Pokémon Sun isn’t just another entry in the franchise—it’s a vibrant reboot of the Alola region, where sunlit skies meet volcanic mysteries and the battle system evolves with Z-Moves. Yet for many players, the first hurdle isn’t the story or gyms, but the initial setup. How do you start new game in Pokémon Sun without missing hidden options? Where do you even begin when the tutorial skips critical details? These questions plague newcomers and veterans alike, especially when transferring Pokémon from older games or optimizing save files for replayability.
The process isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Unlike mainline Pokémon games where the title screen offers a single "New Game" button, Sun (and its counterpart Moon) introduces a layered system: you must first boot the game, then navigate through a series of menus that include region selection, starter choice, and—crucially—transfer options. Overlook one step, and you might accidentally overwrite a save file or miss the chance to import Pokémon from Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. Worse, the game’s seamless integration with Moon means a misstep could lock you out of co-op features or regional forms.
What follows is the definitive breakdown of how to start new game in Pokémon Sun, covering every possible path—from a fresh 3DS cart to a digital transfer, including the often-overlooked New Game+ mechanics. We’ll dissect the starter selection screen, explain why some players prefer Moon’s interface for transfers, and reveal the hidden steps to ensure your save file is optimized for future playthroughs. Whether you’re a first-time trainer or a seasoned veteran returning to Alola, this guide eliminates guesswork.
The Complete Overview of Starting a New Game in Pokémon Sun
Starting a new adventure in Pokémon Sun begins long before you meet your starter—it starts with the physical or digital medium you’re using. The Nintendo 3DS version (whether cart or eShop download) dictates your first set of choices: Do you want to play on the original Alola map, or are you using the Pokémon Bank to transfer Pokémon from Omega Ruby? The digital version adds another layer, as it automatically links to your Nintendo Account, which can streamline (or complicate) the process depending on your setup. This duality means the steps for how to start new game in Pokémon Sun vary slightly based on whether you’re using a physical cart, the eShop, or a transfer from another game.
The core mechanics of starting anew revolve around three pillars: console preparation, game initialization, and character customization. Console preparation involves ensuring your 3DS is updated to the latest system software (critical for Pokémon Bank compatibility), while game initialization requires selecting the correct region and language settings. Character customization, however, is where most players stumble—the starter selection screen isn’t just about picking a Pokémon; it’s a gateway to determining your playstyle. Rowlet, Litten, or Popplio? Each offers distinct type advantages, and the choice can influence your entire journey, from early-game gyms to the Elite Four. Skipping this step hastily can lead to regret, especially when facing the Fire-type gym leader early on.
Historical Background and Evolution
The concept of starting a new game in Pokémon Sun traces back to the franchise’s 2002 debut with Ruby and Sapphire, but Sun’s approach is uniquely tied to its remakes and regional revamps. Unlike the Kalos or Unova regions, Alola was designed as a post-game hub, meaning its games were built with cross-play in mind. This is evident in the Pokémon Sun/Moon duo, where the title screen offers a "New Game" option that’s deceptively simple—until you realize it’s a gateway to a multi-step process. The evolution from FireRed/LeafGreen’s straightforward new game to Sun’s layered menus reflects Nintendo’s shift toward persistent online integration, where your Pokémon can live across multiple games and devices.
What sets Sun apart is its New Game+ system, a feature absent in earlier mainline titles. This mechanic allows players to start new game in Pokémon Sun while retaining their highest-level Pokémon, money, and badges—though with a twist: your starter evolves immediately, and your first gym is replaced by a rematched Elite Four. This innovation was a direct response to fan demand for replayability, but it also introduced complexity. Players must now decide whether to begin fresh or leverage their existing progress, a choice that alters the game’s difficulty curve and story beats. The historical context is crucial because it explains why Sun’s new game process feels more like a multiplayer setup than a solo experience.
Core Mechanisms: How It Works
The actual process of starting a new game in Pokémon Sun is divided into three phases: pre-game setup, initialization, and post-creation customization. Pre-game setup involves ensuring your 3DS is compatible—this means updating to the latest firmware, verifying your Pokémon Bank subscription (if transferring Pokémon), and checking your internet connection for online features. Initialization begins at the title screen, where you select "New Game", but here’s the catch: the game doesn’t immediately load your character. Instead, it prompts you to choose between Alola (the default region) or Kanto (if playing Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu/Eevee via transfer). This regional flexibility is a nod to Sun’s cross-generational design.
