Pokémon Diamond Version cover art

Pokémon Diamond Version

by Game Freak · published by Nintendo

Released September 28, 2006 on Nintendo DS.

Pokémon Diamond Version Trailer thumbnail

About Pokémon Diamond Version

Pokémon Diamond Version and Pearl Version are role-playing games (RPGs) developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. With the enhanced remake Pokémon Platinum, the games comprise the fifth installment and fourth generation of the Pokémon series of RPGs. First released in Japan on September 28, 2006, the games were later released to North America, Australia, and Europe over the course of 2007. Like previous Pokémon games, Diamond and Pearl chronicle the adventures of a young Pokémon trainer as he/she trains and battles Pokémon while also thwarting the schemes of a criminal organization. The games add many new features, such as Internet play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and changes to battle mechanics and Pokémon Contests, along with addition of 107 new Pokémon. The games are independent of each other but feature largely the same plot and while both can be played separately, it is necessary to trade between them in order to complete the games' Pokédexes.

The games chronicle the adventures of a new Pokémon trainer who strives to become the Pokémon League Champion by collecting and training Pokémon. Like most games in the series, Diamond and Pearl feature eight Pokémon gyms led by Gym Leaders, professional trainers whose expertise lies in a particular Pokémon type. Gym Leaders (Roark, Gardenia, Maylene, Wake, Fantina, Byron, Candace, and Volkner) serve as bosses and reward skilled trainers with Gym badges, key to the advancement of the plot. As in Ruby and Sapphire, the protagonist must also thwart the schemes of a crime syndicate (and here, it is Team Galactic), who plans to use Pokémon to restructure the region into a utopia. Like all other Pokémon RPGs, Diamond and Pearl begin in the protagonist's hometown. After viewing a television report about a media-conducted search for a Red Gyarados, which was spotted at a faraway lake (Johto's Lake of Rage) the protagonist and his or her best friend travel together to check the local lake for a Pokémon like it. They spot Professor Rowan, a Pokémon evolution researcher, and his assistant, the playable character not selected in the game: Lucas (boy) or Dawn (girl). After a short discussion, the professor and his assistant leave the lake, leaving a briefcase behind. When they are attacked by wild Starly, the protagonist and his or her rival examine the case. The player is then given a choice among the three Pokémon found in the briefcase (Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup) with which to battle the Starly. After defeating the Starly, Lucas or Dawn retrieves and returns the briefcase to the professor. Noticing that a bond has been forged between the young protagonist and his or her chosen Pokémon, Rowan offers it to him or her, asking that he or she embark on a journey and fill his or her Pokédex. The protagonist encounters the main antagonist, Team Galactic, early in the game, when he or she must save Professor Rowan from its thugs; however, its motives are unclear until later. The protagonist encounters the Team twice (when it takes over a wind farm and when it sets up a base in Eterna City) before it takes over Sinnoh's three lakes in an attempt to capture the Mirage Pokémon (Uxie, Azelf, and Mesprit). Shortly after the player earns his or her seventh Gym Badge, Team Galactic captures the Mirage Pokémon and imprisons them inside the science laboratory of the Team Galactic Headquarters Building, where its members extract crystals from the Pokémon to create the Red Chain, an object that can control the legendary Pokémon Palkia (in Pearl) or Dialga (in Diamond) (both in Pokémon Platinum, though Giratina appears after this). After releasing the trio, the protagonist is able to access the cave atop Mt. Coronet, where the leader of Team Galactic awakens Dialga or Palkia. The legendary Pokémon's powers begin to overwhelm Sinnoh, causing the newly free Uxie, Azelf, and Mesprit to attempt to stop it. The player then battles Palkia/Dialga; after defeating or capturing the Pokémon, Sinnoh returns to normal. After this, the player will continue, eventually battling the Sinnoh Region Pokémon League's Elite Four: Aaron, Bertha, Flint, and Lucian. After defeating all four members, the player will battle the Sinnoh League champion, a woman named Cynthia, who had appeared before in the game. If the protagonist beats Cynthia, he or she is the new Sinnoh League champion, beating the game. After the player beats the game, there is a new island to explore that is filled with other types of Pokémon. His or her old friend, who challenged him or her to battles multiple times before, will be waiting for him or her here. The old friend will challenge the player to another battle. On this island, there are also stores and a tournament center.

Release dates by platform

Nintendo DSJPSeptember 28, 2006 · Out now
Nintendo DSNAApril 22, 2007 · Out now
Nintendo DSAUJune 21, 2007 · Out now
Nintendo DSEUJuly 27, 2007 · Out now

Reviews & players

Critic score833 reviews
Player score79335 ratings on IGDB

Pokémon Diamond Version FAQ

When did Pokémon Diamond Version come out?

