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[[File:Platinum menu.png‎|frame|{{v2|Platinum}}'s menu]] 
The '''menu''', also known as the '''start menu''', is a sidebar used in all of the [[main series]] [[Pokémon games]]. This tool allows the {{player}} to cycle through a list of information and options. The menu's contents have changed from [[generation]] to generation, and may also change as a player progresses through the game.

From [[Generation I]] through [[Generation III]], the menu was accessed via the Start Button. In [[Generation IV]], the menu is accessible by pressing the X button. In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the menu is always on open on the bottom screen and can be arrow-selectable by pressing the X button, or the player can simply touch the desired option with the stylus. [[Generation V]]'s menu is the same as in HeartGold and SoulSilver, but it no longer is always open. Generation V also added a shortcut list that can be added to by checking the box below any of the screens within the '''Pokémon''', '''Pokédex''', '''Bag''', '''Player's Name''', or '''Options''' menu commands (accessible by pressing the Y button).

==Menu commands==
===Pokédex===
{{main|Pokédex}}
[[File:Platinum National Pokédex.png|frame|200px|Platinum's National Pokédex]]
The ''Pokédex'' command displays the player's Pokédex. Information is recorded here about Pokémon the player has seen and caught. The Pokédex command is usually found at the top of the menu and must be obtained as the player progresses through the game. On the Pokédex interface, a list of Pokémon is displayed in numerical order and can be scrolled through vertically. Pokémon that haven't been seen by the player are marked with question marks or dashes. On the other hand, information for Pokémon that haven't been caught but have been encountered isn't displayed. Images are available in the Pokédex for all Pokémon caught or encountered. Once the player selects a previously caught Pokémon from the list, the Pokémon's information is displayed in sections including a description, the area in which the Pokémon is found, its cry, its size and weight, and its different forms. For Pokémon that have only been encountered and not caught, no height and weight information, species information, or description are available.

====Generation I====
[[Professor Oak]] gives the player a Pokédex after the player returns from [[Viridian City]] and delivers {{key|I|Oak's Parcel|a parcel}}. The Pokémon's cry is played immediately when viewing the summary page in the Pokédex. In {{game|Yellow}}, a print option is available for accessing the [[Game Boy Printer]].

====Generation II====
The Pokédex is obtained when the player first meets Professor Oak, on a mission from [[Professor Elm]] to meet with [[Mr. Pokémon]].

An [[Unown Dex]] is also an available upgrade. A print option is available for accessing the Game Boy Printer. The [[footprint]]s of Pokémon are listed in the description page. The cry and nest area of the Pokémon are selectable options at the bottom of the summary page.

====Generation III====
[[Professor Birch]] gives the player a Pokédex after their first battle with their [[rival]]. The National Pokédex is introduced in this generation, as well as options for sorting Pokémon by features rather than just names and numbers. Once the [[National Pokédex]] is obtained, one can switch between the regional and National listings. Another new option is the search feature, which allows the player to search by color, type and first letter of the Pokémon's name.

====Generation IV====
[[Professor Rowan]] gives the player a Pokédex in [[Sandgem Town]] some time after choosing a starter Pokémon.

In {{game|Platinum}}, the regional Pokédex has been changed for the first time to include more native Pokémon.

====Generation V====
[[Professor Juniper]] gives the player a Pokédex in [[Nuvema Town]] once she sees the [[Starter Pokémon]] the player selected.

[[File:Platinum Pokémon menu.png|frame|left|200px|Party in Platinum]]
===Pokémon===
====Generation I====
The ''Pokémon'' command displays the player's current [[party]]. Once accessed, it will display the six party slots and the Pokémon present in the player's party. The Pokémon order and line-up can be changed by switching their places or by removing Pokémon at the [[PC]]. By selecting an individual Pokémon, its '''summary''' (called '''stats''' prior to [[Generation III]]) will appear. The summary information is dependent on what is available in the game's generation. In all generations, it includes the status of the Pokémon, its current [[level]], [[Experience|experience points]], [[stats]] and current [[move]]set.

