Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlare recreations of the beloved Generation 4 games,Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl. Trainers will be able to revisit the nostalgic region of Sinnoh on the Nintendo Switch, with all-new graphics and the player-friendly conveniences of the modernPokemonseries.
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Since their original release in 2006, fans have been clamoring for Game Freak to give these classics the remake treatment. From the critically acclaimedPokemon HeartGold and Soulsilverremakes of Generation 2 to the less-loved remakes of Generation 3,Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, it seemed sensible that Generation 4 would be next.
Here aresome featuresintroduced inGeneration 4 ofPokemonthat players would love to see make a return in the upcoming remakes.
5Distortion World
The Distortion World is the name given to the alternate dimension where the Legendary Pokemon Giratina resides inPokemon Platinum. Players can access this parallel universe by thwarting the evil plans of Team Galactic to control Dialga and Palkia at the summit of Mt. Coronet.
The Nintendo DS was capable of bringing 3D to the Pokemon world in 2009, which was revolutionary at the time. Time and space are irregular in this dimension, which means that the 3D graphics could be used to allow the player to walk and Surf on walls in any direction. IfGiratina and the Distortion Worldmake it into the remakes, it would be incredible to see how a decade of technological improvements could make this realm feel even more foreboding.
4National Dex
Generation 8’s mainline Pokemon games –SwordandShield– faced controversy from fans around the window of its release due to ‘Dexit’. This was a decision made by Game Freak and The Pokemon Company to cut certain Pokemon from the available critters in the game. This madePokemon Sword and Shieldthe first games in the main series where players could not “catch ‘em all.”
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After catchingall 150 Sinnoh Pokemonin the originalDiamondandPearlgames, players could upgrade their Sinnoh Pokédex to the entire “National Pokedex”. This expanded the number of available Pokemon to nearly 400. Of course, with there now being nearly 1000 Pokemon in the franchise, it is unclear at the time of writing whether Game Freak and The Pokemon Company will include the entire National Dex in the remakes.
3Gender Differences
It may be difficult for newerPokemonfans to believe, with the introduction of Mega Evolutions and Dynamaxing, but prior to Generation 4, there were very few in-game design changes. Of course, male and female Nidoran have existed since Generation 1, but those are considered to be distinct species. There were shiny Pokemon, first introduced inPokemon Gold and Silverwith the red Gyarados in the Lake of Rage, but nothing that drastically changed the sprite’s form.
This all changed withPokemon Diamond and Pearlwhengender differenceswere introduced to the franchise. Now, many Pokemon have distinct patterns, shapes, and sizes, depending on their gender.
2Poffins
Poffins are delicious snacks for Pokemon that can be cooked in the Poffin House with NPCs, or in a group of up to four friends online. Like Pokeblocks, Poffins are used to raise Pokemon’s Cool, Beauty, Cute, Smart, and Tough stats inPokemon Super Contests. If Trainers are serious about scoring high in the Visual Competition, feeding their Pokemon their favorite Poffins is a must.
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At the time of writing, Poffins have not yet been confirmed to be in the remakes. However, eagle-eyed Trainers have spotted Berry Trees and Pokemon Conditions in the trailers. Therefore, Poffin cooking is a feature that is viable for a return.
1Battle Frontier
Pokemon Emeraldintroduced the beloved Battle Frontier – a post-game area where the toughest Trainers in the region could take part in a number of facilities to test their strength. It allowed dedicated Trainers to perfect their team; EV and IV training were almost essential to succeed. This offered Trainers an extra level of challenge not found in the main game.
Pokemon Diamond and Pearlhad the Battle Tower, where Trainers could battle their Pokemon against some of the hardest in the game. However, inPokemon Platinum, HeartGold,andSoulSilver,the Battle Frontier offers a larger number of facilities in its Battle Tower, Arcade, Factory, Castle, and Hall. Each facility offered players a different challenge.
It remains to be seen whether the remakes of Generation 4 will stick to the originals, or take inspiration from the other Generation 4 games. However, it is worth noting that many people were disappointed with the Generation 3 remakesOmega Ruby and Alpha Sapphirefor not includingEmerald’sBattle Frontier, or even a Battle Tower.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlwill release on 12 June 2025 for Nintendo Switch.
