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Some choices made in video games can't be undone. Maybe the name players chose for their main character doesn't sit well anymore, or maybe they chose the wrong starter Pokemon. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl have some irreversible decisions that are set in stone the minute players begin their journey. Luckily, there are two different ways to start fresh in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

In earlier Pokemon games such as Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, players could easily overwrite their data by selecting Save from the in-game Menu. For the DS games like Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, three different buttons needed to be held simultaneously to overwrite the current file. Now that Pokemon games are on the Nintendo Switch, deleting Pokemon files means going into the Switch's Settings and removing it from there.

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Deleting Through Settings

nintendo switch settings

Here's how to delete the entire save data in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl:

  1. Close out of any software by pressing X.
  2. On the Home Menu Screen, select the gear icon (System Settings) at the bottom. (Note: Going into System Settings will eventually ask if players want to "Close out of any programs.")
  3. Scroll down to find Data Management and select.
  4. Further down on the Data Management page is Delete Save Data.
  5. Select Delete Save Data and it will prompt to select a User if there are more than one User/Accounts on the Nintendo Switch.

If done correctly, then Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl will start as if it were brand new.

Starting a New User

pokemon brilliant diamond dialga

For those who want to start a new game but don't want to wipe their current file, they can simply "Create a New User." While DLC is transferred over to any files made on the New User, Mystery Gifts and any other special events will not. Furthermore, playing on a New User that isn't connected/subscribed to Nintendo Switch's Online Membership means trading won't be an option either.

  1. Go into System Settings and look for User.
  2. Select Add User and follow the prompts.
  3. This can also be done by clicking on the software and selecting the plus sign.

Although Pokemon HOME isn't available for Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl yet, creating New Users and using HOME is one way to transfer Pokemon from one version to another.

Soft-Resetting

nintendo switch home screen

Doing a Soft Reset doesn't wipe the Save Data, but it allows players to exit out of Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl. Soft-Resetting is commonly used when Shiny Hunting. Here's how to Soft Reset:

  1. Click the Home button on the right Joycon.
  2. With Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl selected, press X and select Close Program.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.

MORE: Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Complete Guide & Walkthrough