The Nintendo Switch remake of the classics Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is just some hours away. But there is still a fundamental question to answer.
Which version is better? Although, at the end of the day will come to a personal preference. We will help your decision-making by providing you with the main differences between both games.
Release Date
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will be available on the Nintendo Store on November 19, 2021.
Like other Pokemon Releases, the game is not releasing simultaneously. Instead, PBD and PSP will become available past midnight in each region.
If you pre-order the game, you can start the preload of Pokemon right now.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond vs. Pokemon Shining Pearl
Let's start first by mentioning the things these games have in common. They share maps, storylines, characters, and missions.
They also share the same price, both Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl cost: $59.99.
If you cannot decide after reading this article, there is also a double pack for $119.99.
Ramanas Park
The first big difference between both games is found in the new facility called Ramanas Park. This is an entirely new region that was not part of the 2006 Nintendo DS Versions.
In Ramanas Park, trainers will be able to encounter a variety of Legendary Pokemon. Unfortunately, this facility is only accessible after beating the Elite Four.
Legendary Exclusives
Some of the Legendary Pokemon in Ramanas are exclusive to each version of the game.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Legendaries:
Name | Category | Type | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
Raikou | Legendary | Electric | Gen 2 |
Entei | Legendary | Fire | Gen 2 |
Suicune | Legendary | Water | Gen 2 |
Ho-oh | Legendary | Fly/Fire | Gen 2 |
Pokemon Shining Pearl Legendaries:
Name | Category | Type | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
Articuno | Legendary | Ice - Flying | Gen 1 |
Zapdos | Legendary | Electric - Flying | Gen 1 |
Moltres | Legendary | Fire - Flying | Gen 1 |
Ho-oh | Legendary | Physic - Flying | Gen 2 |
These are the initial Legendary Exclusives. Trainers can expect more added in upcoming updates.
More Pokemon Exclusive
While Ramanas Park is end-game content, the main difference between Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is in plain sight, right on the cover.
Trainers with a copy of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond will catch the legendary: Dialga, the dual-type Steel/Dragon from Generation IV.
Trainers with Pokemon Shining Pearl will catch the legendary: Palkia, the dual-type Water/Dragon from Generation IV.
There are more exclusive Pokemon for each version. The following list includes those from the original version and some new ones confirmed.
However, the list is subject to change in the final version.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Exclusives
Caterpie | Metapod |
Arbok | Grwolithe |
Dewgong | Scyther |
Honchcrow | Gligar |
Elekid | Electabuzz |
Pupitar | Tyranitar |
Shiftry | Mawile |
Cranidos | Ramados |
Pokemon Shining Pearl Exclusives
Beedril | Sandshrew |
Ninetales | Slowpoke |
Pinser | Misdreavus |
Ursaring | Stantler |
Magmortar | Bagon |
Lotad | Lombre |
Seviper | Lunatone |
Glameow | Purugly |
No matter which version you chose, as usual, the best option will be to join the game with friends.
You can exchange Pokemon with other players until you complete your Pokedex.