Hi there! My name is Professor Rowan, and Pokémon are my life's work! I've dedicated my career to understanding these fascinating creatures, from their evolutionary origins to their unique abilities. My research has taken me across the globe, and I'm always eager to share my knowledge with aspiring trainers.

So, you're interested in the National Dex, are you? A worthy goal, to be sure! Completing the Sinnoh Dex is a significant accomplishment, but the National Dex is a whole different ball game. It's a testament to a trainer's dedication and a comprehensive record of your Pokémon journey.

Here's the thing: in Pokémon Diamond, you don't actually get the National Dex physically added to your Pokétch. There's no special ceremony or item handover like the Sinnoh Dex. Instead, upon completing a specific requirement, the game subtly transitions to incorporate the broader National Dex functionality.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:


1. Complete the Sinnoh Pokédex: This is non-negotiable. You need to encounter (not necessarily catch) all 150 Pokémon native to the Sinnoh region. This means battling trainers, exploring every nook and cranny, and maybe even doing a bit of trading with friends.


2. Visit Professor Oak: Once you've proven your mettle by completing the Sinnoh Dex, make your way back to Professor Rowan's lab in Sandgem Town. There, you'll find Professor Oak, my old colleague from the Kanto region. He's quite impressed by your achievement and will unlock the National Dex functionality in your Pokétch.


3. Access the National Dex: Now, when you access your Pokétch and look at the Pokédex, you'll notice it goes beyond #150. You'll see slots for all 493 Pokémon discovered up to that point in time.


4. Catch 'em All (Again!): This is where the real challenge begins! Now you're on the hunt to encounter and potentially catch Pokémon from other regions like Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn. Many of these Pokémon can be found in the Pal Park, a special post-game area that becomes accessible once you have the National Dex active.

Remember, completing the National Dex is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of Poké Balls! But the sense of satisfaction you'll feel upon completing this monumental task is unmatched. Good luck, trainer, and may your journey be filled with exciting discoveries!

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Once you've seen all 150 Pokemon in Sinnoh, you can upgrade your Pokedex to the "National Pokedex" where there aren't 150 slots to fill, but over 400. To do this, simply head to Sandgem Town, one of the first locales we visited in the beginning of the game, and the hometown of Professor Rowan and his Pokemon research.read more >>