Pokémon Diamond Version was released on September 28, 2006 for Nintendo DS.

Is Pokémon Diamond Version on PlayStation 5?

No. Pokémon Diamond Version has not been announced for PlayStation 5. It is available on Nintendo DS.

Is Pokémon Diamond Version on Xbox Series X|S?

No. Pokémon Diamond Version has not been announced for Xbox Series X|S. It is available on Nintendo DS.

Is Pokémon Diamond Version on Nintendo Switch 2?

No. Pokémon Diamond Version has not been announced for Nintendo Switch 2. It is available on Nintendo DS.

Is Pokémon Diamond Version on PC?

No. Pokémon Diamond Version has not been announced for PC. It is available on Nintendo DS.

Who is making Pokémon Diamond Version?

Pokémon Diamond Version is developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

Is Pokémon Diamond Version multiplayer?

Yes. Pokémon Diamond Version supports single player and multiplayer.

Is Pokémon Diamond Version good?

Critics give Pokémon Diamond Version an average score of 83/100 across 3 reviews.

Pokémon series

91 games in release order

Full timeline
  1. Pokémon Red Version1996
  2. Pokémon Blue Version1996
  3. Pokémon Pikachu1998
  4. Pocket Monsters Stadium1998
  5. Hey You, Pikachu!1998
  6. Pokémon Trading Card Game1998
  7. Pokémon Snap1999
  8. Pokémon Pinball1999
  9. Pokémon Silver Version1999
  10. Pokémon Gold Version1999
  11. Pokémon Play It!1999
  12. Pokémon Puzzle League2000
  13. Flower Power2001
  14. Pokémon Ruby Version2002
  15. Pokémon Sapphire Version2002
  16. Kids' WB Turkey Day Food Fling2002
  17. Construction: Action2002
  18. Pokémon Channel2003
  19. Pokémon Colosseum2003
  20. Pokémon FireRed Version2004
  21. Pokémon LeafGreen Version2004
  22. Pokémon Dash2004
  23. Pokémon Trozei!2005
  24. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team2005
  25. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team2005
  26. Pokémon Ranger2006
  27. Pokémon Garden2006
  28. Pokémon Diamond Version2006
  29. Pokémon Pearl Version2006
  30. Pokémon Battle Revolution2006
  31. Pokémon Sky Stacker2007
  32. Pokémon Battrio2007
  33. Pokémon: Breakdown Blast2007
  34. Pokémon: Towering Legends2007
  35. My Pokémon Ranch2008
  36. Pokémon Rumble2009
  37. Pokémon HeartGold Version2009
  38. Pokémon SoulSilver Version2009
  39. PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure2009
  40. Pokémon Black Version2010
  41. Pokémon White Version2010
  42. Pokémon: Tick-Tock Walk!2010
  43. Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure2011
  44. Pokémon Conquest2012
  45. Berry Barrel Blitz2012
  46. Pokémon Black Version 22012
  47. Pokémon White Version 22012
  48. Pokédex 3D Pro2012
  49. Pokémon Y2013
  50. Pokémon X2013
  51. Pokémon Bank2013
  52. Camp Pokémon2014
  53. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Special Demo Version2014
  54. Pokémon Alpha Sapphire2014
  55. Pokémon Omega Ruby2014
  56. Pokémon Shuffle2015
  57. Pokkén Tournament2015
  58. Pokémon Picross2015
  59. Meitantei Pikachu: Shin Konbi Tanjou2016
  60. Pokémon Duel2016
  61. Pokémon Ga-Olé2016
  62. Pokémon Go2016
  63. Pokémon Sun and Moon Special Demo Version2016
  64. Pokémon Moon2016
  65. Pokémon Sun2016
  66. Pokémon: Magikarp Jump2017
  67. Pokémon Quest2018
  68. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!2018
  69. Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!2018
  70. Pokémon Masters2019
  71. Pokémon Wave Hello2019
  72. Pokémon Sword2019
  73. Pokémon Shield2019
  74. Pokémon Home2020
  75. Pokémon Café Mix2020
  76. Pokémon Unite2021
  77. Pokémon Shining Pearl2021
  78. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond2021
  79. Pokémon Legends: Arceus2022
  80. Pokémon Scarlet2022
  81. Pokémon Violet2022
  82. Pokémon2023
  83. Pokémon Frienda2024
  84. Pokémon Legends: Z-A2025
  85. Pokémon Pokopia2026
  86. Pokémon Champions2026
  87. Pokémon Winds2027
  88. Pokémon Waves2027
  89. Pokémon PicrossTBA
  90. PokémonTBA
  91. Diving CorsolaTBA

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