The controls on Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are very similar to its precedents, with the added touch screen to make our life a little easier.
| Key |
Function |
Notes |
| Field Controls |
 |
Walk around |
In combination with , run (after getting Running Shoes from Mom.) |
 |
Talk with people, Examining objects, approving of actions, continue chat. |
 |
Run[1][2], canceling actions, disapprove of actions[3], continue chat. |
- after receiving Running Shoes from Mom
- in combination with

- on most cases, say "No".
|
 |
Use selected Key Item |
To select an item, go to the Key Item Section in your Bag, Select it with and press Select. |
 |
Open the Main Menu |
- Equivalent to
in older Pokémon versions.
- It is possible to set the game so that
would also open the menu, by going to Options under the Main Menu and selecting the START=X option.
|
 |
Use the Pokétch |
After receiving it in Jubilife City. |
| Menu Controls |
 |
Navigate through menus. |
On most cases, only and are used. |
 |
Select item in a menu. |
 |
Exit menu. |
 |
Rearrange items in a menu. |
Works with items and Pokémon moves. |
| Battle Controls |
 |
Use the menus. |
All battle actions are possible with the stylus, but if you are uncomfortable with the stylus, read on. |
 |
Navigate through the objects in the menu. |
 |
Select object in a menu. |
 |
Exit a menu. |
Can't exit the main battle menu. |