All version exclusive Pokémon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Make sure to trade with someone who has the other version to complete your Pokédex.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are coming to Nintendo Switch on November 19, 2021. If you only plan on getting one of these games and you’re not sure which version to choose, comparing the Pokémon exclusives might help. Even if you don’t get all of the Pokémon you like in one version, you can always trade using Pokémon HOME to complete that Pokédex. We update this page whenever we find more information, so check back often.
It’s possible that some exclusives have changed from the original games, so we’ve made a list of all confirmed exclusives for the remakes along with a list of all Pokémon from the original Gen 4 Pokédex. Regardless of which version you pick, we’re sure both games will be fun to play and will go on to become some of the best Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch.
Gen 4 reimagined
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
$60 at Amazon (Brilliant Diamond)
$60 at Amazon (Shining Pearl)
$60 at Best Buy (Brilliant Diamond)
$60 at Best Buy (Shining Pearl)
Be the very best
Travel around the Sinnoh region in this updated version of the classic Gen 4 DS games. There are gyms to beat, Pokémon to catch, and an evil team to defeat. Plus, several new mechanics and elements have made their way into these remakes.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl exclusives
Brilliant Diamond exclusives
Shining Pearl exclusives
How many Pokémon in the remakes?
Sinnoh vs National Pokédex
OG Diamond exclusives
OG Pearl exclusives
Platinum exclusives
Original Gen 4 Pokédex
Confirmed Pokémon Brilliant Diamond exclusives (so far)
We aren’t sure yet if all of the same exclusives from the original DS game will be the same ones in this game. But here’s what’s been confirmed for Brilliant Diamond so far.
Cranidos
Rampardos
Stunky
Skuntank
Dialga (Legendary)
To get an idea for what other Pokémon might be Brilliant Diamond exclusives, check out the list of original Diamond exclusives further in this article.
Confirmed Pokémon Shining Pearl exclusives (so far)
We aren’t sure yet if all of the same exclusives from the original DS game will be the same ones in this game. But we have confirmed that you’ll be able to catch these Pokémon if you play Shining Pearl.
Glameow
Purugly
Shieldon
Blastiodon
Palkia (Legendary)
To get an idea for what other Pokémon might be Shining Pearl exclusives, check out the list of original Pearl exclusives further down in this article.
How many Pokémon are in the Gen 4 remakes?
We don’t really know just yet. The original Diamond and Pearl Sinnoh Pokédex featured 151 Pokémon, while the games’ National Pokédex featured over 490 Pokémon for players to catch. It’s possible that these same 490 creatures will be the only monsters we encounter in the remakes. However, it’s also possible that additional Pokémon could be included in the postgame.
After all, Diamond and Pearl were originally released on the DS in 2006, and Platinum followed three years later, bringing with it a handful of new Pokémon. Not to mention, four generations and hundreds of Pokémon have been added to the Pokémon universe since these DS games’ release.
Which Pokémon can I trade into Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?
We don’t know yet if all 900 Pokémon currently in existence will be able to transfer into Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. However, considering that not all Pokémon made their way into the Sword and Shield Pokédex, my guess is that only select monsters can be traded in. We’ll keep our ears to the ground and will update you when we learn more.
National Pokédex vs Sinnoh Pokédex Understanding OG exclusives
I’ve listed original Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum exclusives in the following sections, followed by the Sinnoh Pokédex. In order to understand the original DS games’ exclusives, you have to understand that Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum had a Sinnoh Pokédex and also a National Pokédex that unlocked in the postgame.
The Sinnoh Pokédex was made up of 151 Pokémon including the Gen 4 starters. Once players beat the elite four, saw all of the 151 Pokémon in the Sinnoh dex, and talked to Professor Rowan, Professor Oak would come into the lab and unlock the National Pokédex made up of 493 Pokémon. This is basically every Pokémon from Gen I through Gen IV. Some Pokémon within the National Pokédex are version exclusives. Meaning that some version exclusive Pokémon aren’t listed in the Sinnoh Pokédex.
