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{{incomplete}}
{{incomplete|2=needs names for Quicksaving, Gen VII information}}
[[File:Platinum save.png|frame|Saving in {{v2|Platinum}}]]
[[File:Save USUM.png|thumb|right|Saving in {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}]]
'''Saving''' (Japanese: '''レポート''' ''Report'') is a function used in [[Pokémon games]] which allows the player to start from where they saved the next time they turn on their game. Saving is required when using certain features of the game such as going to the [[Global Terminal|Global Trade Station]] and entering a [[Battle Tower]]. After defeating the [[Elite Four]], the game automatically saves. If there is already saved game file, the player must first overwrite the existing save file with the new data. A new game can be started if there is a saved game file, however the new file cannot be saved unless it overwrites the existing file. Saving also plays a role in many [[glitches]] and in obtaining [[glitch Pokémon]].
A '''save file''' or '''save''' (Japanese: '''レポート''' ''report'') is an important feature in the [[Pokémon games]] which allows the player to resume their adventure from where they left off the last time the game was booted.


In the event that the saving process is interrupted, the save data risks corruption, effectively removing the player's chance of resuming from where they left off, thus forcing the player to start the game from the beginning again. The game will prompt the player when this happens the next time they access the game menu. On the GBA and DS games, there is a back-up save, meaning if the saving process is interrupted, and the save file is corrupted, then the previous save file will be loaded.
In the [[core series]] games, players create or overwrite the save file by accessing the '''Save''' option in the [[menu]].
 
==Pokémon Report==
In the Japanese [[core series]] games, saving from the [[menu]] is presented as writing down the player's recent actions in a [[Pokémon Report]] (Japanese: ポケモンレポート) (however, it is referred to as saving when saving due to changing [[Pokémon Storage System|Boxes]] in the Generation I and II games). As a result, the save function is represented by a book icon in the core series Pokémon games. In the video game {{ga|Pokémon Trading Card Game}} and [[Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!]], saving is presented as writing in the player's Diary, which is carried over to the localized version.
 
==Mechanics==
The save file is stored in battery-powered {{wp|Static random-access memory|SRAM}} in [[Generation]]s {{gen|I}} and {{gen|II}}, and in {{wp|flash memory}} from [[Generation III]] onward. It is required when using certain in-game features (see [[:#List of activities|List of activities]] for more information).
 
If there is already a save file stored on the game's cartridge, the player must first overwrite the existing file with a new file. A new save file can be started if one is already present. However, the new file cannot be saved unless it overwrites the existing file. From [[Generation IV]] onwards, as a precaution against unintentional loss of data, any existing save file must be manually deleted by pressing the '''↑ + SELECT + B''' button combination on the title screen before new data can be written. The combination was changed to '''↑ + X + B''' in [[Generation VI]].
 
In the event that the saving process is interrupted, the save file risks corruption, effectively causing its data to be lost, thus forcing the player to start a new game. The game will notify the player when this happens the next time they access the [[main menu]]. Starting in [[Generation III]], save file backups are stored, meaning that if the saving process is interrupted and the save file becomes corrupted, then the previous file will be loaded from the backup. Interrupting the saving process in the Generation I and II games may result in permanent loss or corruption of data.
 
Save files of paired versions are compatible with either [[Core series|version]]. In Generations I and II, save files of English and European versions are also compatible with each other. Starting in Generation III, save files are compatible with all languages.
 
==Process==
===In the core series games===
====Generation I====
The saving process in the [[Generation I]] games is performed in a single step.
 
During the saving process, the message "''Now saving...''"{{sup/1|RB}} or "''Saving...''"{{sup/1|Y}} is shown. In the Japanese versions, the message of progress only appears in {{game|Yellow}}, and it reads ポケモンレポートに かきこんでいます (translation: ''The Pokémon Report is being written...''). In the Japanese {{game2|Red|Green|Blue}}, the process is instantaneous.
 
If the player attempts to save after starting a new game with a save file already present, a prompt with the text "''The older file will be erased to save. Okay?''" (Japanese: まえに かかれた レポートが きえて しまいますが うえから かいても いいですか? ''The previous report will be erased. Is it OK to overwrite it?'') will be displayed. Awkwardly, this message also appears in the Japanese Red and Green even if no save file is available.
 
