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Controls
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Controls

Navigate the world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon with ease! This guide breaks down every control for overworld, menus, bag, Poke Ride, and Poke Finder.

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Navigate the world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon with ease! This guide breaks down every control for overworld, menus, bag, Poke Ride, and Poke Finder.

Alright, let's get you up to speed on how to actually play Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon! It might seem like a lot at first, but once you know what button does what, you'll be zipping around Alola like a pro. We'll cover the main ways you'll be interacting with the game: when you're just walking around, when you're digging through menus, and when you're using special features like Poke Ride.

Here's a breakdown of the controls for each situation:

Overworld Controls

ControlFunction
AUse/Interact
BCancel/Hold and use Circle Pad to run
XOpens/Closes Main Menu
YOpens Poke Ride Menu
StartNo Use
SelectNo Use
UpRide a Pokemon Registered to this button (use the Poke Ride menu to do so)
DownRide a Pokemon Registered to this button (use the Poke Ride menu to do so)
LeftRide a Pokemon Registered to this button (use the Poke Ride menu to do so)
RightRide a Pokemon Registered to this button (use the Poke Ride menu to do so)
Circle PadMove character
LNo Use
ROpen Poke Finder (where applicable)
Touch ScreenSelect pressed option

Main Menu Controls

When you press X to open the Main Menu, you'll see a few different options. Here's how to navigate them:

ControlFunction
ASelect
BCancel
XOpens/Closes Main Menu
YNo Use
StartNo Use
SelectNo Use
UpMove up through options
DownMove down through options
LeftMove left through options
RightMove right through options
Circle PadActs as a substitute for the Up, Down, Left and Right buttons.
LNo Use
RNo Use
Touch ScreenSelect pressed option

Pokemon Menu Options

This is where you'll manage your party. It's pretty straightforward:

ControlFunction
ASelect
BCancel
XEnable moving items (shortcut)
YEnable moving Pokemon (shortcut)
StartNo Use
SelectNo Use
UpMove up through options
DownMove down through options
LeftMove left through options
RightMove right through options
Circle PadActs as a substitute for the Up, Down, Left and Right buttons.
LNo Use
RNo Use
Touch ScreenSelect pressed option/Pokemon

Bag Menu Controls

Got a lot of items? The Bag menu is your best friend. Here’s how to sort through it:

ControlFunction
ASelect
BCancel
XEnable sorting of items (shortcut)
YEnable moving of item (shortcut)
StartNo Use
SelectNo Use
UpMove up through options
DownMove down through options
LeftMove left through options
RightMove right through options
Circle PadActs as a substitute for the Up, Down, Left and Right buttons.
LNo Use
RNo Use
Touch ScreenSelect pressed option

Poke Ride Menu

Need to get around faster or reach new areas? Poke Ride is key. Here’s how to use it:

ControlFunction
ASelect Pokemon (or Unselect Pokemon if currently riding the selected Pokemon)
BCancel
XProvide explanation of each Poke Ride option
YSelect Pokemon (or Unselect Pokemon if currently riding the selected Pokemon)
StartNo Use
SelectNo Use
UpMove up through options
DownMove down through options
LeftNo Use
RightNo Use
Circle PadActs as a substitute for the Up and Down buttons.
LNo Use
RNo Use
Touch ScreenSelect pressed option/Pokemon

Poke Finder Controls

Want to capture some great moments? The Poke Finder lets you snap pics of your Pokémon buddies. Here’s how to get the shot:

ControlFunction
ATake photo
BCancel
XNo Use
YNo Use
StartNo Use
SelectNo Use
UpNo Use
DownNo Use
LeftNo Use
RightNo Use
Circle PadMove camera around
LNo Use
RTake photo
Touch ScreenSelect pressed option
Moving 3DSMove camera around (as per the way you move the 3DS)

That covers all the essential controls you'll need to get around Alola and manage your Pokémon. Don't worry if you forget a few; you can always check back here or experiment in-game. Happy adventuring!

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