon Games

While most games follow the general method, some might have small variations. Here’s a look at specific titles.

Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum

The instructions here work the same as in the generic section above. Start the game, wait for the title screen, and hold Up on the D-pad, Select, and B. It is important to press all the keys at the same time while you are on the title screen, after you load in the game.

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Just like Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, you will need to load the game in, wait for the title screen, and then press and hold the combination keys; Up on the D-pad, Select, and B. The process of resetting these games is consistent across all DS Pokemon Games.

Pokemon Black and White

These titles also use the familiar button combination. When you get to the title screen, hold down Up on the D-pad, Select and B, at the same time. If you don’t do it on the title screen, the button combination will likely not work.

Pokemon Black 2 and White 2

Like their predecessors, Black 2 and White 2 use the same method. You’ll get the best results by loading the game, waiting for the title screen, and then press and hold Up on the D-pad, Select and B simultaneously. If you accidentally load a game into the menu, then you will need to close the game and reload in to go to the title screen.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Series

The Mystery Dungeon series, while not the same as the main Pokemon titles, often uses a similar restart method. Load the game, and when you arrive at the title screen, hold down Up on the D-pad, Select and B to initiate the deletion of your save data. These games usually have their own special instructions at times so be sure to check your instruction booklet if this doesn’t work for you.

Things to Consider Before Restarting

Before you go ahead and restart your game, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Irreversible Action: Restarting your game deletes all of your saved data. This includes your progress, your Pokemon, your items, everything! This cannot be undone. There is no method to retrieve the old save file if you change your mind, so be absolutely sure before you confirm.
• Trading and Storage: If you have valuable Pokemon that you don’t want to lose, make sure to trade them to another game, or store them using the Pokemon Bank application (if applicable) before you restart. You can also transfer to another console and game if you have the option.
• Check for Pokemon Events: Check to see if your current game has any event Pokemon or items you want to keep before restarting. There may be special Pokemon that you can only get once and can be beneficial to your new save.
• Don’t Restart on a Whim: If you only want to make a simple change to your team or strategy, then simply explore another option like catching or training more Pokemon, or trading to get what you want. Be sure you really want to restart before going through with the button combination.

Tips for a Smooth Restart

Here are some tips to make sure your game restart goes smoothly, and is more enjoyable:

• Start with a Plan: Before restarting, think about what you want to do differently this time around. Do you want to focus on a specific type of Pokemon, try a challenge, or complete the pokedex? Having an idea in mind will make the game more exciting.
• Take Advantage of Knowledge: If you’ve played the game before, use your knowledge of the game to your advantage. You know what Pokemon are powerful, where to find rare items, and how to be more efficient with the gameplay.
• Enjoy the Fresh Start: Don’t think of it as a loss, think of it as a fresh adventure. Enjoy the journey of discovery all over again!
• Use Online Resources: If you get stuck, feel free to use online resources or guides to help you through any difficult parts. It’s also helpful to view other people’s playthrough videos to see if they had helpful tactics that can help you.

Why Restarting Can Be Fun

Restarting a game might seem like a big deal, but it can be a great way to experience your favorite Pokemon title in a new and interesting way. You can take on challenges, revisit a story that you haven’t seen in a long time, and have the joy of starting from scratch. You may also want to restart to experience the game in a new format, with a new team of Pokemon. The feeling of building a strong team, learning the nuances of the game, and finally seeing the “The End” screen can be a very satisfying and gratifying feeling that you may want to experience over and over again.

So, go ahead, give your old Pokemon game a restart and make a brand new adventure!

Restarting a Pokemon game on the DS is a simple process that is accessible to anyone. With just a few button presses, you can delete your old data and start a fresh journey. This is ideal for anyone that wants to try something new, change their team, or try a fun challenge run. By knowing the steps, and keeping our tips in mind, your next Pokemon playthrough will be a fun and rewarding experience. Now that you know the steps, its time to get back to playing and have fun!