The sound effect played after saving is successful differs between Japanese versions of the [[Generation I]] games.<ref>[http://www.glitterberri.com/pokemon-red-blue/game-freak-staff-interview/staff-secrets/ GlitterBerri's Game Translations » Staff Secrets] (translated from the [http://www.nintendo.co.jp/nom/0007/gfreak/page06.html original] by TCRF admin GlitterBerri)</ref>
 
Save data is stored on a RAM chip powered by a battery when the game is turned off. If the battery runs dry, the save data is deleted constantly due to the RAM not being powered on.
 
====Generation II====
In the [[Generation II]] games, the saving process is always executed in two steps, with the exception of the player's very first save.
 
The first step is to confirm the save and the second step is to confirm the overwriting of the current save file, if one is already present. Additionally, during the process, the game warns the player to not turn off the power.
 
Save data is stored on a RAM chip powered by a battery when the game is turned off. If the battery runs dry, the save data is deleted constantly due to the RAM not being powered on.
 
====Generation III====
In the [[Generation III]] games, the saving process is similar to that of [[Generation II]] but attempts to better secure the process with the addition of backups, which are loaded if the primary save file becomes corrupted.
 
Whenever backup memory is damaged or worn out, the game tries to correct the issue a few times by itself; if all attempts fail, it warns the player that it can still be played but that any progress will not be saved. The English versions mistakenly suggest that the internal battery may have run dry, but saved data does not actually rely on the battery at all.
 
;Japanese Ruby/Sapphire text
<blockquote>{{j|「バックアップきのうの こしょう または じゅみょうが きました。セーブすることは できませんが このまま ゲームを あそぶことはできます」}}<br>(''The backup function has failed or reached the end of its lifespan. Saving is not possible but the game can be played.'')</blockquote>
 
;English Ruby/Sapphire text
<blockquote>The backup memory is damaged or the internal battery has run dry. The game can be played. However, progress cannot be saved.</blockquote>
 
In the 1.0 release of the English versions of {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, the text box for the messages of the backup function is displayed incorrectly due to a bug that was partially fixed by release 1.1 and possibly full fix by release 1.2.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9NUMK6N4F0 Various revision differences (Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire v1.0, v1.1) by ChickasaurusGL]</ref>
 
<gallery>
PKMN_RS-ENG_save-backup_text_bug_v1.0.png|English Ruby and Sapphire v1.0 text bug
PKMN_RS-ENG_save-backup_text_v1.1-1.2.png|English Ruby and Sapphire v1.1/1.2
</gallery>
 
====Generation IV====
In the [[Generation IV]] games, the saving process is similar to that of [[Generation III]].
 
In {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, the usual "''Saving...''" message is replaced with "''Saving a lot of data...''" if the player has used the [[Pokémon Storage System]] at all during their session. This includes capturing a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} and sending it automatically to a Box and using the Pokémon Storage System directly. It also occurs when saving and there is no save file already present. When this happens, the process will take significantly longer. In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the message only appears after a [[Global Trade System]] trade, if the player is saving with no save file already present, if the save file is corrupted and the player is saving with a backup save file, or major changes are made to the Pokémon Storage System.
 
Starting in this [[generation]], the player is prevented from saving the game if there is already a save file present. If the player starts a new game in this scenario, they will be notified to delete the old save file first before a new game and while attempting to save one.
 
In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the [[Pokéwalker]] data associated to the game is also stored in the save file, therefore deleting the save file will also delete the Pokéwalker data.
 
====Generation V====
In the [[Generation V]] games, the saving process is similar to that of [[Generation IV]], but with two differences. First, there is now only one step again, like in [[Generation I]]. Second, while saving, there is a progress bar at the bottom of the screen.
 
The long saving periods of Generation IV have been rectified by giving the player only eight Boxes in the [[Pokémon Storage System]] until each one of the eight has at least one {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in it, avoiding the need to encrypt empty Box data. If major changes are made to the Pokémon Storage System after all the Boxes are available, the "''Saving a lot of data...''" message appears, and saving will take longer than normal like in Generation IV when this message is shown.
 
====Generation VI====
In the [[Generation VI]] games, the saving process is similar to that of [[Generation V]] but the progress bar is removed. Saving takes a significantly shorter amount of time (especially when saving via the save option) compared to earlier [[generation]]s. If the player is online and has Auto Sync enabled with a Pokémon Trainer Club account, saving will take significantly longer while the data syncs.
 