====Generation II====
The Pokémon's gender is added.

====Generation III====
In this generation, due to new features, new information can be accessed from the Pokémon menu. The Pokémon's [[Ability]], [[Nature]], {{DL|Pokémon Storage System|markings}}, preference of taste and where the Pokémon was first met were included. With the appearance of [[Pokémon Contests]], a move's information on Contests (its appeal, condition, etc.) can now be seen as well.

====Generation IV====
In {{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, several features formerly found in the [[PokéNav]] can now be seen in this menu. This included the Pokémon's [[condition]] and the [[Ribbon]]s they have earned. A Pokémon's [[Pokéathlon]] stats in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} are displayed here.

====Generation V====
Apart from an aesthetic change, {{game|Black and White|s}}'s party screen remains the same as in Generation IV.

===Bag===
{{main|Bag}}
[[File:Platinum bag menu.png|frame||200px|Bag menu in Platinum]]
The ''Bag'' or ''Item'' command displays the player's Bag and the [[item]]s found inside. By opening the Bag, the player can change and arrange items in the Bag, along with registering and tossing items. Beginning in Generation II, registering a key item allows the player to easily activate and use the item using the select button, or Y button in [[Generation IV]].

====Generation I====
Any item placed in the Bag goes in a single pocket. Ninety-nine copies of an item count as taking up one slot, and twenty different items are allowed in the Bag, in total. When the Bag is full, the player's [[PC]] can be used for item storage.

====Generation II====
Items are automatically separated into four different pockets: Healing items (including [[Berry|Berries]]), [[Poké Ball]]s, [[TM]]s and [[HM]]s, and Key items.

====Generation III====
The Bag is in either a girl's or boy's design, and it moves whenever something is done. When the limit of ninety-nine items is reached, the player now can carry more of that particular item by using a second slot in the Bag. This generation also expands the Pocket System from Generation II, with five pockets available instead of four: 
* Items 
* Berries 
* Poké Balls 
* TMs and HMs
* Key Items

In {{v2|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, the Bag is only divided into Items, Key Items, and Poké Balls. There are two sub-pockets in the Key Items pocket, TM Case and Berry Pouch, which hold TMs and HMs and Berries, respectively. Also, beginning with FireRed and LeafGreen, when an item is viewed, it will have a sprite.

====Generation IV====
Generation IV changed the Pocket System even more, dividing the Bag even further:

* Items
* Medicine
* [[Poké Ball]]s
* [[TM]]s and [[HM]]s
* [[Berry|Berries]]
* [[Mail]]
* Battle Items
* Key Items

The player can navigate the Bag by either using the face buttons on the DS or using the Touch Screen to scroll through the Bag and items. 

Unlike previous generations, the Bag has an infinite amount of space within it, meaning that the PC Item Storage system is obsolete and therefore not present. It is replaced within the PC menu with an option for decorating [[Poké Ball]]s with [[Seal]]s instead.

=====HeartGold and SoulSilver=====
In {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, the Bag is completely operated on the touch screen. However, buttons are still available to be used. Items are now listed six on a page, and moving items within the pockets must be done by selecting them, choosing "Move", and then selecting the destination. Two key items can now be registered as opposed to one. Both key items have buttons on the Touch Screen, however only the first one will have a face button shortcut (the Y button).

====Generation V====
Generation V made the Bag a bit smaller, excluding the [[Mail]], Poké Balls, and Battle Items pockets. The items that were previously inside these pockets now show up in the Items pocket. Also, there is a button on the bottom of the screen in the Bag that will automatically sort items (first by type, and then alphabetically) alongside sorting with the Select button.

===Pokémon applications===
====Generation I====
There is no application in Generation I.

