Menu

The menu (Japanese: メニュー menu) is the main interface in all of the core series Pokémon games that allows the player to access the game's basic features and aspects of their save file, with the entries differing throughout the various games. It is accessed by pressing the START button of the Game Boy-line handheld in Generations I to III and by pressing the X button of the Nintendo DS-family or Nintendo 3DS-family handheld in Generation IV and later. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the menu is always open on the touchscreen.

This article is about the overworld menu. For the title screen menu, see Main menu.

Starting in Generation VI, an entry's position may be swapped using the stylus. In Generation VII, the menu is expanded to two pages, with several new accessible functions.

In the core series and side series

In general, entries are only added to the menu when the player obtains them, such as the Pokédex. Games that have entries for the Bag, Trainer Card, Save, Options, and Exit have them available from the beginning.

Two exceptions exist:

Generations I to IV

Prior to HeartGold and SoulSilver, the menu displays in a single vertical column; in HeartGold and SoulSilver, the menu displays in two columns (of four and three).

Core series

EntryNotes
Pokédex
PokémonDisplays the party.
BagCalled "Item" in Generation I and "Pack" in Generation II.
(App)This entry is reserved for the PokégearGSCHGSS or PokéNavRSE. It is absent in other games.
(Name)Displays the Trainer Card. This entry shows up as the player's name.
Save
OptionsCalled "Option" prior to Generation IV.
Exit This entry is absent in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, being replaced by a graphical X button that displays above the menu (rather than as one of its entries) and can be tapped on to close it. As all games allow the menu to be closed by pressing the START, X, or B buttons, this function was somewhat redundant.

Note that some entries do not appear or are replaced while in a Cable Club/Union Room, Safari Zone/Bug-Catching Contest, or Battle Tower.

The Underground

This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: What exactly goes in Treasures; if the Underground Trainer Card option differs in any way, however slight, from the overworld version

The Underground in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum uses an almost entirely different menu:

EntryNotes
Traps
Spheres
Goods
Treasures
(Name)
Go Up
Close

Pokémon Colosseum and XD

These games use a similar menu to the core series, but the following three entries are absent:

  • Pokédex (replaced by the Strategy Memo inside the P★DA)
  • Trainer Card (as the P★DA displays Trainer information).
  • Options (since options are instead accessed from the title screen)
EntryNotes
Pokémon
P★DAUnlike the app entry in the core series games, this entry appears above the Items entry.
Items(Named Items instead of the core series' Item/Pack/Bag.)
SaveThis entry is absent from Colosseum, where saving is instead done from a PC.
Exit

Generations V and VI

The menu now displays in three rows of two.

EntryNotes
PokémonThe party entry is simply called "Pokémon" in the menu itself, but the Ready button shows its full name "Pokémon List". Now appears first in the menu, before Pokédex.
PokédexNow appears second in the menu, after Pokémon.
Bag
(Name)Displays the Trainer Card and shows up as the player's name.
Save
Options

Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon

The menu still displays in three rows of two, but was significantly expanded and now takes up two pages, accessed by scrolling right from the first page.

In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, a few items were moved or changed. Save now appears outside of the menu pages to the bottom right of the screen, and can be accessed from the menu with the Y button.

EntryNotes
Pokémon
Pokédex
Bag
SaveSM/Photo AlbumUSUMFor the first time, Save appears right after Bag.SM
Festival PlazaNew.
Trainer PassportReplaces the Trainer Card and no longer displays as the player's name for the first time.
Poké PelagoSM/OptionsUSUMNew.SM
Pokémon RefreshNew.
QR ScannerNew.
Battle VideoNew.
OptionsSM/Poké PelagoUSUM

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

The menu displays with one entry in the top row and five entries in the bottom row.

Options are now accessed with the Y button from the menu; this instruction is displayed by the game in the footer at the bottom right of the screen. There is no longer a Trainer Card entry in the menu.