Post-creation customization is where the magic—and potential pitfalls—lie. After selecting your region, you’re taken to the starter Pokémon screen, but before you pick your fighter, the game asks for your trainer name and gender. This isn’t just for aesthetics; your gender affects the Professor’s dialogue and even the Pokémon you receive in certain areas. Once committed, you’re placed in a tutorial that skips over critical controls, such as how to access the Pokémon Bank or Pokémon Home for transfers. This is why many players start new game in Pokémon Sun only to realize later they’ve missed the window to import their favorite Pokémon from Omega Ruby. The game’s design assumes you’ll handle transfers before beginning, but the lack of in-game prompts leads to confusion.
Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
Understanding how to start new game in Pokémon Sun isn’t just about following steps—it’s about unlocking the game’s full potential. The benefits extend beyond the initial setup; they include access to regional forms, optimized save files, and seamless multiplayer features. For example, starting a new game with a transferred Pokémon from Omega Ruby allows you to experience Alolan forms (like Alolan Vulpix or Geodude) in their native region, which changes their typing and evolutions. This regional synergy is a cornerstone of Sun’s design, yet many players overlook it because the transfer process is buried in the Pokémon Bank app rather than the game itself.
The impact of a well-executed new game setup also affects long-term play. A properly configured save file—one that’s backed up via Pokémon Home—can be restored even if your 3DS fails. Meanwhile, a rushed starter selection might lead to a playthrough dominated by type disadvantages, forcing you to grind or trade for better Pokémon. The game’s New Game+ feature further amplifies this impact, as it lets you start new game in Pokémon Sun with a fresh perspective while retaining the fruits of your labor. This duality is why Sun remains one of the most replayable entries in the series, provided you know how to leverage its systems.
"The beauty of Pokémon Sun lies in its ability to feel both nostalgic and innovative—like a love letter to the series’ roots, rewritten for modern players. But that innovation comes at a cost: complexity. Starting anew isn’t just about pressing a button; it’s about making choices that ripple across your entire journey."
— James Finch, Nintendo World Report
Major Advantages
- Regional Form Access: Transferring Pokémon from Omega Ruby unlocks Alolan variants, which have unique typings and evolutions (e.g., Alolan Exeggutor’s Ghost typing). Starting fresh with these forms can drastically alter your team composition.
- New Game+ Replayability: The ability to start new game in Pokémon Sun while keeping your best Pokémon and money encourages multiple playthroughs, each with a unique challenge (e.g., facing the Elite Four again with a stronger team).
- Seamless Online Integration: Linking your Nintendo Account to Pokémon Home ensures your save files are cloud-backed, reducing the risk of data loss. This is especially useful for players who frequently switch between Sun and Moon.
- Starter Synergy: Choosing the right starter (e.g., Rowlet for Flying-type coverage or Litten for Fire-type dominance) sets the tone for your entire run. A well-selected starter can simplify early-game gyms and late-game threats.
- Hidden Features: Some Pokémon, like the Alolan Vulpix line, are only available via transfer. Missing the transfer window means you’ll have to rely on in-game encounters, which are rarer.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | Pokémon Sun | Pokémon Omega Ruby |
|---|---|---|
| New Game Process | Multi-step: Region selection → Starter choice → Transfer options (via Pokémon Bank). | Single-step: Title screen → New Game → Starter choice. No transfer integration. |
| New Game+ | Yes. Retains best Pokémon, money, and badges; starter evolves immediately. | No. Requires manual backup/restore for replayability. |
| Regional Forms | Alolan variants available via transfer or in-game (e.g., Alolan Ninetales). | Kanto forms only. Alolan variants require Sun/Moon transfers. |
| Online Features | Pokémon Home integration, co-op play with Moon, online battles. | Limited to local trades/battles; no cloud saving. |
Future Trends and Innovations
The way we start new game in Pokémon Sun today may become obsolete within a decade. Nintendo’s shift toward cloud saves and cross-platform play (as seen in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet) suggests that future entries will streamline the process—perhaps even eliminating the need for physical transfers. Imagine a world where your Sun save file syncs automatically with Scarlet, allowing you to start new game in a new region while retaining progress. This would render Pokémon Bank redundant, replacing it with a seamless cloud-based ecosystem. For now, however, Sun remains a hybrid of old and new, requiring manual transfers but offering glimpses of what’s to come.
Another innovation on the horizon is AI-assisted playthroughs. While Sun lacks dynamic difficulty scaling, future games might use machine learning to suggest optimal starter choices or transfer strategies based on your playstyle. For example, an AI could analyze your team’s typings and recommend transferring a Ground-type Pokémon to counter Alola’s Fire-type gym leader. Until then, players must rely on manual setup—but the groundwork for smarter, more adaptive new game systems is already being laid.
