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After a long, long wait, the remakes for the Sinnoh games have been announced. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are the much-anticipated remakes of Diamond & Pearl, and they're releasing this year! While we got a trailer and some bits of info here and there, Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokemon Company have been kind of hush-hush about many of the details.
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There is a bit we know, but there is much still shrouded in mystery, much like the legends of Sinnoh themselves. Here's what we know so far!
We'll keep this post updated as frequently as possible, so be sure to check back for all your Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl news.
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Release Date – November 19, 2021
As is typical with main series Pokemon games, BDSP will be releasing just before the holiday season — specifically, on November 19, 2021.
Physical editions of both games can currently be pre-ordered on the official site, while digital copies can be pre-ordered on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
The games will only be available on the Nintendo Switch.
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Trailer
So far, we've only been treated to a single Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl trailer. It's unknown at the moment whether another will be released before the game is, but we'll likely get to see a bit more.
Here's the reveal trailer:
Much is shown in this trailer, though there aren't many features outside of new graphics that we wouldn't already know.
Hopefully, we'll get to see more gameplay before the official release in November.
Trailer Breakdown
The trailer mostly showed off things that could be expected. But, it's always great to see that fan-favorite mechanics and features will definitely be returning. Some of the most noteworthy things spotted in the trailer include:
-
A clown is standing in front of a door in Jubilife
- In the original titles, you could answer questions for three of these clowns, and they'd reward you with Coupons. Collect three Coupons, and you could trade them for the Poketch. The clown present in this trailer suggests the Poketch — or something like it — will be returning.
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Drifloon can be seen at the Valley Windworks
- In the original titles, Drifloon will only spawn here on Fridays (after you kick Team Plasma out). This suggests that the day-specific spawn will return.
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The Union Room is shown
- This is a feature from the original titles for playing in multiplayer. It's unclear how it will work in the modern-day.
What's Different From the Original Diamond & Pearl?
Right now, we haven't been given many details about how the games have changed since the originals. The developers have been pretty tight-lipped so far.
What they have said is that the story will be "faithfully reproduced" and that towns and routes have been "carefully preserved." The "faithfully reproduced" phrase has been pinpointed by fans and media alike, with most believing it means an almost 1:1 remake from the originals, but it's unclear just how far that phrase extends.
This is especially interesting, since the developers have also said that the remakes include "easy-to-understand, player-friendly conveniences of the modern Pokémon series."
What this likely means is that the games are almost the same in the most important characteristics, like the story, overworld, and more, but contain quality-of-life upgrades from more recent games — the removal of HMs, auto-save, the Shiny Charm, unlimited-use TMs, new items like Nature Mints, and more.
Developer
Interestingly, these remakes will not be developed by Game Freak — the first main series Pokemon titles not to be. Tokyo-based ILCA (which stands for I Love Computer Art) is developing Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, as Game Freak is busy making the open-world game Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Junichi Masuda, co-founder of Game Freak and longtime Pokemon game director and composer, will be co-directing BDSP alongside ILCA's Yuichi Ueda.
This will be the first main series Pokemon title that ILCA is working on. The studio did work on Pokemon HOME, though, so it's not their first foray into the Pokemon world.
ILCA also worked on NieR: Automata, Yakuza 0, and Dragon Quest XI, though not as the head developers. It'll be interesting to see how they do with the remakes while Game Freak takes a bit of a step back.
Graphics
The graphics have received a major upgrade, as is expected. However, the games will not take on the new graphics of Sword & Shield or the Let's Go games. New graphics show a 3D, yet still top-down style for the overworld.
The NPCs and player characters have been given a chibi-style design, like a modern 3D rework of the original character sprites. The style has drawn some criticism from fans, though.
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In battle, things are a bit more current, compared to Gen VII and Gen VIII games. Character and Pokemon models closely resemble modern games, using 3D Pokemon models, notably.
Attack animations and other battle animations are also the current style we know nowadays, giving the games much more of an updated feel. Battles also take place on a fully-designed battlefield like Sword & Shield, rather than the generic ones from back in the day.
Expected Changes
Some changes and updates have been introduced to the series since the original Sinnoh games that aren't confirmed for the remake, but are likely. We may have to wait until the full release to see if these predictions are true, but they are fairly safe guesses.
Fairy-type
Since Gen IV, a new type has been added: Fairy. As part of the new type's addition to the series, a handful of existing Pokemon were retconned to have the Fairy-type. This won't be a major hurdle, but it will affect the types of some Pokemon.
