Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl follow the series tradition of having dual versions that have differences between the two. Fans can count on there being version-exclusive Pokemon, and there may be other changes as well. We’ll look into Brilliant Diamond vs. Shining Pearl differences below.
What are the differences between Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?
There aren’t any major story or gameplay changes between Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Players of either game can enjoy their Pokemon journey to the fullest. The primary difference between the two are their list of version-exclusive Pokemon.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl exclusive Pokemon list
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl each have 20 Pokemon that can only be obtained in that game:
Brilliant Diamond:
- Aggron
- Aron
- Cranidos
- Dewgong
- Dialga
- Honchkrow
- Kecleon
- Lairon
- Larvitar
- Mightyena
- Murkrow
- Poochyena
- Pupitar
- Rampardos
- Scizor
- Scyther
- Seel
- Skuntank
- Stunky
- Tyranitar
Shining Pearl:
- Bagon
- Bastiodon
- Glameow
- Houndoom
- Houndour
- Misdreavus
- Mismagius
- Palkia
- Pinsir
- Purugly
- Salamence
- Sealeo
- Shelgon
- Shieldon
- Slowbro
- Slowking
- Slowpoke
- Spheal
- Stantler
- Walrein
Besides exclusive Pokemon, the biggest change between Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is that the story in the former centers around Dialga while the latter stars Palkia. As for gameplay, there’s no difference besides encounter rates, which isn’t very noticeable.
Other than the above, the two games are virtually identical. Diamond and Pearl didn’t deviate from the traditional Pokemon formula, and neither do their remakes. Given that the GTS makes trading for version-exclusive Pokemon so painless these days, there’s no real reason to buy both versions anymore. Those of us that have been with the series since the beginning remember how much of a pain it could be to find someone to trade with. This is especially true since Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are $60 each, which is the same price as Pokemon Red and Blue together (not adjusted for inflation).
