Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch on Friday 19th November and just like all main series games, the first decision players need to make isn't which Starter Pokémon to choose, but which version to actually buy.

In these games, which serve as remakes of the original Diamond and Pearl DS entries, the main difference between the two is the list of Pokémon exclusive to each version. If the different box art alone hasn't already convinced you one way or the other, read on to learn all about the different Pokémon you'll only be able to catch in each game.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl - Version Exclusive Pokémon

Below, you'll find complete lists of Pokémon exclusive to each version (with special thanks to Serebii):

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond - Exclusive Pokémon

Name Pokédex No.
Caterpie
Caterpie 010
Metapod
Metapod 011
Butterfree
Butterfree 012
Ekans
Ekans 023
Arbok
Arbok 024
Growlithe
Growlithe 058
Arcanine
Arcanine 059
Seel
Seel 086
Dewgong
Dewgong 087
123Scyther
Scyther 123
125Electabuzz
Electabuzz 125
198Murkrow
Murkrow 198
207Gligar
Gligar 207
212Scizor
Scizor 212
239Elekid
Elekid 239
Raikou
Raikou 243
Entei
Entei 244
Suicune
Suicune 245
246Larvitar
Larvitar 246
247Pupitar
Pupitar 247
248Tyranitar
Tyranitar 248
Ho Oh
Ho-Oh 250
273Seedot
Seedot 273
274Nuzleaf
Nuzleaf 274
275Shiftry
Shiftry 275
303Mawile
Mawile 303
335Zangoose
Zangoose 335
338Solrock
Solrock 338
352Kecleon
Kecleon 352
Cranidos
Cranidos 408
Rampardos
Rampardos 409
430Honchkrow
Honchkrow 430
Stunky
Stunky 434
Skuntank
Skuntank 435
466Electivire
Electivire 466
472Gliscor
Gliscor 472
Dialga
Dialga 483

Pokémon Shining Pearl - Exclusive Pokémon

Name Pokédex No.
013Weedle
Weedle 013
014Kakuna
Kakuna 014
015Beedrill
Beedrill 015
027Sandshrew
Sandshrew 027
028Sandslash
Sandslash 028
037Vulpix
Vulpix 037
038Ninetales
Ninetales 038
079Slowpoke
Slowpoke 079
080Slowbro
Slowbro 080
126Magmar
Magmar 126
127Pinsir
Pinsir 127
Articuno
Articuno 144
Zapdos
Zapdos 145
Moltres

Moltres
146
199Slowking
Slowking 199
200Misdreavus
Misdreavus 200
216Teddiursa
Teddiursa 216
217Ursaring
Ursaring 217
234Stantler
Stantler 234
240Magby
Magby 240
Lugia

Lugia
249
270Lotad
Lotad 270
271Lombre
Lombre 271
272Ludicolo
Ludicolo 272
302Sableye
Sableye 302
336Seviper
Seviper 336
337Lunatone
Lunatone 337
371Bagon
Bagon 371
372Shelgon
Shelgon 372
373Salamence
Salamence 373
Shieldon

Shieldon
410
Bastiodon

Bastiodon
411
429Mismagius
Mismagius 429
Glameow

Glameow
431
Purugly

Purugly
432
467Magmortar
Magmortar 467
Palkia

Palkia
484

Ramanas Park - Version Exclusive Legendaries

Revealed just ahead of the games' launch, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl feature a new area called Ramanas Park, an "expansive new facility" that lets you encounter a variety of Legendary Pokémon.

You won't be able to access Ramanas Park until you reach the post-game (after beating the Elite Four), but when you get there, you'll notice that some Legendary Pokémon are restricted to a particular version. We've already included these in our lists above, but here they are again should you need them:

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond - Exclusive Legendaries

  • Raikou
  • Entei
  • Suicune
  • Ho-Oh

Pokémon Shining Pearl - Exclusive Legendaries

  • Articuno
  • Zapdos
  • Moltres
  • Lugia

Which version are you going for? Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl? Or are you eyeing up both? Tell us below.

This article is part of our Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl walkthrough and guide series, which includes every version-exclusive Pokémon in each version of the game, advice on the best Sinnoh starter Pokémon to choose, and all the old and new Pokétch Apps, plus how to get specific Pokémon such as Mew and Jirachi, Rilou and Lucario, Manaphy and Phione, Arceus, Eevee, Leafeon And Glaceon, Cresselia, Rotom, Ditto, Spiritomb, Heatran, Regigigas, and — of course — the mighty Feebas.

We also cover how to catch 17 Legendaries in Ramanas Park, where to find the Defog HM and chain catching (or how to increase your chances of catching Shiny Pokémon), plus how to earn money fast, how to beat the Elite Four, how the Trophy Garden works, and how to get the DS sounds and Catching Charm. We also have a full and updated list of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Mystery Gift codes, plus we tell you how to unlock the Mystery Gift function, too.

And finally, Where to Buy Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on Nintendo Switch, if for some reason you haven't yet picked up the game!

[source serebii.net]