Buying guide · NexWave Games
Which Pokémon game should you choose for the Nintendo DS?
Searching for a Pokémon game for your Nintendo DS sounds easy, until you see Diamond, Platinum, HeartGold and Black 2 next to each other. One takes you to a familiar region, the other feels like a fresh start. Which one do you choose if you only want to buy one?
Diamond, Pearl or Platinum: adventure in Sinnoh
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl let you discover Sinnoh: you choose a starter, collect badges and build your own team along the way. Platinum also takes place in Sinnoh, but gives the adventure a different meaning with extra spots and a more prominent role for Giratina. If you played Diamond or Pearl a lot before, Platinum is a nice reason to return. If you play Sinnoh for the first time, you don't have to play another part to understand Platinum.
Remember that two versions of the same generation offer largely the same adventure. Buying Diamond and Pearl makes sense especially if you want to collect the differences in Pokémon available. Those looking for one long journey can choose by story, preference for certain Pokémon and the condition of the cartridge used.
HeartGold and SoulSilver: a classic adventure
HeartGold and SoulSilver bring the older Gold and Silver adventures back to the DS. You travel through Johto and see the Pokémon who's in the front of your team following you. That little detail makes the trip personal: your buddy really walks with you. The games also offer a lot to discover after the main story. If you like the classic rhythm of catching, training and moving forward, these are attractive choices.
Used ads sometimes say a Pokéwalker is missing. That accessory was part of certain original sets, but is not necessary to play the main game on the DS. So make sure you pay for the cartridge alone or for a complete collection set with box and extras.
Black, White and prosecuting them: when do you start where?
Pokémon Black and White are playing in Unova and put a lot of new Pokémon at the centre of the main story. It makes it feel like you need to rediscover what every creature can do. If you care about a fresh world and a clear story, start here. Black 2 and White 2 are real follow-ups that will take place later in the same region; you better understand the changes if you played Black or White first.
Whatever color version you choose, check the language of the physical edition. A cover from another country does not automatically mean Dutch game text. If in doubt, ask for a picture of the start screen and the back of the package. For old DS games it is also good to know that the official Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service has ended; buy them mainly for the adventure on the cartridge.
Which one suits you best?
If you want the classic Pokémon feeling with a traveling companion after you, choose HeartGold or SoulSilver. If you want Sinnoh and Giratina, choose Platinum. If you want to be surprised again by the Pokémon you encounter, start with Black of White. Save Black 2 and White 2 for a later visit to Unova. Then check out the actual condition, language and content of the copy offered: just at Pokémon, the difference between single cartridge and complete set can be large.