
Like in the originals, the games only include Pokémon from the first four generations therefore, the games include a total of 493 Pokémon. The regular overworld uses random encounters only, while Pokémon Hideaways in the Grand Underground use symbol encounters. The camera returns to a mostly top-down viewing angle similar to the original Diamond and Pearl, while the player and NPCs appear with chibi proportions in the overworld but regular proportions in battle. Overall, the game's graphical style is different compared to Pokémon Sword and Shield. These are the first core series games not to be developed directly by Game Freak.

All copies of the game are playable in nine languages: Japanese, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. The paired versions were released worldwide for Nintendo Switch on November 19, 2021. The games were announced worldwide on the 25th Anniversary of the release of Pokémon Red and Green on Februat 12 am JST through Pokémon Presents. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ブリリアントダイヤモンド Pocket Monsters Brilliant Diamond) and Pokémon Shining Pearl (Japanese: ポケットモンスター シャイニングパール Pocket Monsters Shining Pearl) are the second paired Generation VIII games that are enhanced remakes of the fourth-generation titles Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond Japanese boxart Pokémon Shining Pearl's boxart, featuring Palkia Pokémon Brilliant Diamond's boxart, featuring Dialga