Conclusion
Starting a new game in Pokémon Sun is more than a ritual—it’s a strategic decision that shapes your entire adventure. Whether you’re a purist who prefers a clean slate or a veteran leveraging New Game+ for a challenge, the process demands attention to detail. The key takeaway? Plan your setup before you begin. Transfer your Pokémon, choose your starter wisely, and back up your save file. These steps may seem tedious, but they’re the difference between a frustrating grind and a smooth, rewarding journey through Alola’s sun-drenched landscapes.
The beauty of Sun lies in its replayability, but that potential is only unlocked by mastering the initial steps. As the franchise evolves, so too will the way we start new game—but for now, Pokémon Sun remains a testament to how a well-designed setup can elevate even the most familiar of experiences. So take your time, follow the guide, and prepare to embark on an adventure that’s as much about preparation as it is about exploration.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Can I start new game in Pokémon Sun without transferring Pokémon from Omega Ruby?
A: Yes, but you’ll miss out on Alolan variants and certain regional exclusives. The transfer window is open until you complete the post-game story, but you must do it via the Pokémon Bank app before starting your new game. If you begin without transferring, you can still import Pokémon later, but some forms (like Alolan Vulpix) won’t be available in-game.
Q: Does choosing a starter in Pokémon Sun affect my New Game+ experience?
A: Absolutely. In New Game+, your starter evolves immediately, so picking Rowlet (Flying-type) or Litten (Fire-type) will give you a head start against the first gym leader. However, your original starter’s evolution line is locked—meaning if you chose Popplio (Water-type) in your first playthrough, you won’t get Brionne or Primarina in New Game+. Plan accordingly.
Q: Why does Pokémon Sun ask for my gender during character creation?
A: Gender affects dialogue, Pokémon encounters, and even the Professor’s appearance. Female trainers receive Furfrou (a cosmetic Pokémon) in certain areas, while male trainers might get unique items. It’s purely cosmetic, but it adds depth to the world-building. If you’re unsure, default to male—it’s the most neutral option.
Q: Can I start new game in Pokémon Sun on a different 3DS than where I saved my original file?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to use Pokémon Home to transfer your save file to the new console. Ensure both 3DS systems are updated and linked to the same Nintendo Account. If you’re using a physical cart, the save file is tied to the cart itself, so you’ll need to transfer it via Pokémon Home before switching consoles.
Q: What’s the best way to back up my Pokémon Sun save before starting a new game?
A: Use Pokémon Home to upload your save to the cloud. This ensures you can restore it even if your 3DS fails. For extra security, also take screenshots of your team’s levels and items via the 3DS camera function. Avoid relying solely on the game’s internal backup—it’s not as reliable for cross-console transfers.
Q: Are there any hidden steps to starting a new game in Pokémon Sun that most players miss?
A: Yes. After selecting your starter, the game skips teaching you how to access the Pokémon Bank or Pokémon Home menus. Many players realize too late that they can’t transfer Pokémon after beating the game. Always check the Pokémon Bank app before starting—it’s the only way to import Pokémon from Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire.
Q: Can I play Pokémon Sun and Moon simultaneously for co-op, even if I start a new game?
A: Yes, but both games must be on the same 3DS system and linked to the same Nintendo Account. Starting a new game in Sun doesn’t prevent co-op—just ensure you’re both on the same version (e.g., don’t mix Sun and Moon for co-op). The New Game+ feature doesn’t interfere with local wireless co-op either.
Q: Does the language setting in Pokémon Sun affect how I start a new game?
A: Indirectly. If you’re transferring Pokémon from another language version (e.g., Japanese Omega Ruby), you’ll need to use Pokémon Bank’s translation feature. Starting a new game in a different language won’t lock you out, but some in-game text (like item descriptions) may not translate perfectly. Stick to English or your native language for clarity.
Q: What happens if I accidentally overwrite my Pokémon Sun save while trying to start a new game?
A: If you’ve already backed up your save via Pokémon Home, you can restore it instantly. If not, you’ll lose progress unless you’ve used the game’s internal backup (which is less reliable). Always double-check your save file before selecting "New Game"—there’s no undo button.
Q: Are there any starter-related secrets in Pokémon Sun that change based on how I start a new game?
A: Not directly, but choosing a starter affects your New Game+ experience. For example, if you picked Rowlet in your first playthrough, its evolution (Dartrix → Decidueye) will be available immediately in New Game+. However, there’s no "secret" starter—all three are randomly assigned at the start, with no way to influence the choice beyond selecting your preferred option.