The [[main menu]] no longer provides the player with the option of starting a new game when a save file is present. If the player wishes to start a new game, they must first delete their save file.
 
In version 1.0 of {{g|X and Y}}, there is a [[Lumiose City save glitch|glitch]] in areas of [[Lumiose City]] that will cause the game to not respond to user input when the save is loaded. [[Nintendo]] acknowledged the existence of this [[glitch]] and subsequently released a patch to fix it.
 
Battle Videos and the player's uncollected StreetPass tags are saved to the SD Card (separately from the save file of downloaded copies of the core series games), even when playing using a game card, and are not deleted when the save file is. This data is shared between X and Y and between Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, but is separate for each pair of games.
 
Unlike the three generations before, this generation of games appears to have no backup memory.
 
===In spin-off games===
====In Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness====
[[Pokémon Colosseum]] requires the player to use the [[PC]] for saving, as opposed to the handheld [[core series]] games, which allow the player to save anywhere. The "save anywhere" feature was restored in [[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]].
 
====In the Pokémon Ranger series====
In {{ga|Pokémon Ranger}}, [[Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia]], and [[Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs]], the save file may be written using terminals known as save machines. Save machines are typically located in [[Ranger Base]]s and [[Ranger Depot]]s, although there are many located in areas all over the [[Fiore]], [[Almia]] and [[Oblivia]] [[region]]s, both indoors and outdoors.
 
When no save machine is available, players may use a "quick save" feature, which temporarily saves their progress if they are unable to reach a save machine. However, quick save data is deleted when loaded, whereas progress saved via save machines will be stored permanently.
 
In many [[Ranger Net]] missions, attempts to using a save machine will yield the notice that it is out of service.
 
====In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series====
In [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team|Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team]] and [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness|Explorers of Time, Darkness]] and [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky|Sky]] the {{player}} can only save in their bed, at [[Kangaskhan Rock]]s, and at the [[Treasure Town#Crossroads|well at the crossroads]]{{sup/md|S}}, and will be asked if they want to save each time they come back from an adventure after waking up. Starting in [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity|Gates to Infinity]], the player can save anywhere outside a dungeon from the menu.
 
It is not possible to save inside dungeons, but it is possible to quicksave. Doing so creates a temporary save file from the point that the game was quicksaved. Upon quicksaving, the player is immediately taken to the [[main menu]]. Resuming the adventure deletes the temporary save file.
 
====In Pokémon Conquest====
Saving the game in [[Pokémon Conquest]] can be done at any point in gameplay in which the player can open the menu. This allows the player to permanently save their game in the middle of battle, unlike most other games in the series.
 
To delete the save file in Pokémon Conquest, the '''A''', '''B''', '''X''', and '''Y''' buttons have to be pressed and held simultaneously on the company logo screen (before the title screen).
 
====In the Pokémon Trading Card Game series====
In {{ga|Pokémon Trading Card Game}} and [[Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!]], the player saves using the "Diary" (Japanese: にっき ''Diary'') command from the menu.
 
====In the Pokémon Pinball series====
In [[Pokémon Pinball]] and [[Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire]], the [[Pokédex]] information (captured and seen Pokémon), records and options are saved automatically. The player may stop playing at any point by creating a temporary save file, which is deleted when the player resumes playing or starts a new game.


==List of activities==
==List of activities==
This is a list of activities which require saving before they can be used.
This is a list of activities which require saving before they can be used in the [[core series]] games. Some of these may not require saving based on the [[options]] set by the player, like [[Player Search System]] {{pkmn|battle}}s. Activities that trigger saving automatically will not prompt the player to overwrite the old save file.


===Generation I===
===Generation I===
* When using the [[Pokémon storage system]] to move Pokémon into other boxes
* Changing Boxes in the [[Pokémon Storage System]]
* When entering the [[Pokémon Center|Cable Club]]
* Using the [[Pokémon Center#Generation I|Cable Club]]
* Entering the Hall of Fame (automatic)


===Generation II===
===Generation II===
* When using the [[Pokémon storage system]] to move Pokémon into other boxes
* Changing Boxes and moving {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} between Boxes in the [[Pokémon Storage System]]
* When entering the [[Pokémon Center|Cable Club]]
* Using the [[Pokémon Center#Generation II|Cable Club]], or [[PokéCom Club]] (Japanese {{game|Crystal}} only)
* When challenging the {{Jo|Battle Tower}}
* Entering the [[Hall of Fame]] or defeating {{ga|Red}}&mdash;this is done automatically
* Entering the Hall of Fame (automatic)
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s in the {{Gdis|Battle Tower|II}}{{sup/2|C}}


===Generation III===
===Generation III===
* Entering a [[Battle Tower]] or, in {{game|Emerald}}, another location in a [[Battle Frontier]] to participate in battles
* Using the [[Pokémon Center#Generation III|Cable Club]] or [[Pokémon Center#Generation III|Wireless Club]]{{sup/3|FRLG}}{{sup/3|E}}
* When entering the [[Pokémon Center|Cable Club]] or [[Pokémon Center#Generation III#Wireless Club|Wireless Club]]
* [[Trade|Trading]] a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}&mdash;this is done automatically
* Trading a Pokémon
* Entering the [[Hall of Fame]]&mdash;this is done automatically
* Entering the Hall of Fame (automatic)
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s in the {{Gdis|Battle Tower|III}}{{sup/3|RSE}} or another location in the {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}{{sup/3|E}}
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s on one of the [[Battle Tent]]s{{sup/3|E}}
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s in [[Trainer Hill]] for the first time{{sup/3|E}}


===Generation IV===
===Generation IV===
* Entering a [[Battle Tower]] or, in {{game|Platinum}} as well as {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, another location in a [[Battle Frontier]] to participate in battles
* Using the [[Pokémon Center]]'s Colosseum or [[Union Room]]
* Using {{wp|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection}}
* [[Trade|Trading]] a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}&mdash;this is done automatically
** Entering the [[Global Terminal|Global Trade Station]]
* Accessing [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
* Trading a Pokémon
* Using the [[Global Terminal]] or {{DL|Global Terminal|Global Trade Station}}{{sup/4|DP}}
* Using the [[Explorer Kit]]
* Entering the [[Hall of Fame]]&mdash;this is done automatically
* Entering the Colosseum or the [[Union Room]]
* Using the [[Explorer Kit]]{{sup/4|DPPt}}
* Entering the Hall of Fame (automatic)
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s in the {{Gdis|Battle Tower|IV}} or another location in the {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}}{{sup/4|Pt}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s at the [[Trainer House]]{{sup/4|HGSS}}
* Defeating {{ga|Red}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}&mdash;this is done automatically
 
===Generation V===
* Using the [[Pokémon Center]]'s Colosseum or [[Union Room]]
* [[Trade|Trading]] a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}&mdash;this is done automatically
* Accessing [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
* Using the [[Global Terminal]]
* Using {{DL|C-Gear|Game Sync}}, [[infrared]] (optionally), or changing the Wi-Fi settings in the [[C-Gear]]
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s in the [[Battle Subway]]
* Using [[Poké Transfer]]
* Entering the [[Hall of Fame]]&mdash;this is done automatically
* Releasing a movie in [[Pokéstar Studios]]{{sup/5|B2W2}}
 
===Generation VI===
* [[Trade|Trading]] a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}&mdash;this is done automatically
* Enabling Internet access
* Using the [[Global Trade System]]
* Using [[Wonder Trade]]
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s and using "other communication features" of the [[Player Search System]]&mdash;the requirement to save is optional
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s in the [[Battle Maison]]
* Entering the [[Hall of Fame]]&mdash;this is done automatically
 
===Generation VII===
* [[Trade|Trading]] a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}&mdash;this is done automatically
* Enabling Internet access
* Using the [[Global Trade System]]
* Using [[Wonder Trade]]
* Participating in {{pkmn|battle}}s in the [[Battle Tree]]
* Entering the [[Hall of Fame]]&mdash;this is done automatically
 
==Corruption==
A save file can become corrupted due to various factors:
* interruption of the saving process by shutting down the system or removing the Game Card
* cheating
* abusing certain [[glitch]]es
 
Physical damage to the game cartridge, such as from dropping it, may result in corruption of the save file in games of the first three [[generation]]s. Improperly set cartridges (and memory cards in the case of games for the [[Nintendo GameCube]]) may cause data to be read as corrupt. In such instances, turning the system off and reinserting the cartridge properly will cause the data to be read correctly.
 