Original Pokémon Diamond exclusives
These Pokémon were only available in the original Diamond game.
Cranidos
Rampardos
Honchkrow
Stunky
Skuntank
Dialga (Legendary)
Seel
Dewgong
Scyther
Murkrow
Scizor
Larvitar
Pupitar
Tyranitar
Poochyena
Mightyena
Aron
Lairon
Aggron
Kecleon
Original Pokémon Pearl exclusives
This list is comprised of Pokémon that were only available in Pearl.
Shieldon
Bastiodon
Mismagius
Glameow
Purugly
Palkia (Legendary)
Slowpoke
Slowbro
Pinsir
Slowking
Misdreavus
Houndour
Houndoom
Stantler
Spheal
Sealeo
Walrein
Bagon
Shelgon
Salamence
All Pokémon Platinum exclusives
Pokémon Platinum was the third Gen 4 game, releasing three years after Diamond and Pearl. It allowed players to experience the same region and story, but with added elements. These are all of the Pokémon exclusive to this version of the game.
Rotom (all 5 forms)
Tangela
Articuno
Zapdos
Moltres
Tropius
Regirock
Regice
Registeel
Tangrowth
Giratina (Origin Forme)
Shaymin (Sky Forme)
All Pokémon from the original Diamond and Pearl Sinnoh Pokédex
Wanna know which 151 Pokémon made up the original Gen 4 Sinnoh Pokédex on DS? I’ve got you covered.
Turtwig
Grotle
Torterra
Chimchar
Monferno
Infernape
Piplup
Prinplup
Empoleon
Starly
Staravia
Staraptor
Bidoof
Bibarel
Kricketot
Kricketune
Shinx
Luxio
Luxray
Abra
Kadabra
Alakazam
Magikarp
Gyarados
Budew
Roselia
Roserade
Zubat
Golbat
Crobat
Geodude
Graveler
Golem
Onix
Steelix
Cranidos
Rampardos
Shieldon
Bastiodon
Machop
Machoke
Machamp
Psyduck
Golduck
Burmy
Wormadam
Mothim
Wurmple
Silcoon
Beautifly
Cascoon
Dustox
Combee
Vespiquen
Pachirisu
Buizel
Floatzel
Cherubi
Cherrim
Shellos
Gastrodon
Heracross
Aipom
Ambipom
Drifloon
Drifblim
Buneary
Lopunny
Gastly
Haunter
Gengar
Misdreavus
Mismagius
Murkrow
Honchkrow
Glameow
Purugly
Goldeen
Seaking
Barboach
Whiscash
Chingling
Chimecho
Stunky
Skuntank
Meditite
Medicham
Bronzor
Bronzong
Ponyta
Rapidash
Bonsly
Sudowoodo
Mime Jr.
Mr. Mime
Happiny
Chansey
Blissey
Cleffa
Clefairy
Clefable
Chatot
Pichu
Pikachu
Raichu
Hoothoot
Noctowl
Spiritomb
Gible
Gabite
Gachomp
Munchlax
Snorlax
Unown
Riolu
Lucario
Wooper
Quagsire
Wingull
Pelipper
Girafarig
Hippopotas
Hippowdon
Azurill
Marill
Azumarill
Skorupi
Drapion
Croagunk
Toxicroak
Carnivine
Remoraid
Octillery
Finneon
Lumineon
Tentacool
Tentacruel
Feebas
Milotic
Mantyke
Mantine
Snover
Abomasnow
Sneasel
Weavile
Uxie
Mesprit
Azelf
Dialga
Palkia
Manaphy*
Catch me if you can
Having version-exclusive Pokémon has been part of these creature collecting games since the first generation. If you’re really looking forward to a specific version of exclusive Pokémon, then you’ll want to make sure you grab that copy of the game.
