History of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 20, 2026

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, are the first games of the fourth generation of Pokémon. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, they feature a new region, Sinnoh, and introduced many new Pokémon. The gameplay revolves around exploring the region, battling trainers, and ultimately challenging the Elite Four to become the Champion. The games' plot involves Team Galactic, who seek to capture the legendary Pokémon Dialga (Diamond) or Palkia (Pearl) to create a new world. A third version, Pokémon Platinum, and remakes, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, followed later. A prequel, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, was also released.

2004: Development Announcement

In 2004, development of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl was announced at a Nintendo press conference.

2005: Release Date Delay

Although Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were expected to be released in Japan by 2005, Nintendo announced that the developers were still working on the gameplay, delaying the release until 2006.

2005: Forecasted Release Date

Originally forecasted to be released in Japan in 2005, the actual release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl was delayed to 2006.

April 2006: Sales of Video Games

In April 2006, sales of video games rose 20% in comparison to April 2007 due to the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.

September 28, 2006: Initial Release in Japan

On September 28, 2006, Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version were first released in Japan for the Nintendo DS.

December 20, 2006: North American Release Date Announcement

On December 20, 2006, Nintendo of America announced that the North American release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl was scheduled for April 22, 2007, with pre-orders receiving special DS styluses.

December 22, 2006: Soundtrack Release

On December 22, 2006, the two-disc soundtrack "Nintendo DS Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Super Music Collection" was released in Japan. It reached #253 on Japan's Oricon charts.

2006: Release and Promotion

In 2006, which was the 10th anniversary year of the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were released. Nintendo sold a limited-edition Nintendo DS Lite in Japan and held a release party for the North American release as part of the promotion.

2006: New Features and Connectivity

In mid-2006, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata shared new information concerning Diamond and Pearl. He mentioned the connectivity with Pokémon Battle Revolution that was in development and new features such as the Pokétch and time sensitivity.

2006: Famitsu Game Awards

In the 2006 Famitsu Game Awards, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl won the Best Hit award and tied with Final Fantasy XII for the Game of the Year award.

April 2007: Boost in Hardware Sales

In April 2007, the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl spurred the sales of 471,000 DS units in the United States, leading to a 20% rise in video game sales compared to April 2006.

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April 22, 2007: North American Release

On April 22, 2007, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were officially released in North America. Nintendo held a release party at the Nintendo World Store in New York City to celebrate.

July 26, 2007: European Release Celebration

A launch event was held in GAME stores at Hamleys on July 26, 2007, to celebrate the European release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. The event offered a chance to purchase the games one day before their official release date and featured an appearance by band McFly.

July 27, 2007: European Release

Nintendo of Europe officially released Pokémon Diamond and Pearl on July 27, 2007. A launch event was held in GAME stores at Hamleys on July 26 to celebrate the European release of the games.

2007: G-phoria Award

At G4's G-phoria 2007, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl won "Best Handheld Game" and were nominated for "Best RPG".

2007: Releases in North America, Australia, and Europe

In 2007, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were released in North America, Australia, and Europe after their initial release in Japan in 2006.

March 25, 2008: Initial Release in Japan

On March 25, 2008, My Pokémon Ranch was first released in Japan via the WiiWare download service.

June 9, 2008: North American Release

On June 9, 2008, My Pokémon Ranch was released in North America via the WiiWare download service for 1,000 Wii Points, equivalent to US$10.00.

July 4, 2008: European Release

On July 4, 2008, My Pokémon Ranch was released in Europe via the WiiWare download service for 1,000 Wii Points.

September 13, 2008: Release in Japan

On September 13, 2008, Pokémon Platinum Version was released in Japan for the Nintendo DS.

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2008: BAFTA Nomination

In 2008, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were nominated for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Children's Kids Vote Award.

2008: Partnership with Burger King

In 2008, Pokémon USA partnered with Burger King to launch a promotional campaign, including exclusive Pokémon trading cards and accessories with Kids Meals.

March 22, 2009: North American Release

On March 22, 2009, Pokémon Platinum Version was released in North America for the Nintendo DS.

Nintendo DS Lite Crimson / Black (Renewed)

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May 14, 2009: Australian Release

On May 14, 2009, Pokémon Platinum Version was released in Australia for the Nintendo DS.

Nintendo DS Lite Crimson / Black (Renewed)

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May 22, 2009: European Release

On May 22, 2009, Pokémon Platinum Version was released in Europe for the Nintendo DS.

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2009: Continued Sales Success

By early 2009, sales of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in the United States passed 5.3 million units, demonstrating their continued success.

2009: Critical Reception and Sales

In 2009, Pokémon Platinum received positive reception for its additions to Diamond and Pearl, although some criticized its similarities. It was recognized as one of the best Nintendo DS games and was the fastest-selling game in Japan at the time, selling 7.6 million copies overall.

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September 30, 2017: Worldwide Sales Update

As of September 30, 2017, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl had sold a combined total of 17.67 million copies worldwide.

2020: Source Code Leak

In mid-2020, dataminers leaked the source code for Diamond and Pearl. The leak, which revealed unused sprites and scrapped designs, was part of a series of Nintendo-related leaks onto ResetEra.

February 26, 2021: Remake and Prequel Announcement

On February 26, 2021, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (remakes) and Pokémon Legends: Arceus (prequel) were revealed in a Pokémon Presents presentation.

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November 19, 2021: Release of Remakes

On November 19, 2021, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, remakes of the original Diamond and Pearl, were released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch.