Delete a save file by holding specific buttons when the game starts

To delete a save file in Pokémon X, hold B + X + Delete together while the Nintendo 3DS is starting up the game. You will see a confirmation screen asking whether you want to delete your save data. Select yes, and the file will be removed. This is the only way to erase a save file — there is no delete option inside the game itself.

The timing matters. Press and hold all three buttons before the Nintendo logo appears, and keep holding them until the confirmation prompt shows up. If you release too early, the game will load normally and you will need to restart and try again.

Once you confirm the deletion, the save file is gone permanently. You cannot undo this action, so make sure you want to start over before you proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold B + X + Delete together when starting Pokémon X to reach the delete confirmation screen.
  • The save file deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, so confirm you want to erase everything before selecting yes.
  • You must delete the save file from the startup screen — there is no delete option in the game menu.
  • If the game loads normally instead of showing the confirmation screen, restart the 3DS and try holding the buttons earlier.

Why you might need to delete a save file

Most players delete a save file when they want to restart the game from the beginning. This erases all your Pokémon, items, badges, and progress, giving you a fresh start. Some people do this after finishing the game once and wanting to replay it, or if they want to try a different team or strategy.

Deleting is also necessary if you are giving the game or 3DS to someone else and want to remove your personal data. Since save files are tied to the cartridge itself (not your Nintendo Network account), the only way to clear the cartridge is to delete the save.

What happens after you delete the save file

After deletion, the game cartridge is blank. The next time you start Pokémon X, you will see the opening sequence as if you are playing for the first time. You will choose your character name, starter Pokémon, and begin in Kalos Region from the start.

All your previous progress is gone — your Pokédex, your items, your team, and your playtime hours. If you had Pokémon you wanted to keep, you should have transferred them to another game or Pokémon Bank before deleting. Once the save is erased, there is no way to recover them.

Transferring Pokémon before you delete

If you have Pokémon you want to keep before starting over, use Pokémon Bank. This is a cloud storage service that lets you move Pokémon from Pokémon X to other games. You can access it from the home menu of your 3DS if you have a Nintendo Network account.

Pokémon Bank requires a paid subscription, though Nintendo sometimes offers free trial periods. Once you have stored your Pokémon there, you can delete your save file safely and transfer them back to a new save file later.

If you do not have Pokémon Bank, you can trade Pokémon to a friend's copy of the game before deleting. This is the free alternative, though it requires another player and another cartridge.

Troubleshooting if the delete screen does not appear

If you hold B + X + Delete and the game loads normally instead of showing the confirmation screen, you likely released the buttons too early or pressed them in the wrong order. Power off the 3DS completely, then try again. This time, press and hold all three buttons before you see any Nintendo logo or game graphics.

Make sure you are holding the physical buttons on the 3DS itself, not the touch screen. The B button is on the right side of the d-pad, X is in the top-right corner of the button cluster, and Delete is the small button above the right shoulder button.

If you are still having trouble, try holding the buttons a few seconds before turning on the 3DS. Some players find it easier to press the power button while already holding B, X, and Delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete just one Pokémon or item instead of the whole save?

No. Pokémon X does not have a way to delete individual Pokémon or items from within the game. You can release Pokémon one at a time by going to your PC and selecting "Release", but this is different from deleting the save file. Deleting the save file erases everything at once.

What if I accidentally deleted my save file?

Once deleted, the save file cannot be recovered. Nintendo does not back up save files for Pokémon X, and there is no undo function. If you had Pokémon stored in Pokémon Bank before deleting, you can still access them with a new save file.

Do I need to delete the save file to transfer Pokémon to another game?

No. You can transfer Pokémon to Pokémon Bank or trade them to other games without deleting your save. Deleting is only necessary if you want to erase everything and start over.

Will deleting the save file remove the game from my 3DS?

No. Deleting the save file only erases your progress and Pokémon. The game cartridge itself remains on your 3DS and is ready to play again from the beginning.