Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. Released in Japan in 2006 and internationally in 2007, they mark the beginning of the fourth generation of the Pokémon video game series. Set in the Sinnoh region, the games follow a young Pokémon Trainer on a journey to become the Champion while thwarting the schemes of Team Galactic, a criminal organization seeking to reshape the universe using the legendary Pokémon Dialga or Palkia.
The games introduced 107 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 493, and added significant new features including online play via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, 3D-rendered environments, and changes to battle mechanics such as the physical/special split for moves. The day-night cycle returned with expanded time periods, and Pokémon Contests were revamped into Super Contests with new rhythm and dancing elements.
Diamond and Pearl were critically and commercially successful, selling over 17 million copies worldwide and revitalizing interest in the franchise. A third version, Pokémon Platinum, was released in 2008 with expanded story elements and features. The games spawned a long-running anime series, multiple films, and eventually remakes in the form of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl for the Nintendo Switch in 2021, as well as a prequel, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, in 2022.
