How to trade in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Trading is one of the most important aspects of mainline Pokemon games, as it’s a requirement for some Pokemon’s evolutionary lines. Things are no different in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and the trading system is one you’ll need to learn how to use as soon as possible. Here’s our guide on how to trade in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, explaining the overall process for trading and how to trade locally and online.

The ability to trade in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl opens up after obtaining your first badge after defeating Gym Leader Roark. There are type types of trading: locally and online. Local trading is for players who are physically nearby you, whereas online trading allows you to trade over the internet. We’ll explain the process for both below.

How to trade online in Pokemon BDSP

To trade online in Pokemon BDSP for the first time, you can go to any Pokemon Center and go downstairs to the basement floor. Speak with either of the two nurses behind the center of the counter to access the Global Room. You can then enter the Global Room with random people, with your group, or with a Link Code and begin trading. Trading online in the Global Room requires an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online Membership.

When inside the Global Room, you can press the “Y” button, select the Call option, and choose Battle or Trade. An icon will pop up above your head, indicating you are looking to trade. You can walk over to any player with the same icon above their head and begin trading.

After completing this step, you can access the Union Room by pressing the “Y” button on your controller from anywhere in the Sinnoh region. You cannot be inside a building or in any cave, though, or the quick access method will not work. By pressing the “Y” button and opening the Union Room, you can then access the Local Room or Global Room. That means you will not have to visit a Pokemon Center anytime you wish to trade!

How to trade locally in Pokemon BDSP

To trade and battle locally in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, you can go to any Pokemon Center and take the escalator upstairs. Speak with the nurse behind the center of the counter to access the Local Room. In the Local Room, you can choose to Battle or Trade Pokemon with other players who are physically near you in real-life. 

The process for trading locally is the same as online, so you’ll need to press “Y” and choose the option to Trade or Battle. Then, interact with another player that has the same icon to begin the process. Again, you can access the Union Room and get to the Local Room by pressing “Y” while outside in any Sinnoh Region area.