Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Choose Pokémon HeartGold or Pokémon SoulSilver if you want the Johto adventure and its distinctive Pokéwalker accessory. Choose Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Pokémon Shining Pearl if you want a Sinnoh remake on Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Hideaways in the Grand Underground, and compatibility with Pokémon HOME. The right pair depends less on a universal “best” and more on which region, activities, hardware, and collection features matter to you.
How the games differ at a glance
| Games | Region and origin | Signature activity | Hardware | Collection support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Johto remakes of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Pokéwalker pedometer accessory, which can help a Pokémon gain experience and let players find items or encounter Pokémon on routes | Nintendo DS | Not listed as directly compatible with Pokémon HOME on the official HOME overview |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Sinnoh remakes of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Grand Underground, including Pokémon Hideaways with different biomes and Pokémon | Nintendo Switch | Listed as compatible with Pokémon HOME, subject to restrictions on moving Pokémon |
These are remakes of games from different regions and generations, not competing versions of the same adventure. HeartGold and SoulSilver revisit Johto; Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl retell the Sinnoh story. The Pokémon Company describes the latter as faithfully reproducing the original story while adding modern player-friendly conveniences and close-up battle scenes. Official Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl overview
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond - Nintendo Switch Brilliant Diamond Edition | $58.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Pokemon Shining Pearl - For Nintendo Switch | $50.35 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Pokémon Brilliant Diamond: Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41rWkUhlsaL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond: Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.88 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose by the adventure and its standout activity
Pick HeartGold or SoulSilver for Johto and the Pokéwalker
Nintendo describes HeartGold and SoulSilver as enhanced Nintendo DS versions of Gold and Silver, with updated graphics and sound and touchscreen features. Their defining extra is the Pokéwalker, an infrared-connected pedometer accessory included with the game. You can transfer one Pokémon to it; walking can earn that Pokémon experience, uncover items, and trigger encounters on Pokéwalker routes. Nintendo’s HeartGold product page
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →This makes the pair particularly appealing if you want a Johto remake whose companion activity extends beyond playing on the console. The Pokéwalker is a legacy accessory, however, so a used copy may not include one or have a working unit.
#1 Best Overall
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Diamond Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
- The Pokémon Brilliant Diamond game brings new life to this remade classic with added features
- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more.
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
Pick Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl for Sinnoh and the Grand Underground
In BDSP, you begin with Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup and travel through Sinnoh toward the Pokémon League. The Grand Underground is the pair’s major extra activity: Pokémon Hideaways feature varied biomes and their own Pokémon, while mining yields loot that can be used for helpful items, evolution, and Secret Base furnishings. The Pokémon Company’s BDSP overview and its Sinnoh retrospective describe these features.
What changes between each version?
The clearest documented legendary difference is at the climax: Ho-Oh is associated with HeartGold, while Lugia is associated with SoulSilver. Nintendo’s official page also notes that Pokémon availability differs between the Johto versions. Nintendo’s HeartGold product page
The versions within BDSP also have different Pokémon availability, but the official material cited here does not establish a complete exclusive-Pokémon list for either pair. If a particular Pokémon is the deciding factor, check a current game-specific list before buying rather than assuming it is available in your chosen version.
Rank #2
- Journey to the Sinnoh region in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl!
- Embark on an adventure through the Sinnoh region with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl on Nintendo Switch, coming on 19th November, 2021!
- Adventures in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl will take place in the Sinnoh region. Rich in nature and with towering Mount Coronet at its heart, Sinnoh is a land of many myths passed down through the ages. You’ll visit many different locations in the Sinnoh region, while striving to become the Champion of the Pokémon League.
- The original story has been faithfully reproduced, and the sense of scale in the originals’ towns and routes has been carefully preserved. People who played Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl can revisit familiar places and relive familiar scenes once more. For those setting out through Sinnoh for the first time, plenty of new encounters and surprises await.
- These remakes include easy-to-understand, player-friendly conveniences of the modern Pokémon series, plus up-close-and-personal Pokémon battle scenes.
Hardware, online play, and Pokémon HOME
HeartGold and SoulSilver are Nintendo DS choices
HeartGold and SoulSilver are Nintendo DS releases. Nintendo discontinued Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on May 20, 2014, ending online functions such as online play and matchmaking for affected DS and DSi software. Nintendo’s support answer is explicit: “No. The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, which provides most online functionality for Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite software titles, was discontinued.” Nintendo Support: Can the Nintendo DS Play Games Online? Treat the pair as offline or local-play options under official service support, not as games with working official online matchmaking.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are Nintendo Switch choices
The Japanese official product lineup lists BDSP for Nintendo Switch and identifies local and internet communication, along with packaged and download editions. Those specific listing details are for Japan; check the product information and service availability for your region. Official Japanese BDSP product lineup
BDSP is listed for Pokémon HOME; the DS pair is not
The official Pokémon HOME overview lists Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl as compatible Nintendo Switch titles, while warning that restrictions can apply when moving Pokémon. It does not list HeartGold or SoulSilver as directly supported Switch games, so do not expect a direct connection between the DS games and HOME. Pokémon HOME compatibility overview
Rank #3
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Diamond Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
- The Pokémon Brilliant Diamond game brings new life to this remade classic with added features
- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more!
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
Which pair is the better fit for you?
- Choose HeartGold or SoulSilver for Johto, the enhanced DS-era presentation, and the Pokéwalker experience.
- Choose Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl for Sinnoh on Switch, the Grand Underground’s Hideaways, and listed Pokémon HOME compatibility.
- Let your hardware decide if you want to play on a Nintendo DS or Nintendo Switch.
- Check version-specific Pokémon first if a particular legendary or Pokémon availability is essential to your collection.
Neither official feature page establishes an objective quality ranking or a comparative playtime. The useful distinction is the one that best fits what you want to revisit or collect.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Buying older HeartGold or SoulSilver copies
HeartGold and SoulSilver are legacy Nintendo DS products. If buying used, verify the seller’s reputation, game region, cartridge condition, and whether the Pokéwalker is included and functional. Current stock and marketplace prices are not established here, so check the specific listing rather than relying on an assumed price or bundle.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
