How to change Pokémon's nickname in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

A nickname is one of the most important elements to developing a closer bond to a Pokémon. Nicknames are even required in some Pokémon challenges, like Nuzlockes, so players feel more attached to their 'mons. However, some nicknames are either forced upon players or they’re incorrect. The keypad on the Nintendo Switch isn’t always the most reliable thing, so players often make mistakes when typing in a Pokémon’s nickname. 

If this has happened to you in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, or you just want to change a Pokémon’s nickname, then you’ll likely want to go about changing that name. The question is, how can you do that in Sinnoh? The answer is by visiting a specific NPC, whose location is found below. 

Changing a nickname in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

The only requirement to change a Pokémon’s nickname in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is to make it to Eterna City. This is home to the game’s second Gym Leader, Gardenia, and also where you can get the bike and earn the HM for Cut. 

Before you do any of that, though, you can change a Pokémon’s nickname for free by visiting a certain NPC. That NPC is located in the Eterna Condominiums, which is found directly next to the Poké Mart in the southern part of town. 

Inside the large building, you can find the NPC you’re looking for right away. The old man sitting down at the table with the blue chairs is the Name Rater, and he can rate and change your Pokémon’s nicknames. All you need to do is talk to him and select the Pokémon you want to change the nickname of. 

Once the Name Rater has rated the nickname, he’ll give you a chance to change it. This will prompt the naming screen with the keyboard. From here, it’s just about typing in a new nickname for the selected Pokémon. You can now change the nickname of any 'mon in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, including traded Pokémon. 

• Read more: Walk with Pokémon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, how to

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Featured image courtesy of Nintendo/The Pokémon Company.