EntryNotes
Play with (Nickname)Displays the nickname of the player's Partner Pokémon, though in all caps to match the formatting of the rest of the menu.
Pokédex
BagDisplays right after Pokédex for the first time.
PartyDisplays after Bag for the first time, and is named "Party" instead of "Pokémon" for the first time.
Communicate
Save

Pokémon Sword and Shield

The menu displays with two rows of five entries. The player can now swap the order of entries with the Y button; the default order is shown here. The player can also automatically select Town Map with the + button or Save with the R button.

EntryNotes
Pokédex
Pokémon
Bag
League Card
Save
Town MapNew.
Pokémon CampNew.
Mystery GiftNew.
VS
Options

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

The menu displays with two rows of four entries. The Y, +, and R buttons have the same functionality as in Sword and Shield. Save is no longer a menu entry, but displays outside the menu, below it and to the right.

EntryNotes
Pokédex
Pokémon
Bag
Trainer Card
Town Map
Ball CapsulesNew.
Options
Mystery Gift Reordered compared to Sword and Shield.

In the spin-off series

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Outside a dungeon the menu displays the current location, the team's rank, rank pointsRB, points to next rankTDSGtI, the day's V-Wave type, Poké, and Gold Bars.

Inside a dungeon the menu displays entire team's names and HP, the leader's Belly, Poké, weather, and play time.

Pressing X in a dungeon at the menu opens up the move list.

Outside a dungeon
EntryNotes
ItemsOpens up the Toolbox/Treasure Bag.
TeamShows the current team.
Job ListOpens up a list of the accepted jobs.
OthersAllows the player to open up the options, change window framesS, and check HintsRBTD/Game HintsS.
ExitTDS Closes the menu.
Inside a dungeon
EntryNotes
MovesOpens up the moves list.
ItemsOpens up the Toolbox/Treasure Bag.
TeamShows the current team.
OthersOpens up another tablist.
GroundChecks the tile the leader stands on.
RestTDSGives the player the choice to Quicksave the game or give up the adventure couting as a defeat.
ExitTDSCloses the menu.
Inside Others
Game OptionsOpens up the options.
Quicksave or Give upRBGives the player the choice to Quicksave the game or Give Up the adventure couting as a defeat.
WindowSAllows the player to change window frame.
MapTDSShows the map.
Message logOpens up the message log.
Mission objectivesShows the jobs accepted for the current dungeon. If there is no mission for the dungeon, a message saying "Just go!"RB/"Go as far as possible"TDS will be displayed instead.
Recruitment searchShows a list of all the Pokémon that can be recruited in the floor.
HintsRBTD
Dungeon HintsS
Shows hints on several subjects.