Notably, the Champion, Cynthia, has a Togekiss in Platinum. Togekiss is one of the Pokemon that was given the Fairy-type. It's unlikely that she'll have her Togekiss in BDSP, since she didn't have it in Diamond & Pearl, but it's worth noting. Overall, the Fairy-type will likely make the Championship fight a bit easier. Before Fairy's addition, her Spiritomb had no weaknesses, and her ace, Garchomp, also has a Fairy weakness now.
Other notable trainers who will be more vulnerable with the introduction of the Fairy-type are Maylene, the Fighting-type Gym Leader of Veilstone City, with her Meditite and Machoke; Candice, the Snowbelle City Gym Leader, who has a Sneasel and a Medicham; Elite Four Aaron, who has a Heracross; and Elite Four Lucian, who also has a Medicham.
Moves and Abilities
Since Gen IV, a wealth of new moves and abilities have been added. These will likely exist in the remakes, as well. It's hard to see the developers removing four generations of moves and abilities that have been added.
National Dex?
If the moves and abilities added since Gen IV are preserved, then it only stands to reason that the Pokemon introduced would be as well, right? This is a big question, which we cover down below in more depth.
Increased Game Speed
Diamond & Pearl were widely maligned for how slow everything was: saving took a while, health bars sluggishly drained when a move hit, surfing seemed like it went at a snail's pace, and the overall game and UI just felt slow. In Platinum, much of this was fixed. Several things were changed to make the pace a bit better. The same will likely apply to BDSP, but it's not a guarantee.
Unlikely Inclusions
There are some things that are almost guaranteed to not be included. However, we could be surprised!
Mega Evolution and Gigantamax/Dynamax
The Pokemon Company has been, to the chagrin of many, eager to leave Mega Evolution in Gen VI and VII. Sword & Shield controversially contained no Mega Evolution, instead opting for the Gigantamax and Dynamax phenomena. It's unlikely that either will be included (especially Dynamax/Gigantamax, since it's specifically noted to be unique to the Galar region).
If Mega Evolution does make its way into the remakes, it could really shake up some of the more important battles of the game. Three of the four members of the Elite Four, and the Champion, have at least one Pokemon that can Mega Evolve (Aaron: Heracross, Lucian: Medicham and Alakazam, Flint: Steelix and Lopunny, and Cynthia: Garchomp).
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Also, almost all of the Gym Leaders have a Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution, with the only exceptions being the first two (Roark and Gardenia) and the last (Volkner). Maylene has a Lucario, Crasher Wake has a Gyarados, Fantina has a Gengar, Byron has a Steelix, and Candice has a Medicham and an Abomasnow.
Just to really drive the point home too much, your rival, Barry, has a Heracross, and the villainous team leader, Cyrus, has a Gyarados. The point here is that Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are ripe for Mega Evolution, which is unfortunate, because it probably won't be included. But if it is, it'll be fantastic.
Connection To Some Other Games
It's unlikely that there will be any type of connection (transfer, online multiplayer, et cetera) to some other games. The Let's Go games, Generation VII games, and Sword & Shield will probably not have a direct connection. However, BDSP will likely connect to Pokemon HOME.
The Distortion World/Giratina Arc
There are definitely some things from Platinum, the sequel to Diamond & Pearl, that we might see in these remakes (see below). However, the entire arc/saga with Giratina and the Distortion World is highly unlikely. This is a huge part of Platinum's story and set it apart from its predecessors, so it's unlikely that it'll be included.
Dual-Slot Mode
Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum featured a cool mechanic called Dual-Slot Mode. Basically, certain Pokemon could spawn in some areas depending on which GBA game you had in the DS's GBA slot (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, or LeafGreen).
Since the Switch does not have a GBA slot, it's unlikely that there will be any type of mechanic similar to this. Whether or not the Dual-Slot exclusive Pokemon will just spawn in those areas regardless is not known to the public.
The Game Corner
There used to be a Game Corner in each major region, where you could gamble and trade your winnings for prizes. The last time a proper Game Corner appeared in the main series Pokemon games was the Sinnoh games before they were removed due to concerns over age ratings and gambling. Since then, Game Corners haven't been created and have been "closed" in subsequent remakes (Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire and the Let's Go games).
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl were definitely not going to break this trend, but it's been all but confirmed after the games received a PEGI 7 rating in the U.K. This age rating does not allow gambling in a game, so the Game Corner's probably going to be "permanently closed" during this visit to Sinnoh.
Could Go Either Way
There are some features, mechanics, and characteristics of the series that may be added or updated in the Sinnoh remakes, but it could really go either way. Some of these are also features from Platinum, the sequel to Diamond & Pearl.
