To restart a Pokemon game on a DS, press A, B, X, Y, L, and R simultaneously on the title screen. This will prompt you to erase save data, allowing for a fresh start.
So, you’re itching to dive back into the world of Pokemon, but with a brand new adventure? Maybe you want to try a different starter, or perhaps you’re just feeling nostalgic for that initial experience. Knowing how to restart pokemon game on ds is the first step.
It is a straightforward process, though it’s not always obvious for new players. We’ll guide you on this simple button press to begin your journey again.
How to Restart Pokemon Game on DS: A Complete Guide
So, you’re ready to begin your Pokémon journey again on your Nintendo DS? Maybe you want to try a different starter, explore a new path, or relive the adventure with a fresh perspective. Whatever the reason, restarting a Pokémon game on the DS is a pretty straightforward process. But, just like training a Pokémon, it’s good to know all the steps involved to make sure everything goes smoothly. We will look into different ways of restarting your game depending on the specific game.
Understanding the Different Nintendo DS Pokémon Games
Before we dive into the “how,” it’s helpful to know what games we’re talking about. The Nintendo DS family had a bunch of great Pokémon titles, each with slight differences in how they handle saving and restarting. Here’s a quick list of the most popular ones:
- Pokémon Diamond
- Pokémon Pearl
- Pokémon Platinum
- Pokémon HeartGold
- Pokémon SoulSilver
- Pokémon Black
- Pokémon White
- Pokémon Black 2
- Pokémon White 2
These games are all slightly different from the newer Nintendo 3DS and Switch games in how they operate, especially when it comes to restarting. Understanding which game you are playing is important before attempting to restart your Pokémon journey.
The Simple Method: Soft Reset
The most common way to restart any Pokémon game on the DS is by performing a soft reset. A soft reset is like pressing the reset button, but without turning off the power entirely. This is the best way to get back to the beginning screen of your game if it’s crashed, or if you’re looking to restart and pick a different starter.
How to Perform a Soft Reset on a DS
Here’s the combination of buttons you need to press simultaneously:
- Press and hold the L Button.
- Press and hold the R Button.
- Press and hold the START Button.
- Press and hold the SELECT Button.
- Release all buttons at the same time.
If done correctly, your Pokémon game will go back to the title screen. From there, you can select “New Game” to restart your adventure. It’s like starting completely from scratch. Make sure to do it carefully, because this will overwrite any current progress you have made.
Deleting Save Data to Start Anew
Sometimes, a soft reset isn’t enough. If you’re looking for a really clean start, you might want to delete the existing save data entirely. This makes sure there is no chance of mistakenly loading your old save file.
Steps to Delete Save Data
The specific button combination for deleting save data is different depending on the Pokémon game you have. Before doing so, be absolutely certain that you are ready to start fresh, as this process cannot be undone.
For Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
- Turn off your Nintendo DS.
- Insert your Pokémon game into the DS.
- Turn the DS back on.
- As soon as the game’s title screen appears (where you see Dialga, Palkia or Giratina), press and hold Up on the Directional Pad (D-Pad).
- While still holding up on the D-Pad, press and hold B Button.
- Press and hold SELECT Button at the same time.
- You will be asked if you want to delete all save data. Press “Yes” if you are ready to erase it.
For Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Turn off your Nintendo DS.
- Insert your Pokémon game into the DS.
- Turn the DS back on.
- As soon as the game’s title screen appears (where you see Ho-Oh or Lugia), press and hold Up on the Directional Pad (D-Pad).
- While still holding up on the D-Pad, press and hold X Button.
- While holding these buttons, also press and hold B Button.
- You will be asked if you want to delete all save data. Press “Yes” if you are ready to erase it.
For Pokemon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2
- Turn off your Nintendo DS.
- Insert your Pokémon game into the DS.
- Turn the DS back on.
- As soon as the game’s title screen appears (where you see Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, or their other forms), press and hold Up on the Directional Pad (D-Pad).
- While still holding up on the D-Pad, press and hold SELECT Button.
- While holding these buttons, also press and hold B Button.
- You will be asked if you want to delete all save data. Press “Yes” if you are ready to erase it.
After confirming, your save data will be gone, and you’ll start from the beginning as if the game was new!
Important Notes Before Restarting
Before you jump in and restart your Pokémon game, it’s a good idea to keep a few things in mind.
