So you’ve decided to wipe the slate clean. Maybe you’re looking to relive that Hoenn nostalgia from scratch, or perhaps you bought a used copy of Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and found someone else’s Level 100 Blaziken sitting in the PC. It’s a weirdly common problem because, honestly, the 3DS Pokemon games are surprisingly cryptic about how to actually start over.
You’d think there’d be a big, red "New Game" button on the main menu. There isn't. If you try to just start a new journey while a save file already exists, the game will let you play for hours—only to hit you with a soul-crushing message when you try to save: "There is already a saved file. It is impossible to save."
Basically, you have to kill the old world before you can build a new one. Here is the exact, no-nonsense way to handle a Pokemon Alpha Sapphire how to reset game situation without losing your mind.
The Secret Button Combo for a Total Wipe
To delete your save data in Alpha Sapphire, you have to bypass the internal menu entirely. You don’t do this from the "Continue" screen. You do it during the opening cinematic.
- Boot up the game on your 3DS or 2DS.
- Wait for the intro video to start playing (the one with the Latios/Latias flying around or the water dripping off the leaf).
- Press and hold Up (on the D-pad) + B + X all at the same time.
If you timed it right, the screen will go black and a white dialogue box will pop up. It’ll ask if you want to delete all saved data. It’s going to ask you twice because Nintendo wants to be absolutely sure you aren't accidentally nuking 300 hours of progress. Say yes both times.
Once you do this, it’s over. The data is gone. The game will reboot, and you’ll finally see the "Select Language" screen, followed by Professor Birch asking if you’re a boy or a girl.
Why the D-Pad Matters
One mistake people make is using the Analog Circle Pad. It won't work. You specifically need the D-pad (the cross-shaped button). Also, make sure you're holding them down firmly until the prompt appears. If you just tap them, the intro will just keep playing like nothing happened.
Soft Resetting vs. Hard Resetting
Now, if you aren't trying to delete your whole life’s work but just want to find a Shiny Torchic or get a better Nature on your Kyogre, you don't want a "Full Reset." You want a Soft Reset.
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A soft reset just kicks you back to the title screen. It’s way faster than turning the console off and on again, and it’s much healthier for your 3DS hardware.
To soft reset in Alpha Sapphire:
Hold down L + R + Start (or Select).
The screen will flicker for a second and then bam—you’re back at the title. Shiny hunters do this thousands of times. It’s a grind, but it’s the only way to "reroll" the stats or the color of a legendary Pokemon without cheating.
What Most People Forget Before Deleting
Before you go through with the Up + B + X combo, you really should check if there’s anything worth saving. Unlike the older Game Boy games, we have tools now.
Pokemon Bank is still a thing (for now). If there are rare event Pokemon or even just your original starter on that old save file, move them to the Bank. Once you start your new game, you can pull them back in. Just remember: items cannot be stored in the Bank. If that old save file has a Master Ball or a Mega Stone, you either use it, lose it, or find a friend to trade it to temporarily.
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The Used Cartridge Gamble
If you just picked this up from a thrift store or eBay, check the "Mystery Gift" section first. Sometimes people leave unclaimed event Pokemon there that you can grab before wiping the data. It’s like finding a twenty-dollar bill in the pocket of a used jacket.
Common Myths About Resetting
I've seen some weird advice on old forums. No, you cannot delete your save from the 3DS System Settings. That only deletes the updates and DLC, not the save file stored on the physical cartridge.
Also, pulling the cartridge out while the game is saving doesn't "reset" the game in a clean way—it just corrupts the data. You might end up with a cartridge that won't even boot. Stick to the button combo; it's the only "official" way to do it.
Your Next Steps to a Fresh Start
If you've followed the steps above, your Hoenn journey is officially a blank slate. To make the most of your new save, I'd suggest grabbing a friend with Omega Ruby so you can trade version-exclusive Pokemon early on.
The first thing you should do after the intro is head to the "Options" menu. Turn the text speed to "Fast" and turn off battle animations if you're planning on leveling up quickly. It makes the early-game grind through Petalburg Woods feel a lot less like a chore. Now, go pick that Mudkip and get moving.