With Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl both on Nintendo Switch, players may be wondering which one to choose. Here is everything you need to know about the version differences so you will be ready when the Sinnoh remakes drop on November 19, 2021.
After 15 years, the Pokemon franchise is finally revisiting Gen IV with the Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl remakes headed for the Switch on November 19, 2021. For many, this will be their first time exploring the Sinnoh region.
Game Freak has promised the HD reimaginings will be a “faithful” port. Here are all of the major differences between each version to help you decide which one to pick.
Contents:
- Exclusive Pokemon explained
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond exclusives
- Pokemon Shining Pearl exclusives
- Will Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl have Platinum’s Pokedex?
Exclusive Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl explained
Although every generation has always featured version exclusives, Diamond & Pearl has perhaps the most drastic differences between each title. From Tyranitar to Salamence, players will need to choose wisely to get the Pokemon they want the most in their game.
For many, the choice may even come down simply to which Legendary you prefer: Palkia or Dialga. However, there are other monsters to consider such as Cranidos and Rampardos vs Shieldon and Bastiodon.
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Here are the version exclusives for Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond exclusive Pokemon
| Cranidos | Rock | |
| Rampardos | Rock | |
| Stunky | Poison / Dark | |
| Skuntank | Poison / Dark | |
| Murkrow | Dark / Flying | |
| Honchkrow | Dark / Flying | |
| Scyther | Bug / Flying | |
| Scizor | Bug / Steel | |
| Caterpie | Bug | |
| Metapod | Bug | |
| Butterfree | Bug / Flying | |
| Ekans | Poison | |
| Arbok | Poison | |
| Growlithe | Fire | |
| Arcanine | Fire | |
| Seedot | Grass | |
| Nuzleaf | Grass / Dark | |
| Shiftry | Grass / Dark | |
| Mawile | Steel / Fairy | |
| Zangoose | Normal | |
| Solrock | Rock / Psychic | |
| Seel | Water | |
| Dewgong | Water / Ice | |
| Kecleon | Normal | |
| Larvitar | Rock / Ground | |
| Pupitar | Rock / Ground | |
| Tyranitar | Rock / Dark | |
| Mime Jr. | Psychic / Fairy | |
| Mr. Mime | Psychic / Fairy | |
| Elekid | Electric | |
| Electabuzz | Electric | |
| Electivire | Electric | |
| Gligar | Ground / Flying | |
| Gliscor | Ground / Flying | |
| Dialga | Steel / Dragon | |
| Raikou | Electric | |
| Entei | Fire | |
| Suicune | Water | |
| Ho-Oh | Fire / Flying |
Pokemon Shining Pearl exclusive Pokemon
| Shieldon | Rock / Steel | |
| Bastiodon | Rock / Steel | |
| Glameow | Normal | |
| Purugly | Normal | |
| Weedle | Bug / Poison | |
| Kakuna | Bug / Poison | |
| Beedrill | Bug / Poison | |
| Slowpoke | Water / Psychic | |
| Slowbro | Water / Psychic | |
| Slowking | Water / Psychic | |
| Stantler | Normal | |
| Bagon | Dragon | |
| Shelgon | Dragon | |
| Salamence | Dragon / Flying | |
| Sandshrew | Ground | |
| Sandslash | Ground | |
| Vulpix | Fire | |
| Ninetales | Fire | |
| Pinsir | Bug | |
| Lotad | Water / Grass | |
| Lombre | Water / Grass | |
| Ludicolo | Water / Grass | |
| Sableye | Dark / Ghost | |
| Seviper | Poison | |
| Lunatone | Rock / Psychic | |
| Misdreavus | Ghost | |
| Mismagius | Ghost | |
| Magby | Fire | |
| Magmar | Fire | |
| Magmortar | Fire | |
| Teddiursa | Normal | |
| Ursaring | Normal | |
| Palkia | Water / Dragon | |
| Articuno | Ice / Flying | |
| Zapdos | Electric / Flying | |
| Moltres | Fire / Flying | |
| Lugia | Psychic / Flying |
Does Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl have Platinum’s Pokedex?
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl does not feature Pokemon Platinum’s Pokedex. It does have the National Pokedex up to Gen IV, though.
After the trailer made its debut back in February, eagle-eyed fans spotted NPCs and overworld changes that were not in the original 2006 release, so they thought it would be possible. Unfortunately, that didn’t end up coming to fruition.
The titles are fairly balanced in terms of the exclusives offered in each one. They both have popular ‘mon so it just comes down to personal preference as to which version you choose.
Players should focus on which game has their favorite Pokemon. The choice is definitely a tough one, but the list above will prepare you for when Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl releases on November 19, 2021.