- Irreversible Process: Once you delete the save data, it’s gone for good. You cannot get it back, so always make sure that you’re absolutely certain about starting over. This process is permanent.
- Transferring Pokémon: If you have Pokémon you don’t want to lose, consider transferring them to a different game before deleting your save data. There are ways to transfer Pokemon between games in the same generation or to Pokemon games in the different console.
- Checking Game Cartridge: Before deleting the save, make sure the cartridge works properly to avoid data loss if you were intending to keep your old save game.
- Battery Life: If you notice the game is not saving, you might need to replace the battery on the cartridge.
Why You Might Want to Restart
There are several reasons why a player might want to restart a Pokémon game. Some of these reasons include:
- Trying a Different Starter: Each Pokémon game starts you off with a choice between three different Pokémon. Restarting lets you try a different one without playing a completely new game.
- Reliving the Story: Sometimes, you just want to experience the journey from beginning to end again, with all of its excitement and story.
- Experimenting with Different Teams: Starting with a new game can allow you to explore new combinations of Pokémon for battle.
- Finding Shiny Pokémon: Some people reset the game repeatedly to try and get a shiny version of one of the starting Pokémon or any legendary Pokémon they like.
- A Fresh Start: Maybe you just made mistakes in the game and would like to get a fresh start.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things might not go exactly as planned. Here are some common problems people run into when trying to restart their Pokémon games on a DS, and how to solve them:
Game Not Resetting With Soft Reset
If the soft reset button combination isn’t working, make sure you’re pressing all the buttons correctly at the same time. Sometimes, a slightly delayed button press will not work. If it still doesn’t work, check that the buttons are working correctly and not stuck or malfunctioning.
Game Not Deleting Save Data
If the delete save data process isn’t working, double check that you are holding the correct buttons for the correct game. The combination is different depending on the specific game you are trying to reset. Check that your buttons aren’t broken.
Game Freezing During the Process
If the game freezes while trying to delete the data, try soft-resetting first, and then attempt to delete the data once the game is booted back up to the main menu. If that doesn’t work, try cleaning the cartridge contacts with a soft cloth or cotton swab. The game may be struggling to load if the cartridge is dirty.
Error Messages
If you receive an error message while trying to restart the game, it could be a sign that the cartridge itself has some issues. Try cleaning the contacts, and if that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the game. Always verify the authenticity of your game cartridge.
The Importance of Backing Up Your Saves
While the focus of this article is on restarting your game, it’s worth mentioning the importance of keeping your game save data secure if you have any plans of not restarting. For that, you could consider doing the following:
- Using Homebrew: Homebrew is a third-party modification that allows you to access different features. There are programs that can help you to backup save files on the DS.
- Using Transfer Tools: If you’re moving to a different generation of Pokémon games on another system, there are tools available, like the Pokémon Bank, that can help transfer Pokemon.
- Being Extra Cautious: Double check every step while starting a new game or restarting your game to make sure you won’t overwrite your game data if that was your intention.
Restarting for Challenge Runs
A lot of players enjoy doing challenge runs, like Nuzlocke challenges. These challenges often involve very strict rules, which require multiple restarts in order to achieve the goals set by the player. Restarting a game is an essential part of being able to reset the game when things go wrong. If you are into challenge runs, it is good to learn how to start a new game.
Restarting for Shiny Hunting
As mentioned previously, some people restart Pokémon games with the goal of getting a shiny version of a specific Pokémon. If you have time to waste, this is one of the more fun ways to enjoy replaying the game.
Restarting a Pokémon game on the Nintendo DS is a simple process once you know the tricks. Whether you’re going for a brand-new adventure, shiny hunting, or just want a fresh start, you are now fully equipped with all the knowledge needed to get started! Remember to handle your game cartridges carefully, and always back up data if needed before starting over. Now, it’s time to pick your starter and embark on a new Pokémon adventure.
How to Delete / Restart Pokemon X, Y, Sun, Moon, Alpha Sapphire & Omega Ruby!
Final Thoughts
To restart your Pokémon game on DS, you typically need to press a specific button combination at the title screen. This combination often involves the Up button, Select, and B. Confirming deletion will erase your saved progress.
Be very careful when you do this, because you can’t get it back. Knowing the right button presses is essential before you decide how to restart pokemon game on ds. The exact combination can vary slightly between different game versions.