In the Generation I and II core series games, save data is stored on a RAM chip powered by a battery when the game is turned off. If the battery runs dry, the save data is lost due to the RAM not being powered on.
 
==Cloning glitches==
{{main|Cloning glitches}}
In the [[Generation I]] and {{gen|II}} games as well as in {{game|Emerald}}, there are cloning [[glitch]]es which exploit the use of saving.
 
==Gallery==
{{Incomplete|section|Missing images from games, mostly spin-off games}}
<gallery>
Save Pokémon Blue.png|Blue
Save Pokémon Gold.png|Gold
Save Pokémon Crystal.png|Crystal
Save Pokémon Sapphire.png|Sapphire
Save Pokémon LeafGreen.png|LeafGreen
Save Pokémon Emerald.png|Emerald
Save Pokémon Platinum.png|Platinum
Save Pokémon HeartGold.png|HeartGold
Save Pokémon Black.png|Black
Save Pokémon Black 2.png|Black 2
Save XY.png|X and Y
Save SM.png|Sun and Moon
Save USUM.png|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
</gallery>
 
==In other languages==
{{langtable|color=ddf|bordercolor=ccf
|zh_yue=記錄 ''{{tt|Geiluhk|Save}}''
|zh_cmn=記錄 / 记录 ''{{tt|Jìlù|Save}}''
|nl=Opslaan
|fr=Sauvegarder
|de=Speichern{{tt|*|Generation VI+}}<br>Sichern{{tt|*|Generation I-V}}
|it=Salva
|ko=리포트 ''Report''
|pt=Guardar
|es=Guardar
}}


==Trivia==
==References==
* In Generations I, II, and {{game|Emerald}}, there are cloning glitches which exploit the use of saving.
{{reflist}}
* The question for double-checking a save, i.e., the information given to the player that saving will cause the previous save to be overwritten (considering that there is already a save file created), was officialized internationally in Generation II. However, the question was present in {{game|Red and Green|s}} as a one-time reconfirmation and it was implemented in a very unusual manner, since it was only made when the player tried to perform their first save. This was changed in [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Pokémon Blue]], where the save process will only involve a confirmation request and a message of a successful save. The Japanese version of {{game|Yellow}} performs exactly like the international versions of all Generation I games.
* From all the Generation I games, the only one to have the Japanese equivalent of the {{tt|"Now saving..."/"Saving..."|ポクモンレポートに かきこんでいます}} message (from the international Red and Blue, and Yellow, respectively) is Pokémon Yellow.


{{-}}
{{Menu}}
{{Menu}}
{{Project Games notice|game mechanic}}
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[de:Speichern]]
[[fr:Sauvegarde]]
[[it:Salvataggio]]
[[ja:レポート]]
[[zh:记录]]

Revision as of 12:39, 19 September 2019

050Diglett.png This article is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: needs names for Quicksaving, Gen VII information

A save file or save (Japanese: レポート report) is an important feature in the Pokémon games which allows the player to resume their adventure from where they left off the last time the game was booted.

In the core series games, players create or overwrite the save file by accessing the Save option in the menu.

Pokémon Report

In the Japanese core series games, saving from the menu is presented as writing down the player's recent actions in a Pokémon Report (Japanese: ポケモンレポート) (however, it is referred to as saving when saving due to changing Boxes in the Generation I and II games). As a result, the save function is represented by a book icon in the core series Pokémon games. In the video game Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!, saving is presented as writing in the player's Diary, which is carried over to the localized version.

Mechanics

The save file is stored in battery-powered SRAM in Generations I and II, and in flash memory from Generation III onward. It is required when using certain in-game features (see List of activities for more information).

If there is already a save file stored on the game's cartridge, the player must first overwrite the existing file with a new file. A new save file can be started if one is already present. However, the new file cannot be saved unless it overwrites the existing file. From Generation IV onwards, as a precaution against unintentional loss of data, any existing save file must be manually deleted by pressing the ↑ + SELECT + B button combination on the title screen before new data can be written. The combination was changed to ↑ + X + B in Generation VI.

