Delete a Pokémon X save file by holding specific buttons at startup

To delete your save file in Pokémon X, start the game and when ready hold B + X + Delete on your Nintendo 3DS. Hold all three buttons together until a confirmation screen appears asking if you want to delete your save data. Select "Yes" to confirm, and the file will be erased. This is the only way to fully remove a save file — there is no delete option in the game's menu.

The timing matters. You need to hold the buttons as soon as the Nintendo 3DS logo appears, before the game's title screen loads. If you wait too long, the buttons won't register and the game will load normally. If the confirmation screen doesn't appear, release the buttons and try again from the start.

Once you delete the save file, you can start a new game when ready. The game will treat it as a fresh copy with no previous progress.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold B + X + Delete together as the 3DS logo appears to trigger the delete confirmation screen.
  • You must perform this action at startup — there is no delete option within the game itself.
  • The confirmation screen will ask you to verify before the save file is permanently removed.
  • After deletion, you can begin a new game file when ready on the same cartridge or digital copy.

Why you might need to delete your save file

Players delete Pokémon X saves for different reasons. Some want to replay the game from the beginning. Others need to clear the file to trade the cartridge or digital copy to someone else. A few restart to try a different team or challenge themselves with different Pokémon choices.

Unlike some games, Pokémon X does not support multiple save files on a single cartridge or digital license. If you want a second playthrough, you must delete the existing save first. This is a permanent action — once the file is gone, you cannot recover it.

What happens to your Pokémon and items when you delete

Deleting your save file removes everything: your Pokémon, items, money, badges, and playtime. The only exception is Pokémon you have transferred to Pokémon Bank before deletion. If you used Pokémon Bank to store creatures in the cloud, you can move them back to a new save file after you restart.

Items, money, and progress cannot be saved or transferred. Plan ahead if you want to keep any Pokémon — transfer them to Bank before you delete the save.

Using Pokémon Bank to save Pokémon before restarting

Pokémon Bank is a cloud storage service that lets you store Pokémon separately from your save file. If you have a Bank subscription, open the Bank app on your 3DS, select "Pokémon X" as your source game, and move any Pokémon you want to keep into your Bank boxes. They will stay there even after you delete your save file.

After you delete and start a new game, open Pokémon Bank again and move your stored Pokémon back into your new save file. This is the only way to carry Pokémon forward to a fresh playthrough. Pokémon Bank requires a paid subscription, though Nintendo occasionally offers free trial periods.

Troubleshooting if the delete screen doesn't appear

If holding B + X + Delete does not bring up the confirmation screen, make sure you are holding all three buttons at the exact moment the Nintendo 3DS logo appears. The timing window is narrow — usually the first two to three seconds after you press the power button. Release the buttons and try again if nothing happens.

If your 3DS is low on battery, charge it fully before attempting the delete. A low battery can sometimes prevent the button combination from registering. Also confirm that your buttons are not stuck or damaged — test them in other games first to rule out hardware problems.

Starting a new game after deletion

Once the save file is deleted, power off your 3DS completely. Turn it back on and launch Pokémon X normally. The game will detect that no save file exists and prompt you to start a new adventure. You will begin in the opening sequence and can choose your starter Pokémon and character name again.

If you transferred Pokémon to Bank before deletion, you can access them once you reach a Pokémon Center in your new game. Open the Bank app and move your stored Pokémon into your new save file. This works at any point in the game, so you do not have to wait until you have beaten the main story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover a save file after I delete it?

No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. The save file is erased from your cartridge or digital license when ready. If you want to keep any Pokémon, transfer them to Pokémon Bank before you delete.

Do I need to delete my save file to trade my cartridge to someone else?

Yes. Pokémon X saves are tied to the cartridge, and a new player cannot start a game until the old save is removed. Deleting the file clears the cartridge so the next owner can begin their own adventure.

Will deleting my save file affect my Pokédex or achievements?

Yes. Your Pokédex, badges, playtime, and all progress are deleted along with the save file. Only Pokémon stored in Pokémon Bank before deletion can be recovered.

What if I hold the buttons but nothing happens?

Try again with better timing — hold the buttons as soon as the 3DS logo appears, not after. Make sure your battery is charged and test your buttons in another game to confirm they work. If the issue persists, your 3DS hardware may need service.

Can I have two save files on one cartridge?

No. Pokémon X only supports one save file per cartridge or digital license. To play again, you must delete the existing save first.