Pokémon Platinum review

Pokémon Platinum Version is the most complete original Sinnoh game and ranks ninth. The Pokémon Company's page puts Giratina at the center of the story, in place of Dialga and Palkia from Diamond and Pearl, and adds the Distortion World, a place where time and space are altered. Team Galactic returns under Cyrus, and the Battle Frontier offers tough post-game opponents led by the Frontier Brains. The Global Terminal adds a Vs. Recorder to record and share battles, though Pokémon notes that Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection features for DS games ended in May 2014, so the Wi-Fi Plaza for up to 20 players no longer works. It plays offline and over local wireless. A used cartridge lists at $374.99 at DKOldies before sales, the highest DS price here, while Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl cost $59.99 on Switch. Buy Platinum if you want the original.

Who it is for

Sinnoh fans who want the fullest original version of that region and its Battle Frontier.

Price

Used Nintendo DS Platinum cartridge from $374.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $374.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• The Distortion World, where time and space are altered
• Legendary Giratina at the center of the story
• Battle Frontier led by the Frontier Brains
• Vs. Recorder to record and post battles
• Piplup, Chimchar or Turtwig as your first Pokémon

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Expands Diamond and Pearl with a new story focus and areas
• Strength: Battle Frontier gives post-game challenges
• Strength: The original Sinnoh experience, before the Switch remakes
• Weakness: The most expensive DS game here at $374.99 used
• Weakness: Wi-Fi Plaza and other Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection features no longer work
• Weakness: Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl cover Sinnoh on Switch for $59.99

Key facts

• Platform: Nintendo DS
• Release date: March 22, 2009
• Genre: RPG
• Players: 1
• Used price: $374.99

Where it ranks

Pokémon Platinum is No. 9 in our Best Pokémon Games verdict.