Certain Online Features
It's only been 15 years since Diamond & Pearl came out, but in the gaming world, that's like a century. As a result, online capabilities in games have come a long way. We'll probably see some changes to the online mechanics, but it's hard to know exactly what those changes will be.
The Global Trade Station, online battles and trading, and more could all be changed significantly.
Features From Platinum
While major mechanics and upgrades from Platinum are unlikely to be included in the Diamond & Pearl remakes, there are some things that we might see. As mentioned, the overall pace of the game could be closer to Platinum than its predecessors. However, there are also some other things that we might see included:
- Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos as roaming Pokemon
- The Battle Frontier
- Gym Leader rematches in the Survival Area
- The Vs. Recorder and added online capabilities
- Terrain and geographical features of some areas that were updated
Additionally, an NPC that does not appear in Diamond & Pearl but does appear in Platinum has been spotted by a keen-eyed fan in the trailer.
This lady gives you a special item if you visit her in Floaroma Town with a Shaymin. She could just be included so you can change your Shaymin's form, but it's definitely raising some eyebrows.
The Sinnoh Region
We do know some of what to expect about the lore and geography of the Sinnoh region, which serves as the setting for the games, given what we know about the originals.
You'll face off against eight gyms before taking on the Sinnoh League, which consists of the Elite Four and the current-reigning Champion, Cynthia. Along the way, you'll have to contend with the evil Team Galactic, who are up to no good, as is the case with most villainous teams in Pokemon.
You'll also have a rival, Barry, who is a bit clumsy with how he rushes from place to place. He'll join you along the way, testing your mettle as a trainer and providing help on where to go and what to do.
Starter Pokemon
One of the first things that you'll need to know is that your Starter options will be the same as they were in Gen IV: Turtwig, a Grass-type, Chimchar, a Fire-type, or Piplup, a Water-type.
Turtwig will go on to evolve into Grotle, then Torterra, who is the only Grass/Ground-type in the series. Torterra is a bulky and defense-oriented Pokemon, with a decent physical Attack stat.
Chimchar evolves into Monferno, and then Infernape. This Fire/Fighting-type was the second of three Fire/Fighting Starters in a row, preceded by Blaziken and followed by Emboar. Infernape is more offense-focused, with decent Attack and Special Attack.
The final Starter choice, Piplup, will evolve into Prinplup and then Empoleon. As a Water/Steel-type, Empoleon is a bit more balanced between offense and defense. It can play great as a supporter, setting things up on the field or removing them, though it can also pack a punch on its own.
Legendary Pokemon
You'll be able to catch a Legendary Pokemon, but which one you can will be determined by your game version. If you have Brilliant Diamond, you'll be up against Dialga. If you have Shining Pearl, you're looking at a battle with Palkia. These two, plus Platinum's mascot, Giratina, make up the Creation Trio of Sinnoh, representing time, space, and antimatter. All three were created by Arceus to rule over their respective domains.
Dialga is a Steel/Dragon-type with a signature move called Roar of Time. This Legendary is called the Temporal Pokemon because it is representative of time as a concept overall.
Palkia is a Water/Dragon-type with Spacial Rend as a signature move. Palkia is called the Spatial Pokemon, since it's the representative and master of space as a concept.
Giratina is probably not going to feature prominently in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, since it was mainly the focus of Platinum. But, it could be caught in the original games after meeting some tough requirements. Additionally, it has another form in Platinum, its Origin Form. Whether Giratina's role will be expanded or kept the way it was is currently not something we know.
Terrain Hazards
Sinnoh is easily one of the most geographically diverse regions in the Pokemon universe. There are snowy mountains, boggy marshes, beaches, floral fields, and more.
As a result, the game features a ton of terrain-related mechanics that add some flare to gameplay. You'll find yourself trudging through the snow to get to Snowbelle City, battling swimmers on the beaches, and even walking on pedways above the buildings in Sunyshore City.
We can see the female player character walking through the snow in the trailer. However, it isn't quite trudging, but a shot of such trudging is shown in the original games at the beginning of the trailer. It would be strange if they included that shot and then that mechanic isn't in the remakes.
The Sinnoh Underground
One of the best and most beloved mechanics of the Gen IV games was the Sinnoh Underground. By obtaining the right tools and making your way underground, you could discover a whole hidden world — and best of all, you could do it with friends.
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In the Underground, you could dig for rare items (including Fossils), build a base, hang out with friends, and more. It was a truly fantastic addition to the series, and it's been sad to see that it hasn't been included since.
Luckily, the trailer shows a brief glimpse of the female player character running around the Underground, showing that it will be included. How the online multiplayer function will work is still not known to the public, though.
