Unlocking Ball Capsules allows players to change their battle animations in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While this entry is the most faithful remake to touch the series, it does feature new mechanics as well. This includes the ability to walk with your Pokémon, and major changes to the Underground. One of the biggest fan-favorite features to come from the original game were Ball Capsules.
Ball Capsules are cases for the player's PokéBalls that can be decorated with a wide variety of Stickers. Players can get more Stickers in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pearl and each one has its own special flare when the player throws out the PokéBall. These are only shown when the player throws out their Pokémon in a battle or when playing in the Super Contests. The game allows players to carry 20 Ball Capsule presets at a time. Each preset can take 20 different Stickers at once. This is a way for players to build a stronger bond with their Pokémon.
In order to unlock Ball Capsules, players will need to save Professor Rowan from the newly redesigned Team Galactic with Dawn during their second visit to Jubilife City. This is shortly after collecting the first badge. Once the battle is over, Bebe will approach the player and give them access to Ball Capsules and the ability to place Pokémon inside of the box at almost every location. Players can now pause the game and begin to customize their Ball Capsules. There will be a grid where players can place 20 stickers, each one representing a different animation that will play when the Pokémon is sent out.
How to Unlock More Ball Capsules in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
While 20 Ball Capsules is plenty, there is a way for players to unlock more. There is a small boy in Solaceon Town. If the player can show him different forms of the Pokémon Unown, they will be rewarded with more Ball Capsules. After speaking with him inside of the Ruins, he will then leave and go back inside of his home in Solaceon Town. Go to this house and speak with him to begin. Players will be able to find and catch Unown by entering the Saloceon Ruins. Here, players will be able to find 26 possible forms for Unown, each one referencing a letter in the alphabet.
Catch as many of them as possible and return to the small boy for more Ball Capsules. It's important to mention that showing new forms won't always reward the player with a Ball Capsule. Not only that, but the small boy will inform the player if they've already seen that Unown type.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.