Why would anyone want to delete their save file? Well, for starters, each Pokemon game only lets you have one save.
Maybe you want a fresh playthrough, a Nuzlocke challenge, or you simply want to replay Black 2 and White 2 after many years. Or perhaps you used too many cheats, and you want to start clean.
The only problem is that B2/W2 does not include a “Save Delete” option in the in-game menu, which leaves a lot of players confused when they try to restart their journey.
Luckily, these games do have a hidden command that completely erases your current save file and lets you begin again from scratch.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to delete your Black 2 and White 2 save files safely on both Nintendo DS and emulators.
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- How to Delete Pokemon Save for Nintendo DS and 3DS
Important Warning Before Deleting Save
Before you erase your save file, make sure you understand that this action is permanent.
Once you delete your data in Black 2 or White 2, everything is gone for good. This includes your Pokemon, your story progress, items, money, and Pokedex completion. All the memories.
There is no way to recover a deleted save unless you made a backup beforehand.
If you’re playing on an emulator, always copy your .sav or .dsv file to a safe folder first. A simple backup takes only a few seconds and can save you from losing hundreds of hours of gameplay.
If you’re playing on a Nintendo DS, be 100% certain of your decision, because it requires a modded DSi with homebrew like GodMode9i or a dedicated flashcart/adapter to back up your saves on this hardware.
Deleting your save is safe as long as you are fully decided and prepared. So, take a moment to back up anything important before you proceed.
How to Back Up Your Black 2 and White 2 Save Files
Do these before deleting anything. It’s quick, easy, and saves you from tears later if you change your mind:
For Emulators
Emulators are more forgiving thanks to the presence of save states. Even if you delete your .sav or .dsv files, you can always jump back to your save states.
Here’s how you can back up or share your B2/W2 save files.
- Close the game completely before doing anything.
- Locate your emulator save folder. (DeSmuME stores saves in the Battery or Saves folder. MelonDS keeps the save file in the same folder as the ROM).
- Look for a file with the same name as your ROM ending in .sav or .dsv.
- Copy that file and paste it into a separate backup folder. I upload mine online to keep them safe for future generations.
For DS
Backing up your save file when playing on the actual DS is more complicated, but it’s not rocket science.
- You need a modded DSi or 3DS with homebrew access
- Tools like GodMode9 or GodMode9i allow you to dump save files
- You can also use a flashcart or a dedicated save backup adapter
How to Delete Save Files in Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
Deleting a save file on emulators works differently from deleting one on a real Nintendo DS or 3DS. So here’s a clear and step-by-step guide for both.
NDS Emulators (DeSmuME, MelonDS)
Emulators store your saved data as separate files on your computer or device, so you have the option of removing those files manually to start a brand new game.
DeSmuME
- Close the game if it is currently running.
- Go to your DeSmuME save folder:
- Usually located in the Battery or Saves folder inside the DeSmuME directory.
- Look for a file with the same name as your ROM (Pokemon Black 2 or Pokemon White 2) but ending in .dsv or .sav.
- Delete that file.
- Open the game again, and it will start with no save data.
MelonDS
- Close the game completely.
- Open the MelonDS folder where your ROMs are stored. MelonDS creates a save file in the same folder where the ROM is located.
- Find the .sav file associated with your B2/W2 ROM.
- Delete it.
- Relaunch your ROM to begin a new adventure.
Actual DS/3DS
On a real Nintendo DS or 3DS, you cannot delete your save file from the in-game menu. Instead, Black 2 and White 2 use a hidden button command on the title screen.
- Insert your Pokemon Black 2 or White 2 cartridge and turn on your DS or 3DS.
- Wait until you reach the title screen, where you see the legendary Pokemon and the Press Start text.
- On this screen, press and hold Up on the D-pad, Select, and B at the same time.
- Keep holding the buttons until a message appears asking if you want to delete all saved data.
- Choose Yes to confirm.
- Your save file will be erased, and the game will return to the title screen. Select New Game to start fresh.
Note that this is permanent and irreversible, and make sure you think twice before erasing your save.
Conclusion
Deleting your save file in Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 is quick and easy once you know these methods.
On emulators, you just remove the save file from its respective folder so the game starts fresh. On real DS or 3DS hardware, the hidden button command on the title screen wipes your data and lets you begin a brand new journey.
Just remember that deleting a save is permanent, and you will lose everything inside your Pokemon world.
So, always back up first if you are playing on an emulator, and think twice if you are using a physical cartridge.
