Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Everything we know so far

The Pokemon franchise is headed back to the Sinnoh region with Gen IV remakes Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Here’s everything you need to know about the wildly-anticipated Nintendo Switch RPG coming out in 2021.

This November, Pokemon fans will get to revisit the Sinnoh region with Studio ILCA’s Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl remakes. While a faithful reimagining, the Nintendo Switch games will also bring a flurry of new features to the classic RPGs.

From Trainer customization to an expanded Pokedex, the wildly anticipated project will bring Gen IV to the HD era with a fresh coat of paint. Here is what Trainers can expect when picking up BDSP this Fall.

Game Freak / The Pokemon Company

The Gen IV Pokemon title is finally getting a remake.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl release date

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl will officially hit stores on Friday, November 19, 2021. After years of rumors, the Sinnoh remakes were unveiled during the Pokemon 25th Anniversary Presents in February.

• Read More: 5 Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl features you missed

Unlike previous remakes, the project is not being handled by Game Freak. Series newcomers Studio ILCA are heading up the reimaginings instead with help from Diamond & Pearl’s original Director Junichi Masuda.

While the remakes were initially promoted as being “faithful” reimaginings, the Nintendo Switch RPGs will also include a flurry of modern features.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl features

HD Graphics

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

The classic game has been remade in HD graphics.

Trainer customization

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Players will be able to customize their Sinnoh Trainer.

Clothing items

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

BDSP will also feature different clothing items for your Trainer.

The Grand Underground

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

The Underground returns with an expanded co-op mode.

Secret Bases

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Players can create and customize their own secret base in the Sinnoh remakes.

Pokemon Hideaways

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Rare Pokemon can only be found in Hideaways found in the Grand Underground.

Super Contest Shows

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Players can have their Pokemon evaluated.

Poke Ball Effects

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Trainers can customize their Pokeball with stickers to create epic effects when starting battles.

Companion

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Pokemon walk outside of their Pokeball in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.

Union Room

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

In the Union Room, players can connect online with Trainers locally or from around the world.

Online Battles

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Trainers can battle against each other using online features.

Expanded Pokedex

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

The Sinnoh remakes will feature an expanded Pokedex bigger than Diamond & Pearl.

Pokemon Home integration

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Players will be able to transfer their BDSP Pokemon into the Home service.

Return of the Poketch

ILCA / The Pokemon Company

The Poketch from the original game returns, and is loaded with features such as HMs – no need to learn them anymore.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl trailers

During its February 26 reveal, The Pokemon Company also provided fans with a quick one-minute debut trailer for Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Instead of reusing Sword & Shield’s modern engine, the RPGs opted for a new “chibi” art style that has never been seen before in the franchise.

While the initial trailer sparked backlash for its graphics, fans were won over with the second trailer revealed during the August 18th Pokemon Presents. In the new launch video, the Sinnoh remakes had substantially better visuals with the graphics being completely overhauled from top to bottom.

Reveal trailer

August Pokemon Presents Launch trailer

September 28 news trailer

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl starter Pokemon

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Players will get to choose a Starter Pokemon at the start of Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl opens with players meeting Sinnoh’s Professor Rowan. Just like all games in the series, Trainers will get to pick a Starter Pokemon.

Here are the three characters that you will be presented at the start of your journey:

Name	Pokemon	Type
Chimchar
Piplup
Turtwig

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond exclusive Pokemon

Cranidos

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

The Rock-type Dinosaur is exclusive to Brilliant Diamond.

Stunky

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Stunky is one of Brilliant Diamond’s exclusive ‘mon.

Pokemon Shining Pearl exclusive Pokemon

Shieldon

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

The Rock / Steel Type Pokemon is exclusive to Shining Pearl.

Glameow

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Glameow can only be found in the Shining Pearl version of the RPG.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl screenshots

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

The entire Sinnoh cast has been remade in a new HD art style.

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Team Galactic villain Cyrus looks as menacing as ever in the Sinnoh remakes.

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl has a whole host of varied NPC characters to battle.

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Players will be able to customize their main character even at the start of the game.

The Pokemon Company / ILCA

Dual Battles in the Sinnoh Remake looks stunning.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl will officially launch on November 19, 2021. While it looks like the game is NOT based on the Platinum version of Gen IV, it does, however, look to have a wealth of new features.

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Those who pre-order the game score Legendary Manaphy and its evolution, Phione, for free. For how to unlock the Mythical, check out our guide here.