====Generation II====
{{main|Pokégear}}
[[File:Pokégear Time GSC.png|frame|Pokégear display]]
In Generation II, the ''PokéGear'' command displays the player's [[Pokégear]]. It displays the map of the region, names of previously fought Trainers, and the current time. It also allows players to call registered Trainers. The main character of {{3v2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}} receives a Pokégear from their mother at the start of their journey. It has several functions, some of which need to be unlocked during the game by receiving special expansion cards. The functions of the PokéGear include:

* ''Time'' - The Pokégear displays the day of the week and the time of day, entered at the beginning of the game.
* ''Map'' - The Pokégear displays a map of [[Johto]], and later [[Kanto]].
* ''Phone'' - The Pokégear will function like a cellphone, allowing the user to make calls to people that the player has traded phone numbers with.
* ''Radio'' - The Pokégear functions as a radio, allowing the player to listen to radio shows and music.

====Generation III====
{{main|PokéNav}}
[[File:Pokenav menu.png|frame|PokéNav display in Emerald]]
In Generation III, the ''PokéNav'' command displays the player's PokéNav. The PokéNav command is only available in {{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}. It displays the map of the region, names of previously fought Trainers, conditions of Pokémon, and the Ribbons on the Pokémon. Mr. Stone gives it to the player for recovering the {{key|III|Devon Goods}} from [[Team Aqua]] or [[Team Magma]]. It has several new functions. Most of them are already programmed in when received:

*''Map'' - The PokéNav displays a map of [[Hoenn]], along with the current location of its owner.
*''Condition'' - The PokéNav checks the conditions of Pokémon in detail. It can be set to search only through party Pokémon, or all Pokémon owned combined.
*''Trainer's Eyes'' - The PokéNav will keep track of Trainers and alert the user when they want a rematch. This function appears only in {{v2|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}.
*''Match Call'' - An upgraded version of the Trainer's Eyes only available in {{v2|Emerald}}, it allows its user to call anyone who has had their PokéNav registered with theirs, similar to the cell phone feature of the [[Pokégear]].
*''Ribbons'' - The PokéNav will display the [[Ribbon]]s the Pokémon have acquired, either via {{pkmn|Contest}}s or special events. This function can only be activated if a Pokémon receives a Ribbon.

=====FireRed and LeafGreen=====
{{main|Fame Checker}}
The ''Fame Checker'' was introduced in {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}} as an information collector for important NPCs ([[Gym Leader]]s, the [[Elite Four]], etc.). The player must talk to NPCs, look at [[Gym]] signs, or read [[Pokémon Journal]]s to obtain Fame Checker information.

====Generation IV====
{{main|Pokétch}}
With the Generation IV games being on the DS, the application feature in {{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, the Pokétch, can be seen on the touch screen, instead of in the menu. 

{{main|Pokégear}}
In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the Pokégear's features are utilized on separate screens and must be selected in the menu.

====Generation V====
{{main|C-Gear}}
Like the Pokétch application, the C-Gear is not located within the menu; the C-Gear is, when turned on, continually located on the touch screen of the DS. By default, it constantly searches for a local wireless access point to connect with other games, but it can be turned off. So far, two new features have been announced:
* ''Pass By Mode'' - If the C-Gear is on Lookout Mode, then it will automatically pick up signals from other players, allowing the player to monitor their progress in real time.
* ''Global Link'' - This allows the game to sync its save file to a website on the Internet where the player can access extra features and minigames.

====Gallery====
<gallery>
File:Pokégear Map GSC.png|The map function in {{3v2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}, displaying the map for [[Johto]]
File:Pokenav map.png|Pokénav map in Full View in {{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}
File:Pokenav condition menu.png|Pokémon Condition menu in {{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}
File:Pokétch Digital Watch Pt.png|The Digital Watch app as seen on a girl's [[Pokétch]] in {{game|Platinum}}
File:Pokégear Map HGSS.png|The map function in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, displaying the [[Johto]] half of the map
File:Pokégear Radio HGSS.png|The bottom screen of the radio interface in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}
File:Victini C-Gear skin.png|A C-Gear in {{2v2|Black|White}} using the Victini skin
File:B2W2 C-Gear skin.png|A C-Gear in {{2v2|Black|White|2}} using the default skin
File:Resolute Keldeo C-Gear skin.png|A C-Gear in {{2v2|Black|White|2}} using the Keldeo skin
</gallery>

