Deleting Save Data in Nintendogs & The Sims 2 (DS): Not Possible In-Game

You cannot delete save data from within these DS cartridge games. The save is written to the cartridge's onboard flash memory (or DS slot-1 for GBA carts) with no user-accessible erase function.

Why

• Cartridge save chips (EEPROM/Flash) have no filesystem—just a raw save block
• Game code omits a "delete save" menu (common for 2000s handheld titles)
• DS system settings only manage DSiWare/DSi/3DS saves, not DS/DSi cart saves

Workarounds (Increasing Risk)

1. New cartridge: Buy a second used cart ($5–$15). Cleanest.
2. Flashcart + homebrew (R4, Ace3DS, etc.): Use Checkpoint or GodMode9i (on 3DS/DSi) to backup/wipe the save. Requires CFW.
3. Hardware programmer (GBxCart RW, EZ-Flash Omega Definitive): Dump/erase/rewrite save via PC. $40–$60 tool.
4. "Button combo" myths: None work for these titles.

Warning

Formatting the cartridge via unofficial tools can brick the game (corrupt header/ROM). Always dump the ROM + save first.

Best Practical Advice

Buy a cheap used cartridge for a fresh start. Keep the original as a memory archive.