Nintendo spoiled Sinnoh fans this year with two remakes and a new open-world adventure in the same region. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl revamp their classic DS counterparts into graphically enhanced remakes with new and returning features.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl appeal to those who want to re-experience the games and those who just want to journey through Sinnoh on the latest consoles. Take on space-obsessed Team Galactic, discover creators of space and time Dialga and Palkia, and conquer the Sinnoh League all in one Pokémon journey.
We’ve got you covered on this space-time adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl release date
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl release on November 19, 2021. Nintendo revealed the two Sinnoh remakes during its Pokémon 25th anniversary presentation along with its new open-world Pokémon game, Pokémon Legends: Arceus. They originally advertised a fall 2021 release, then updated fans on the exact date.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl pre-orders
Eager Pokémon Trainers can pre-order their copy of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl at one of these retailers in the US or UK. You can also check out our Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl pre-order guide for even more listings and need-to-knows.
Pokémon Diamond and Shining Pearl pre-orders in the US:
Pokémon Diamond and Shining Pearl pre-orders in the UK:
Nintendo hasn’t revealed any special editions of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. There don’t seem to be any pre-order bonuses, either. However, this can change in the next couple of months before the games’ release. Nintendo has added pre-order bonuses in the past for its Pokémon games. For example, Pokémon Snap ended up promoting regional exclusives for pre-orders.
You might not need to wait for a pre-order bonus announcement if you really want the game, though. Customers have reported receiving pre-order bonuses after announcements, even if they placed their orders beforehand.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl starter Pokémon
Trainers choose from three Sinnoh starter Pokémon:
- Piplup – Water-type penguin Pokémon
- Chimchar – Fire-type monkey Pokémon
- Turtwig – Grass-type turtle Pokémon
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl gameplay
Like most Pokémon remakes, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl mimic their predecessors in almost every way when it comes to gameplay. Players pick either Lucas or Dawn (male or female) as their avatar for Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. The leftover character becomes the Professor’s research assistant. You, the research assistant, and your long-time rival each select one of the three starters and battle at checkpoints throughout the game. Don’t worry, though — you get to pick first.
Pokémon games typically progress as such: Catch Pokémon, train them, collect gym badges, and then take on the champion league. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl are no different in that aspect. However, they also incorporate Pokémon Super Contests, where Pokémon show off style in Visual, Dance, and Acting competitions. Players were able to earn collectible accessories like ribbons through these mini-games in the past. It’s unclear how these might manifest in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl also bring back the Sinnoh Underground. There, players can mine for treasures like evolution stones and valuable artifacts, and construct secret bases for other players to visit. Trainers can decorate these underground hideouts with furniture such as rugs, lamps, and plush toys. Pokémon Sapphire and Ruby had the same feature, which received an upgrade in the remastered Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire versions. So, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl might receive an enhancement on this returning feature too.