Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Version Exclusives and Differences

Legendary dragon Pokémon: On the left is Dalgia, a steel Pokémon exclusive to Brilliant Diamond. On the right is Palkia, a water Pokémon exclusive to Shining Pearl.


Legendary dragon Pokémon: On the left is Dalgia, a steel Pokémon exclusive to Brilliant Diamond. On the right is Palkia, a water Pokémon exclusive to Shining Pearl.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is the latest Pokémon instalment for Nintendo Switch, and a remake of the beloved Gen IV games. If you haven't already decided, you may still be thinking about which version of the game to play. Every Pokémon game has its exclusives, but Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl notably have the most differences.

In this guide, we explain all you need to know about the exclusive and legendary Pokémon in each version of the HD remake.

Read More: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Evolution Guide: How To Evolve Pokémon

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond Exclusives

A Pokémon trainer throwing their PokéBall in the trailer for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
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Here are all the Pokémon and their types that are exclusive to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond:

  • Cranidos - Rock
  • Rampardos - Rock
  • Stunky - Poison, Dark
  • Skuntank - Poison, Dark
  • Murkrow - Flying, Dark
  • Honchkrow - Flying, Dark
  • Scyther - Flying, Bug
  • Scizor - Steel, Bug
  • Caterpie - Bug
  • Metapod - Bug
  • Butterfree - Flying, Bug
  • Ekans - Poison
  • Arbok - Poison
  • Seedot - Grass
  • Nuzleaf - Grass, Dark
  • Shiftry - Grass, Dark
  • Growlithe - Fire
  • Arcanine - Fire
  • Mawile - Steel, Fairy
  • Zangoose - Normal
  • Solrock - Psychic, Rock
  • Seel - Water
  • Dewgong - Water, Ice
  • Kecleon - Normal
  • Mime Jr. - Psychic, Fairy
  • Mr. Mime - Psychic, Fairy
  • Larvitar - Rock, Ground
  • Pupitar - Rock, Ground
  • Tyranitar - Rock, Dark
  • Elekid - Electric
  • Electabuzz - Electric
  • Electivire - Electric
  • Gligar - Flying, Ground
  • Gliscor - Flying, Ground
  • Raikou - Electric
  • Entei - Fire
  • Suicune - Water
  • Ho-Oh - Flying, Fire
  • Dialga - Steel, Dragon

Pokémon Shining Pearl Exclusives

Footage from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl displaying the new, 3D graphics and showing a Pokémon trainer in their home in front of the television.
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Here are all the Pokémon and their types that are exclusive to Pokémon Shining Pearl:

  • Shieldon - Rock, Steel
  • Bastiodon - Rock, Steel
  • Glameow - Normal
  • Purugly - Normal
  • Weedle - Bug, Poison
  • Kakuna - Bug, Poison
  • Beedrill - Bug, Poison
  • Stantler - Normal
  • Bagon - Dragon
  • Shelgon - Dragon
  • Slowpoke - Psychic, Water
  • Slowbro - Psychic. Water
  • Slowking - Psychic, Water
  • Salamence - Flying, Dragon
  • Sandshrew - Ground
  • Sandslash - Ground
  • Pinsir - Bug
  • Vulpix - Fire
  • Ninetales - Fire
  • Lotad - Water, Grass
  • Lombre - Water, Grass
  • Ludicolo - Water, Grass
  • Sableye - Dark, Ghost
  • Seviper - Poison
  • Lunatone - Psychic, Rock
  • Magby - Fire
  • Magmar - Fire
  • Magmortar - Fire
  • Misdreavus - Ghost
  • Mismagius - Ghost
  • Teddisura - Normal
  • Ursaring - Normal
  • Articuno - Flying, Ice
  • Zapdos - Flying, Electric
  • Lugia - Flying, Psychic
  • Moltres - Flying, Fire
  • Palkia - Water, Dragon

That's all you need to know about the exclusives for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. We have been promised that the games will be faithful to the original 2006 Nintendo DS games, but we're excited to see how the remakes will have been modernised. Also, for all those who order before February 21st, 2022, there are two Mystery Gifts available.

Additionally, if you have data saved on your Nintendo Switch for other Pokémon games, you will also be able to receive a free Mew and Jirachi!

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