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.

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.

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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

Trainer customization

Clothing items

The Grand Underground

Secret Bases

Pokemon Hideaways

Super Contest Shows

Poke Ball Effects

Companion

Union Room

Online Battles

Expanded Pokedex

Pokemon Home integration

Return of the Poketch

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

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:

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond exclusive Pokemon

Cranidos

Stunky

Pokemon Shining Pearl exclusive Pokemon

Shieldon

Glameow

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl screenshots

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.