Starting a new playthrough of Pokemon X and Y isn't as simple as hitting a single button on the title screen. If you've picked up a used cartridge or want to wipe your old Kalos region adventure, you'll quickly notice that Game Freak didn't put a traditional "New Game" option in the menu.
You're standing in Lumiose City with a fully stacked team, and you want to start from scratch. How do you actually wipe your save data and begin fresh? It takes a specific button combination that catches many returning players off guard.
How to Delete Save Data in Pokemon X and Y
You can't overwrite an existing save file from the main menu. If you try to select a new game while save data already exists, the game blocks you and tells you to look at your current save file.
To clear your data and start a new game, follow these exact steps: For another angle on this development, see the recent coverage from Reuters.
- Turn on your Nintendo 3DS and launch Pokemon X or Y.
- Wait for the title screen to appear with Xerneas or Yveltal on display.
- Press and hold Up on the D-Pad + X + B simultaneously.
- A prompt will appear asking if you want to clear all saved data.
- Confirm yes, and repeat the confirmation when the game double-checks your intent.
Once you complete this sequence, the game deletes your save file permanently and boots up as if you've inserted a brand-new cartridge for the very first time. Don't skip any buttons during the combination, or the game will just load your existing file.
Choosing Your Starter Pokemon
After Professor Sycamore welcomes you to the world of Pokemon and you meet your new friends in Vaniville Town, you'll face your first major decision. You have to pick your starter Pokemon from Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna.
Your choice sets the tone for your early gym battles and team balance:
- Chespin: A Grass-type that evolves into Chesnaught. It gains Fighting-type attributes later, giving it high physical defense and strong attack stats, though it struggles against the early Flying and Bug types.
- Fennekin: A Fire-type that evolves into Delphox. It picks up Psychic typing upon its final evolution, making it exceptional for special attack output against the second gym, but vulnerable early on.
- Froakie: A Water-type that evolves into Greninja. Greninja's hidden ability and speed make it one of the most popular competitive choices in franchise history, relying on high mobility and dual Water/Dark typing.
Think about your team composition early. You can catch a Fletchling and a Pidgey on Route 2 within the first twenty minutes, so plan your type coverage accordingly.
Understanding the Exp. Share Mechanic
One of the biggest shifts in Pokemon X and Y is how the Exp. Share works. Unlike older generations where the item only boosted one party member, this version turns the Exp. Share into a key item that distributes experience points to your entire active party simultaneously.
If you leave it turned on, your whole team levels up rapidly. While this removes tedious grinding, it also breaks the game's difficulty curve if you fight every trainer on every route.
- To make the game harder: Open your bag, find the key items pocket, and toggle the Exp. Share off. This forces you to rotate your team manually and keeps gym leaders challenging.
- To save time: Leave it on if you just want to experience the story and try out a rotation of six different Pokemon without spending hours battling wild Bunnelby.
Navigating the Early Game Pacing
The Kalos region starts off at a leisurely pace. You'll sit through dialogue heavy cutscenes in Santalune Forest and deal with frequent interruptions from your rival group—Serena or Calem, Shauna, Tierno, and Trevor.
Don't rush through these opening zones. Santalune Forest features hidden items in the grass and gives you early access to catch Pikachu, Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour. Take your time talking to every NPC in Santalune City, as one of them trades you a Farfetch'd for a simple in-game catch, which gives you an early Flying-type boost before the first gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple save files on one cartridge?
No. Nintendo 3DS cartridges for Pokemon X and Y only support one save file at a time. If you want to keep your current playthrough while starting a new one, you need a second physical cartridge or a digital copy on a separate 3DS system.
What happens to my Pokemon in the Pokemon Bank?
If you want to save your prized Pokemon before wiping your cartridge, you can deposit them into Pokemon Bank using your 3DS. Keep in mind that Nintendo's eShop services for the 3DS family have changed, so make sure your Bank application is already downloaded and functional before attempting any cloud transfers.
Can I soft-reset for a shiny starter?
Yes. You can save your game right before you pick up the starter bag from Tierno and Shauna. If your chosen starter isn't a shiny sprite during the battle preview against Serena or Calem, you can soft-reset by pressing L + R + Start (or Select) to return to the title screen and try again.
How do I change my character's clothes?
X and Y introduced full character customization. You can change your hat, shirt, pants, shoes, and bag by visiting Boutiques found in major cities like Lumiose and Santalune. Prices vary wildly by location, and you cannot enter high-end boutiques in Lumiose until you raise your style rating by exploring the city.
