Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were launched on November 19th and are now available on Nintendo Switch. Just like other mainline Pokemon games, there are some differences that distinguish the two versions, mainly exclusive Pokemon. Every game has a variety of monsters, these monsters are not found in other versions. If you are not sure which game you want to get, here are all editions exclusive to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Although these games are very faithful remakes of the original DS games, they also have some welcome quality of life improvements that help modernize the experience.

What are the differences between different versions of Pokemon?

Just like Nintendo DS's original Diamond and Pearl game, the main difference between Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is the exclusive Pokemon. Each game has some monsters that are not found in other versions, including the legendary Pokemon at the core of the story: Dialga and Palkia. Among the shining diamonds, the evil galactic team is seeking to summon Dialga, and Palkia is their target in the shining pearl.

These are not the only Legendary Pokemon unique to each version. After completing the main storyline, you will be able to enter a new facility called Ramanas Park, where you will be able to capture other legendary Pokemon not previously available in the original diamond and pearl game. However, some of these legendary monsters will vary depending on the version you play; for example, Ho-oh only appears in Brilliant Diamond, while Shining Pearl players will encounter Lugia.

During the adventure, you can also obtain fossils, which can then be resurrected as Pokemon. Which fossils you can find also depends on the version you have. Skull Fossil is unique to Brilliant Diamond and produces Cranidos, while Armor Fossil is only available in Shining Pearl and becomes Shieldon.

Some wild Pokemon are also unique to each version, which means the only way to get them in other games is to trade with other players. Below you can see all confirmed versions of exclusive Pokemon.

Brilliant Diamond exclusives
Caterpie
Metapod
Butterfree
Ekans
Arbok
Growlithe
Arcanine
Seel
Dewgong
Scyther
Scizor
Elekid
Electabuzz
Electivire
Murkrow
Honchkrow
Gligar
Gliscor
Entei
Raikou
Suicune
Larvitar
Pupitar
Tyranitar
Ho-oh
Seedot
Nuzleaf
Shiftry
Mawile
Zangoose
Solrock
Kecleon
Cranidos
Rampardos
Stunky
Skuntank
Dialga

Shining Pearl exclusives
Weedle
Kakuna
Beedrill
Sandshrew
Sandslash
Vulpix
Ninetales
Slowpoke
Slowbro
Slowking
Magby
Magmar
Magmortar
Pinsir
Articuno
Zapdos
Moltres
Misdreavus
Mismagius
Teddiursa
Ursaring
Stantler
Lugia
Lotad
Lombre
Ludicolo
Sableye
Seviper
Lunatone
Bagon
Shelgon
Salamence
Shieldon
Bastiodon
Glameow
Purugly
Palkia

Everyone who bought a copy of Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl before February 21, 2022 can get two free gifts through the mystery gift feature: free Manaphy eggs and trainer’s Pokemon Platinum costume, which is an extra as an early adopter award. Players who save other Pokemon game data on Switch can also get free Jirachi and Mew. If you want to buy BDSP Pokemon directly, you can go to https://bdsp.pkmbuy.com/