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How It Works • Games & Tech

Pokémon Platinum

Pokémon Platinum is a 2008 role-playing video game for the Nintendo DS developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Pokémon Platinum is an enhanced version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo DS, released in 2008 in Japan and 2009 internationally including Canada. It refines the Sinnoh region experience with a new story focus on Giratina and the Distortion World.

What it is

Pokémon Platinum is a role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. It follows the standard Pokémon formula of catching, training, and battling while progressing through the Sinnoh region. Players start as Lucas or Dawn and take on Team Galactic.

What's new in Platinum

The game adds the Distortion World, an alternate dimension central to the story of Giratina. It also expands the Sinnoh Pokédex, adjusts trainer rosters, and improves presentation and pacing. Compared to Diamond and Pearl, Platinum is a more polished version, similar to Pokémon Crystal or Emerald.

Postgame and Battle Frontier

One of Platinum's most notable additions is the Battle Frontier, a postgame facility that opens after the main story. It offers extra challenge modes and replay value. The game received generally positive reviews for refining the original games and providing substantial postgame content.

In short

  • Enhanced version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for Nintendo DS.
  • Introduces the Distortion World and a stronger focus on Giratina.
  • Battle Frontier returns as a major postgame feature.
  • Expanded Pokédex and updated trainer rosters improve the experience.
Canadian angle

Pokémon Platinum was released internationally in 2009, including in Canada, for the Nintendo DS.

Quick questions

What is Pokémon Platinum?
Pokémon Platinum is an enhanced Nintendo DS role-playing game in the Pokémon series. It is an upgraded version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, set in Sinnoh and focused on Giratina.
What are the differences between Pokémon Platinum and Diamond/Pearl?
Platinum adds the Distortion World, centers the story more strongly on Giratina, updates the Sinnoh Pokédex and trainer rosters, and restores the Battle Frontier. It also makes several smaller gameplay and presentation changes.
Is Pokémon Platinum worth playing?
Yes. Reviews described it as a more refined version of Diamond and Pearl, with strong replay value, new areas, and substantial postgame content.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Platinum
    Supports: Developer, publisher, platform, release dates, role as an enhanced version, and Giratina as the mascot Pokémon.
  2. Pokemon Database — https://pokemondb.net/platinum
    Supports: Distortion World, major changes from Diamond and Pearl, and catching Giratina there.
  3. Serebii — https://www.serebii.net/platinum/
    Supports: Battle Frontier return, Distortion World, expanded Sinnoh Pokédex, and additional gameplay features.
  4. GameSpot — https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pokemon-platinum-review/1900-6207856/
    Supports: Positive critical reception and assessment that Platinum refined Diamond and Pearl.
  5. RPGFan — https://www.rpgfan.com/review/pokemon-platinum-2/
    Supports: Story premise, Distortion World, Battle Frontier, and postgame features.