In the event that the saving process is interrupted, the save file risks corruption, effectively causing its data to be lost, thus forcing the player to start a new game. The game will notify the player when this happens the next time they access the main menu. Starting in Generation III, save file backups are stored, meaning that if the saving process is interrupted and the save file becomes corrupted, then the previous file will be loaded from the backup. Interrupting the saving process in the Generation I and II games may result in permanent loss or corruption of data.

Save files of paired versions are compatible with either version. In Generations I and II, save files of English and European versions are also compatible with each other. Starting in Generation III, save files are compatible with all languages.

Process

In the core series games

Generation I

The saving process in the Generation I games is performed in a single step.

During the saving process, the message "Now saving..."RB or "Saving..."Y is shown. In the Japanese versions, the message of progress only appears in Pokémon Yellow, and it reads ポケモンレポートに かきこんでいます (translation: The Pokémon Report is being written...). In the Japanese Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, the process is instantaneous.

If the player attempts to save after starting a new game with a save file already present, a prompt with the text "The older file will be erased to save. Okay?" (Japanese: まえに かかれた レポートが きえて しまいますが うえから かいても いいですか? The previous report will be erased. Is it OK to overwrite it?) will be displayed. Awkwardly, this message also appears in the Japanese Red and Green even if no save file is available.

The sound effect played after saving is successful differs between Japanese versions of the Generation I games.[1]

Save data is stored on a RAM chip powered by a battery when the game is turned off. If the battery runs dry, the save data is deleted constantly due to the RAM not being powered on.

Generation II

In the Generation II games, the saving process is always executed in two steps, with the exception of the player's very first save.

The first step is to confirm the save and the second step is to confirm the overwriting of the current save file, if one is already present. Additionally, during the process, the game warns the player to not turn off the power.

Save data is stored on a RAM chip powered by a battery when the game is turned off. If the battery runs dry, the save data is deleted constantly due to the RAM not being powered on.

Generation III

In the Generation III games, the saving process is similar to that of Generation II but attempts to better secure the process with the addition of backups, which are loaded if the primary save file becomes corrupted.

Whenever backup memory is damaged or worn out, the game tries to correct the issue a few times by itself; if all attempts fail, it warns the player that it can still be played but that any progress will not be saved. The English versions mistakenly suggest that the internal battery may have run dry, but saved data does not actually rely on the battery at all.

Japanese Ruby/Sapphire text

「バックアップきのうの こしょう または じゅみょうが きました。セーブすることは できませんが このまま ゲームを あそぶことはできます」
(The backup function has failed or reached the end of its lifespan. Saving is not possible but the game can be played.)

English Ruby/Sapphire text

The backup memory is damaged or the internal battery has run dry. The game can be played. However, progress cannot be saved.

In the 1.0 release of the English versions of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the text box for the messages of the backup function is displayed incorrectly due to a bug that was partially fixed by release 1.1 and possibly full fix by release 1.2.[2]

Generation IV

In the Generation IV games, the saving process is similar to that of Generation III.

In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, the usual "Saving..." message is replaced with "Saving a lot of data..." if the player has used the Pokémon Storage System at all during their session. This includes capturing a Pokémon and sending it automatically to a Box and using the Pokémon Storage System directly. It also occurs when saving and there is no save file already present. When this happens, the process will take significantly longer. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the message only appears after a Global Trade System trade, if the player is saving with no save file already present, if the save file is corrupted and the player is saving with a backup save file, or major changes are made to the Pokémon Storage System.

Starting in this generation, the player is prevented from saving the game if there is already a save file present. If the player starts a new game in this scenario, they will be notified to delete the old save file first before a new game and while attempting to save one.

In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the Pokéwalker data associated to the game is also stored in the save file, therefore deleting the save file will also delete the Pokéwalker data.

Generation V

In the Generation V games, the saving process is similar to that of Generation IV, but with two differences. First, there is now only one step again, like in Generation I. Second, while saving, there is a progress bar at the bottom of the screen.

The long saving periods of Generation IV have been rectified by giving the player only eight Boxes in the Pokémon Storage System until each one of the eight has at least one Pokémon in it, avoiding the need to encrypt empty Box data. If major changes are made to the Pokémon Storage System after all the Boxes are available, the "Saving a lot of data..." message appears, and saving will take longer than normal like in Generation IV when this message is shown.