Gates to Infinity

EntryNotes
ItemsOpens up the bag.
StatusShows the current team.
Job Listoutside a dungeonOpens up the Job List.
Companion Modeoutside a dungeonChanges to Companion Mode where the player controls a team member instead of the leader and can not go to Post Town. Changes to <player> Mode in Companion Mode.
Local Wirelessoutside a dungeonAllows the player to connect with other players and play through dungeon together.
Materialsoutside a dungeonOpens up Gurdurr's Menu where the player can check their material needed to build things in Pokémon Paradise.
Saveoutside a dungeonSaves the game.
Noteinside a dungeonOpens up the Job List for the current dungeon.
Movesinside a dungeonOpens up the moves list.
Change the Leaderinside a dungeonChanges the leader to the Pokémon next in line, this does not count as a turn, outside of the grid the button is grey and can't be clicked.
Look Aroundinside a dungeonAllows the player to see around the room without moving. Can only be done in a room, outside of the grid the button is grey and can't be clicked.
Underfootinside a dungeonChecks the tile the leader stands on, outside of the grid the button is grey and can't be clicked.
Quick Saveinside a dungeonQuick Saves the game and takes the player to the Main Menu.
OthersOpens up another tablist.
Inside Others
OptionsOpens up the options.
SpotPass SettingsAllows the player to switch on and off SpotPass.
Pokémon who can appearinside a dungeonShows a list of Pokémon who can appear and be befriended.
V-WaveShows the day's V-Wave type and effects.
Message LogOpens up the Message Log.
Dungeon Statusinside a dungeonOpens up a list of floor-wide condition that are present on the floor.
Dungeon HintsShows hints on the subjects of exploring a dungeon.
How to PlayShows hints on several subjects.
To the Entranceoutside a dungeonTakes the player to the entrance of the area their currently in.
Give Upinside a dungeon The player gives up, counting as a defeat.
Outside a dungeon
EntryNotes
ItemsOpens up the Bag.
StatusShows the current team.
Team SelectionAllows the player to oraganize their teams.
Expedition ListOpens up a list of the accepted expeditions
Connection OrbOpens up the Connection Orb
World MapOpens up the World Map
SaveSaves the game.
OthersOpens up another list of tabs
Inside Others
Control InfoOpens up two signs of how to get around in towns and dungeons.
OptionsOpens up the options
Message LogOpens up the Messag Log
How to PlayOpens up several hints on how to play the game
Adventure HintsOpens up several hints on how to act in dungeons
To the EntranceTakes the player to the entrance
Resume from the Save Data Resumes the game from the last time it was saved
Inside a dungeon
EntryNotes
ItemsOpens up the Bag.
StatusShows the current team.
Move SettingsOpens up the move setting screen.
Tactics MeetingOpens up the tactics.
AllianceAllows the player to choose which move shall be used when performing an alliance.
Look Aroundthe player looks around the room, not usable in corridors.
UnderfootChecks the tile the leader stands on.
Change the OrderAllows the player to change the order of which the turns play out.
Expedition ListOpens up a list of the accepted expeditions.
Connection OrbOpens up the Connection Orb.
OthersOpens up another list of tabs.
Inside Others.
Control InfoOpens up two signs of how to get around in towns and dungeons.
Switch the leaderAllows the player to change leader
Type Icon GuideOpens up a sign which displays what different icons mean.
OptionsOpens up the options
Message LogOpens up the Messag Log.
Dungeon StatusOpens up a list of floor-wide condition that are present on the floor.
How to PlayOpens up several hints on how to play the game
Adventure HintsOpens up several hints on how to act in dungeons
Give UpThe player gives up, counting as a defeat.
Resume from the Save Data Resumes the game from the last time it was saved

Pokémon Ranger series

EntryNotes
StylerOpens up the Styler Status screen displaying Styler Level, Experience points, Experience points needed for next Styler Level, Energy, Line length, Power, Charge Speed, Charge Level, all Defense Statuses, and a Power-up Data List. Only available in Shadows of Almia.
StatusOpens up the status screen displaying the player's name, Styler Level, Styler Energy, Styler Power, Charge Level, and experience points needed to the next level. Only available in Guardian Signs.
ReleaseAllows the player to release captured Pokémon.
ModificationAllows the player to spend Ranger Points on modifying the styler's stats. Only available in Guardian Signs.
Sign ListOpens up a list of Guardian Signs. Only available in Guardian Signs.
QuestsOpens up a list of all the available, accepted, and completed quests. Only available in Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs.
BrowserOpens up the regional Browser.
MissionsShows the current Mission and allows the player to restart it in Pokémon Ranger, named Mission. Opens up a map with all the Missions pointed out in Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs.
MapOpens up the map.
OptionsOpens up the options. Not present in Guardian Signs.
GlossaryOpens up the Glossary.
QuicksaveQuicksaves the game.
Exit Closes the menu in Pokémon Ranger. In Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs there's a button at the top right with an arrow on it that closes the menu.

Pokémon Rumble Blast

SettingNotes
ResumeCloses the menu.
Return to TownTakes the player to the latest town they've been to. Only available inside a level.
Save and QuitAllows the player to save and quit the game.

Pokémon Rumble World

In Pokémon Rumble World there are two menus; one that is on the touch screen with four buttons with must pressed with the stylus, the second is opened pressing start.