National Pokedex
This is one of the biggest questions many fans have: will the Diamond & Pearl remakes include Pokemon from Generation V onward?
In past remakes (FireRed & LeafGreen, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire), Pokemon were included from more recent games than the originals those games were based on. One could easily conclude that the same will apply to the Gen IV remakes.
However, there's a slight snag when making this assumption: Sword & Shield does not contain the full National Pokedex. In one of the most controversial moves in Pokemon history (titled "Dexit" as a pun on "Pokedex" and "Brexit," since the Galar region is based on the U.K.), the developers made it so that you could only catch Pokemon that inhabit Galar. Those in the rest of the National Pokedex could not be imported up from other games.
This makes it a bit tricky when trying to predict which route BDSP will take. Will they continue the new trend of not including a full National Dex? Will they only feature the original Pokedex of Diamond & Pearl? Will the fine people at the Pokemon Company cave to the intense backlash to Dexit and include everything? It's all speculation at this point. In the trailer, we only see Pokemon from Sinnoh, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
Version Exclusives
Every main series Pokemon game includes version exclusives — Pokemon that can only be caught in one version or the other, but not both. You typically need to find someone to trade with to get your hands on the Pokemon from the other version. They'll likely be kept the same in the remakes.
Here's who was exclusive to each version in the originals:
| Diamond | Pearl |
|---|---|
| Seel and Dewgong | Slowpoke, Slowbro, and Slowking |
| Scyther and Scizor | Pinsir |
| Murkrow and Honchkrow | Misdreavus and Mismagius |
| Larvitar, Pupitar, and Tyranitar | Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence |
| Poochyena and Mightyena | Houndour and Houndoom |
| Aron, Lairon, and Aggron | Spheal, Sealeo, and Walrein |
| Kecleon | Stantler |
| Cranidos and Rampardos | Shieldon and Bastiodon |
| Stunky and Skuntank | Glameow and Purugly |
| Dialga | Palkia |
Will There Be More Fire-types?
One of the most bemoaned things from Diamond & Pearl was the extremely notable lack of Fire-types available to the player. It's become a running joke at this point, but those playing through the games will still have to deal with the problem.
If you don't choose Chimchar as your Starter, the only Fire-types available to you before defeating the Champion are Ponyta and its evolution, Rapidash. Even Heat Form Rotom wasn't an option — Rotom's forms were introduced in Platinum, and were all Electric/Ghost-types until Gen V changed them to have individual secondary typing.
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Sure, you don't need a Fire-type, but the sheer lack of them was noticeable and can be a bit of an issue. Three Gym Leaders — Gardenia, Byron, and Candice — and an Elite Four member — Aron — run Pokemon that are weak to Fire. Of course, they have other weaknesses, but it's a significant hurdle to manage your team around when one type could cover all four.
Platinum fixed this issue by adding Magmar as an obtainable Pokemon before the Elite Four, but since these remakes will be based on Diamond & Pearl, not Platinum, it's unknown to the general fandom whether the same issue will be present.
Preorder Info
If you want to secure a copy of the games in advance, you can preorder them.
You can grab a physical copy of either Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl, or you can get a double-pack with both.
Both versions are $59.99 (USD) each. The double-pack is $119.98 (USD). Preorders should be open for physical copies at most of your local retailers, as well as online through websites like Amazon.
Preorder bonuses will vary by region and retailer, but if you preorder either version or the double-pack through the Pokemon Center, you'll also receive some plushie keychains of the Sinnoh Starters, Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup.
Currently, digital preorders are not yet open. This will most likely change in due time. It should work the same as most other Switch games: just open up the eShop, find the game you want, and make your purchase! We'll update with details as soon as they're available.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl News
News about the games has only trickled in, and much is still unknown. But, here's a roundup of what the news we've received so far.
- Pokemon Sinnoh Remakes, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Will Launch In 2021
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Spotted On Amazon For Pre-Order Price Of $59.99
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl Are Bringing Back The Underground
- Pokemon BDSP Add A Ridiculous Detail From The Originals
- Pokemon Announces Release Dates For Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, And Legends Arceus
More Sinnoh Content From TheGamer
We've got a ton of content on the original Gen IV games, much of which may help you prepare for the release of BDSP.
- Every Gen IV Pokemon With A Stone Evolution
- Pokemon: Making The Perfect Gen IV Team
- The Hardest Sinnoh Pokemon To Catch
- The Cutest Sinnoh Pokemon, Ranked
- 10 Things You Never Knew About Sinnoh
- Diamond & Pearl Beta Content
NEXT: The Most Powerful Pokemon Of Every Type, Ranked According To Strength