Generation VI

In the Generation VI games, the saving process is similar to that of Generation V but the progress bar is removed. Saving takes a significantly shorter amount of time (especially when saving via the save option) compared to earlier generations. If the player is online and has Auto Sync enabled with a Pokémon Trainer Club account, saving will take significantly longer while the data syncs.

The main menu no longer provides the player with the option of starting a new game when a save file is present. If the player wishes to start a new game, they must first delete their save file.

In version 1.0 of Pokémon X and Y, there is a glitch in areas of Lumiose City that will cause the game to not respond to user input when the save is loaded. Nintendo acknowledged the existence of this glitch and subsequently released a patch to fix it.

Battle Videos and the player's uncollected StreetPass tags are saved to the SD Card (separately from the save file of downloaded copies of the core series games), even when playing using a game card, and are not deleted when the save file is. This data is shared between X and Y and between Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, but is separate for each pair of games.

Unlike the three generations before, this generation of games appears to have no backup memory.

In spin-off games

In Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

Pokémon Colosseum requires the player to use the PC for saving, as opposed to the handheld core series games, which allow the player to save anywhere. The "save anywhere" feature was restored in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.

In the Pokémon Ranger series

In Pokémon Ranger, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs, the save file may be written using terminals known as save machines. Save machines are typically located in Ranger Bases and Ranger Depots, although there are many located in areas all over the Fiore, Almia and Oblivia regions, both indoors and outdoors.

When no save machine is available, players may use a "quick save" feature, which temporarily saves their progress if they are unable to reach a save machine. However, quick save data is deleted when loaded, whereas progress saved via save machines will be stored permanently.

In many Ranger Net missions, attempts to using a save machine will yield the notice that it is out of service.

In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

In Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team and Explorers of Time, Darkness and Sky the player can only save in their bed, at Kangaskhan Rocks, and at the well at the crossroadsS, and will be asked if they want to save each time they come back from an adventure after waking up. Starting in Gates to Infinity, the player can save anywhere outside a dungeon from the menu.

It is not possible to save inside dungeons, but it is possible to quicksave. Doing so creates a temporary save file from the point that the game was quicksaved. Upon quicksaving, the player is immediately taken to the main menu. Resuming the adventure deletes the temporary save file.

In Pokémon Conquest

Saving the game in Pokémon Conquest can be done at any point in gameplay in which the player can open the menu. This allows the player to permanently save their game in the middle of battle, unlike most other games in the series.

To delete the save file in Pokémon Conquest, the A, B, X, and Y buttons have to be pressed and held simultaneously on the company logo screen (before the title screen).

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game series

In Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR!, the player saves using the "Diary" (Japanese: にっき Diary) command from the menu.

In the Pokémon Pinball series

In Pokémon Pinball and Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, the Pokédex information (captured and seen Pokémon), records and options are saved automatically. The player may stop playing at any point by creating a temporary save file, which is deleted when the player resumes playing or starts a new game.

List of activities

This is a list of activities which require saving before they can be used in the core series games. Some of these may not require saving based on the options set by the player, like Player Search System battles. Activities that trigger saving automatically will not prompt the player to overwrite the old save file.

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Corruption

A save file can become corrupted due to various factors:

  • interruption of the saving process by shutting down the system or removing the Game Card
  • cheating
  • abusing certain glitches

Physical damage to the game cartridge, such as from dropping it, may result in corruption of the save file in games of the first three generations. Improperly set cartridges (and memory cards in the case of games for the Nintendo GameCube) may cause data to be read as corrupt. In such instances, turning the system off and reinserting the cartridge properly will cause the data to be read correctly.

In the Generation I and II core series games, save data is stored on a RAM chip powered by a battery when the game is turned off. If the battery runs dry, the save data is lost due to the RAM not being powered on.

Cloning glitches

Main article: Cloning glitches

In the Generation I and II games as well as in Pokémon Emerald, there are cloning glitches which exploit the use of saving.

Gallery

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Missing images from games, mostly spin-off games

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 記錄 Geiluhk
Mandarin 記錄 / 记录 Jìlù
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Opslaan
France Flag.png French Sauvegarder
Germany Flag.png German Speichern*
Sichern*
Italy Flag.png Italian Salva
South Korea Flag.png Korean 리포트 Report
Portugal Flag.png Portuguese Guardar
Spain Flag.png Spanish Guardar

References


Project Games logo.png This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.