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Now thatPokemon Brilliant Diamond&Pokemon Shining Pearl(BDSP) are compatible withPokemon HOME, players can finally transfer some of their Pokemon from other games into the Generation 4 remakes. In the case players have a copy of bothBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearl, they can usePokemon HOMEto transfer version-exclusive Pokemon between both games as well. Better still, unless players want more than one Storage Box,Pokemon HOME’s features are completely free of charge.
However, one major drawback of transferring Pokemon fromHOMEto a console game is that held items will not be carried over. Players will also need to link a Nintendo Account if they want to be able to useHOME. Once this has been set up, it’s possible to move Pokemon to and fromBrilliant Diamond&Shining Pearl. By transferring Pokemon, playersmight be able to fill up their Pokedexmuchquicker.
Updated on July 12, 2025 by Renri Seong: The usage ofPokemon HOMEmakes it very easy to complete a Pokedex without having to trade online. Like any other mainlinePokemongame, completing the Pokedex is one of the goals inBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearl. While not a requirement to view the end credits, there are rewards for filling out every entry in the Dex. Now thatScarletandViolethavePokemon HOMEcompatibility, the following guide has been updated to include how to transfer Pokemon from Paldea to Sinnoh, and which Pokemon are barred fromBrilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.
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How to Transfer Pokemon to Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
As long as players havePokemon HOMEon their Switch, they can transfer Pokemon back and forth betweenBDSPwith ease. To do so, players should make sure thatany Pokemon they want to transfer toBrilliant DiamondorShining Pearlare in the Basic Box ofPokemon HOME.If players have the Premium Plan, they can store up to 6,000 Pokemon.
Here’s how to transfer Pokemon:
As long as a Pokemon is from Generations 1-4, they can be moved intoBrilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl. It’s worth noting though that pre-Generation 5 Pokemon capable of Gigantamaxing won’t have the Gigantamax ability once they cross over intoBDSP.
Players can transfer Pokemon toBDSPas soon asthey get their starter Pokemon. However, they won’t be able to access the PC System until they get to Sandgem Town. If transferring Starters back and forth betweenBDSP, players should make sure to catch a Pokemon to keep in the party so that the starter Pokemon can be deposited in the PC Box.
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How to Transfer Pokemon from Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl to Pokemon HOME
If players want to move their Pokemon back toPokemon HOME, they’ll want to make sure that the desired Pokemon arein a PC Box inBDSP.If a Pokemon is in the Party, it won’t appear inPokemon HOME.
After making sure of this, players should follow the steps below:
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How to Check Pokemon Compatibility
AlthoughBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearlare compatible withPokemon HOME, not all of the Pokemon inBDSPcan be moved toPokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!&Let’s Go, Eevee!,Sword&ShieldorLegends: Arceus.
If a Pokemon cannot be moved to a game, it will have a red symbol on its render. SinceBrilliant Diamond&Shining Pearlonly include Pokemon from the first four generations ofPokemongames, anything from Unova, Kalos, Alola, or Galar can’t be transferred. This will apply to Gen-9 Pokemon whenPokemon Scarlet&Violetare released in late 2022.
While the Sinnoh Starters can be shared betweenBrilliant Diamond&Shining PearlandPokemon Legends: Arceus, the Hisui Starters cannot, barring Cyndaquil, that is. This is because Rowlett is a Pokemon from Generation 7 and Oshawott is from Generation 5, making the pair incompatible withBDSP.
Likewise,some Pokemon in the Sinnoh DexofBDSPwon’t be able to move toPokemon Legends: Arceus. These Pokemon are:
If players want to check the Compatibility inPokemon HOME, all they need to do is select a Pokemon (red selection option), scroll down to Summary, and then press (+) to view the compatible games.
For example, Cyndaquil is compatible withPokemon Brilliant Diamond&Shining PearlandPokemon Legends: Arceus, but isnot compatiblewithPokemon Sword&ShieldorPokemon: Let’s go, Pikachu!&Let’s go, Eevee!This is becauseCyndaquil and its evolutionsdo not have Pokedex entries in those games.
What Pokemon Can Be Transferred to Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearlare loyal remakes ofDiamondandPearlfor the DS. Because of this, playerscan’t transfer Pokemon beyond Gen 4. Regions such as Unova, Kalos, and Galar are off limits. Players can insteadtransfer Pokemon from Gen 1 (Kanto) to Gen 4 (Sinnoh). This means even some of the Pokemon inLegends: Arceusare compatible withBrilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.However, pre-Gen 4 Pokemon with Hisuian Forms (such as Hisuian Typhlosion)are not compatiblewithBDSP.
Unfortunately,evolutions from Gen 5 and beyondthat apply to Gen 1-Gen 4 can’t be transferred toBDSP. A prime example isSylveon, who’s one ofEevee’s many evolutions. Sylveon made its debut in Kalos, Generation 6.
In short, the Pokemon that can transfer toBrilliant Diamond&Shining Pearlincludeall the Pokemon from Bulbasaur (#1)toArceus (#493). Victini (#494) and beyond arenot compatiblewithBDSP.
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How to Transfer Pokemon from Scarlet & Violet to Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
WithScarlet & Violetfinally gainingPokemon HOMEaccess, players are able tosend certain Pokemon fromSVtoBDSP,Sw/Sh,and more… as long as the Pokemon is compatible. The Paldea Region is home to Gen 9 Pokemon and some returning Pokemon from the previous eight generations.
To transfer Pokemon fromScarlet/Violet, players will need a copy of eitherScarletorVioletand need to obtain the Pokedex in-game. Once this is done, players can transfer the Pokemon in the Boxes/Storage to theBasic BoxinPokemon HOME. To get them toBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearl:
Like withLegends: ArceusandSword/Shield, there are some Pokemon in Paldea that won’t be accepted intoBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearl. Again, this includesall post-Gen 4 Pokemon. Meaning the Pokemon that debuted in Gen 9 are a no-go.
Keep in mind that transferring a Pokemon from another game (such asScarlet/VioletorLegends: Arceus)can change the Pokemon’s moveset to accomodateBDSP. For example, ifaJigglypuff fromScarlet/Violetknows the moveIce Spinner, then that particular move will beswapped outfor something else once it’s been transferred.
In the case forLegends: Arceus, Pokemon will gain anAbilityafter being transferred. This is due to the lack of Abilities inLegends: Arceus’gameplay.
Pokemon HOMEis available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.Pokemon Brilliant Diamond&Shining Pearlare available on Nintendo Switch.
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