Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 review

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are the deepest Pokémon games on the DS after the Johto remakes, and the last main-series pair built for the system. The Pokémon Company's page sets them in Unova two years after Pokémon Black and White, starting in Aspertia City in the far southwest of the region, with new places, new people and returning characters in new roles. Each version centers on Black Kyurem or White Kyurem, a Dragon and Ice type. The games run in 2D on the Nintendo 3DS, and they connect to Pokémon Dream Radar on 3DS, which can send Pokémon into your save. The Pokémon Company lists 1 to 4 players. As with HeartGold and SoulSilver, price is the barrier: DKOldies lists White 2 at $284.99 and Black 2 at $314.99 before sales. That keeps the pair in tenth place even though only HeartGold and SoulSilver score higher on capabilities.

Who it is for

Pokémon fans who have played the Johto remakes and want the last main-series games made for the DS.

Price

Used DS cartridge from $284.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales) for White 2; Black 2 lists at $314.99.

Original price: $284.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Set in Unova two years after Pokémon Black and White
• Starts in Aspertia City, in the region's far southwest
• Black Kyurem or White Kyurem, depending on the version
• Pokémon from Pokémon Dream Radar on 3DS can be sent to the game
• Playable in 2D on the Nintendo 3DS

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Runs on both DS and 3DS systems
• Strength: 1 to 4 players, per The Pokémon Company
• Strength: Returning characters in new roles reward Black and White players
• Weakness: High collector prices: $284.99 used for White 2, $314.99 for Black 2
• Weakness: Story makes most sense after Pokémon Black and White
• Weakness: Dream Radar link needs a 3DS and a separate game

Key facts

• Publisher: The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo
• US release: October 7, 2012
• Genre: RPG
• Players: 1 to 4
• Region: Unova

Where it ranks

Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 is No. 9 in our Best Nintendo DS Games of All Time verdict and No. 7 in Best Pokémon Games.