===Player's name===
{{main|Trainer Card (game)|Trainer Card}}
[[File:Trainer card platinum.png|frame|A blue Trainer Card in Platinum]]
The ''Player's name'' command allows the player to display their Trainer Card. Several things are present on all Trainer Cards, including the Trainer's name, the [[Trainer ID number]], how much [[Pokémon Dollar|money]] the player has, number of Pokémon seen (number of Pokémon caught before {{gen|IV}}), which [[Badge]]s the player has earned, and the amount of time they have been playing their game. The Trainer Card also changes colors after meeting certain conditions, such as defeating the [[Elite Four]].

====Generation I====
The menu shows the player's name, how much money they are carrying, and how long they have been playing, as well as acquired Badges and the faces of Gym Leaders whose Badges have not yet been obtained.
====Generation II====
The menu now shows the player's [[ID number]], as well as the number of caught Pokémon.

Additionally, the lower part of the menu now has a back side where Badges are shown (which are now displayed with the Gym Leaders' faces, rather than replacing them).
====Generation III====
In [[Generation III]], a back side is fully implemented, where it displays such data as how many link battles a player has participated in, won, and lost; how many trades the player has taken part in; and how long they had been playing when they first defeated the [[Elite Four]] and [[Pokémon Champion]] to enter the [[Hall of Fame]]. The Gym Leaders' faces are no longer present.

In {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, a Trainer's party can be photographed in the [[Rocket Game Corner]] in [[Celadon City]] and put on the back as well. The back side also shows stickers.

====Generation IV====
The Badges can be found on the touch screen. They can be polished by touching the screen and will play musical notes depending on how clean they are, a feature absent in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}. A signature strip was also added at the back for the player to write on with the DS stylus.

====Generation V====
Like in Generation IV, the Badges in [[Generation V]] can be cleaned. This function was removed in [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2 and White 2]]. <!--Message spot, Trainer type, Badges affect grayness of Gym leaders' faces-->

===Save===
{{main|Saving}}
[[File:Save Pokémon Platinum.png|thumb|Saving in Platinum]]
The ''Save'' command saves the player's current progress. The player can save the game at any time outside of battle. In Generation IV, the prompt may display "Saving a lot of data..." instead of just "Saving...". This occurs when the player accesses the [[Pokémon Storage System]] from a [[PC]] as well as the first time saving after loading a backup save file that was loaded due to a corrupted file. When the player selects "Continue" on the main menu, the player can continue playing the game from the last place saved.

[[File:Platinum options.png|frame|left|Options in Generation IV]]

===Options===
{{main|Options}}

The ''[[Options]]'' command allows the player to change various in-game features. The ''Options'' menu can also be accessed on the main menu.

===Exit===
{{main|Exit}}
The ''Exit'' command closes the menu and returns to the game. The player can also press the start button (or the X button in [[Generation IV]]) or the B button to close the menu.
{{left clear}}
==Trivia==
* In [[Generation I]], the menu screen would be darker than usual if the menu was opened in a cave or other place that was very dark and {{m|Flash}} had not yet been used.
* In the [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]] series, an entirely different menu format was introduced due to the vastly different style of gameplay.
* The first main series games to feature the menu on the touch screen are {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}. The player is able to select different options by using the DS's touch screen capabilities, such as one-touch saving, accessing the [[Pokédex]], and accessing the [[Bag]]. All of the menu options utilize the touch screen in a total redesign from previous generations. Pressing the X button will allow control over this area to change from the stylus to the D-pad. However, because of the lack of an "exit" button on the touch screen, players must press the X button or B button to return to normal gameplay.

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