SettingNotes
The Touch Screen menu
ProfileAllows the player to check their Player Info, view a list of claimed and unclaimed titles as well as change their title, and change Mii Settings.
AdventurersOpens up a list of all the visitors.
PokémonAllows the player to check their Pokémon and say good-bye to them.
VisitorsAllows the player to greet visitors that have arrived either via StreetPass or SpotPass or call five random visitors once a day via the internet.
The menu opened pressing start
ManualOpens up the manual of the game
L+R Take PhotosTakes a photo of the top screen
Character RolesAllows the player to assign visitors the roles of characters in-game.
PasswordsAllows the player to enter passwords and unlock things.
OptionsOpens up the options
Save and QuitSaves the game and closes it down

Pokémon Trozei series

EntryNotes
ContinueContinues the game
Return to MapTakes the player back to the map

Pokémon Dash

EntryNotes
ContinueContinues the game
RetryRestarts the course
Back to Cup SelectTakes the player to the cup selection screen
Back to TitleTakes the player back to the title screen
SettingsAllows the player to switch between Normal and Reverse play style and turn the backlight on and off.

Pokémon Art Academy

Pressing start or select while drawing opens the menu, choosing an image in the album opens up the Image options.

Options

EntryNotes
Review StepPlays the lesson once more. Only available in Lesson.
Restart LessonRestarts the lesson. Only available in Quick Draw.
Add BackgroundAllows the player to add a flat color, images from the SD card, or images from the game as background. Only available in Free Paint.
SaveSaves the image.
Clear CanvasAllows the player to clear the canvas. Unavailable unless something has been drawn.
SettingsAllows the player to change the Sound Settings and Button Controls. Only available in Free Paint.
Sound SettingsAllows the player turn on and off the music, interface sounds, and tool sounds. Only available in Lesson and Quick Draw.
QuitAllows the player to quit the current lesson.

Image options

SettingNotes
Edit ImageTakes the player to edit mode for the image.
ShareAllows the player to share the image by Miiverse or Local Play.
DeleteAllows the player to delete the image.
ExportAllows the player to export the image to the Nintendo 3DS as a JPEG.
Name*
Rename*
Allows the player to (re)name the image

Pokémon GO

SettingNotes
PokédexOpens up the Pokédex.
ShopOpens up the shop.
PokémonOpens up a list of the player's Pokémon.
ItemsOpens up the bag.
SettingsOpens up the settings
TipsPlays a series of tips on PokéStops and Gyms.
NewsOpens up the latest news. Available when there's news available.

Pokémon: Magikarp Jump

SettingNotes
MoreOpens a card that says "Try to beat the next [the league the player is currently at]", and lists the rewards for beating that league.
DecorateAllows the player to decorate their pond with Decorations and set different themes for their pond.
ItemsOpens up the bag.
AchievementsOpens up the achievements.
PurchaseTakes the player to the Exchange Office.
SettingsTakes the player to the settings.
This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Cable Club (FRLG if different from normal menu), and EFRLG Union Room menus. Any other alternate menus (did the Wi-Fi Plaza have its own menu?)

Variants

Trivia

The menu in a dark cave
  • In the Generation I games, the menu is affected by the darkness of caves (meaning that Flash has not yet been used). This was corrected in the Game Boy Color mode of the Generation II games; in Game Boy and Super Game Boy modes, it behaves like in Generation I and Flash will not make it lighter due to the darkness being dependent on the time-based palette defined in the maps of caves, which are set to use the nighttime palette.
  • In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team when choosing Moves on the menu a red square appears on the tile the leader stands on. However, the red square does not disappear when closing the window but does so when closing the menu or opening and closing the Toolbox.
  • In Generation I, if the player holds A while saving, the menu won't disappear until the player releases A.


In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 選單 Syúndāan
Mandarin 選單 / 菜单 Xuǎndān
French Menu
German Menü
Italian Menu
Korean 메뉴 Menu
Portuguese Menu
Spanish Menú




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