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Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl differences and which version should you buy?

2 years ago by Scott Stowe

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Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are set to release on the Nintendo Switch on November 19th, and it’s highly likely players are still deciding which version they’d like to pick up. This is a decision that has plagued Pokemon Fans since the choice between Red and Blue back in 1998 so to make it easier let’s review the differences and version exclusives to get you prepared for the Gen IV remakes dropping this month

pokemon brilliant diamond and shining pearl cover

What are the differences?

Every generation of Pokemon has had version exclusives where certain Pokemon can only be caught in one of the games, Diamond and Pearl was no different back in 2006 with some pretty big names like Scizor only in Diamond meanwhile Slowbro was only in Pearl.

One good thing about playing on a modern console like the Nintendo Switch is the ease of trading so hopefully switching your exclusives should be a non-issue for the most part. It’s safe to assume that the exclusives will match that of the original release of Diamond and Pearl however, we’re currently unsure if the remake will have an expanded Pokedex from the original games which could potentially mean more exclusives that we’re currently unaware of. The only other difference between the versions of the game is who the main story is based on in terms of the legendaries. In Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Dialga is the centre-piece meanwhile in Pokemon Shining Pearl it’s Palkia, the main story beats do not change.

pokemon-shining-pearl-and-diamond-dialga-palkia-1635849632btuuj.png

Pokemon Shining Pearl Exclusives:

Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Pinsir, Misdreavus, Mismagius, Houndour, Houndoom, Stantler, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Bagon, Shelgon, Salamence, Shieldon, Bastiodon, Glameow, Purugly and Palkia.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Exclusives:

Seel, Dewgong, Scyther, Scizor, Kecleon, Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar, Poochyena, Mightyena, Aron, Lairon, Aggron, Murkrow, Honchkrow, Cranidos, Rampardos, Stunky, Skunktank and Dialga.

Which version should you buy?

When it comes to what version you should buy it is important to consider out of the lists above which you’re personal favourite Pokemon are and who you’d like to have on your team as you battle through Sinnoh. In terms of power both have heavy hitters such as Tyranitar and Salamence so the game’s difficulty should be no different it’s simply a matter of personal preference whether that be for pokemon’s aesthetics or just the fact it’s one of your favourites.

Some players are often swayed by the games flagship legendary so perhaps inform your decision based on who you prefer between Diamond’s Dialga and Pearl’s Palkia. There is no right or wrong decision here albeit a tough one, an exercise of picking a team you’d want to play through the game with could be a good way to make your decision ready for release on November 19th!

Pokemon Shining Pearl Best Price

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Pokémon Shining Pearl

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£29.95

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Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Best Price

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Pokémon Brilliant Diamond

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£43.49

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Pokemon Dialga and Palkia Switch Lite

If you've been holding out on buying a Nintendo Switch Lite and you're a big fan of Pokemon then on the 5th of November a special edition is being released which may be right ideal for you. The Pokemon Dialga and Palkia special edition Nintendo Switch Lite is still available for pre-order and is a great way to play these new Pokemon titles in portable mode. This is one of the nicest looking special editions to date and we’re sure it’ll go out of stock following release so if you’re interested definitely pick one up while you can.

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Nintendo Switch Lite Pokemon Dialga & Palkia Edition

£189.99

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