Pokémon Diamond and Pearl beta

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl prototypes refer to pre-release versions of certain aspects that were dropped or changed, but not removed, from the games. In other words, during the planning and development stages of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, several features were designed to be a part of the gameplay. But before the games were released, the design was changed and these features were dropped from official play. Some remnants of this data can still be found in the game's programming.

Pre-Release

There are a number of pre-release sprites not put in the game. These include rival and Team Galactic, and sprites of Weavile and Munchlax (mentioned below).

Shellos and Gastrodon

Back sprites, presumably from the game's early prototype stage, of Shellos and Gastrodon have been found. These forms are possibly leftovers from when Shellos and Gastrodon were planned to be in Ruby and Sapphire. Shellos's sprite is pink, like its West Sea variation, and seems to combine the western variation's head with the Eastern variation's body, while Gastrodon's sprite is brown and looks like its Western variation, but with more rock-like protrusions on its body. This may also be another "unofficial confirmation" of Pokémon Gold and Silver remakes since its Pokédex data states that its colors and shapes differs from region to region, although it is unlikely, considering the similarities to the existing forms, and the fact that there are no front sprites for either of the prototype forms.

Other prototype sprites

The game's data has prototype back sprites for Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Ralts, Kirlia, Gardevoir, Jirachi, Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup, and Manaphy – both regular and shiny forms.

Munchlax, Weavile, and Cherrim all have had prototype sprites from various pre-release pictures and videos, but these sprites are not in the game's data. The Munchlax just seems to be a duplicate from the Munchlax-sprite in Dash. The Cherrim prototype sprite was shown in an early Japanese commercial. It is surprisingly like the final sprite, only with the left leg up instead. Pokémon.com showed prototype sprites in their run up to the release of Diamond and Pearl. These sprites of Munchlax and Weavile can still be seen on the page in question.

Gallery

Betatreeko.png

Treecko back
Betatorchic.png

Torchic back
Betamudkip.PNG

Mudkip back
Betaralts.png

Ralts back
Betakirlia.png

Kirlia back
Betagarde.png

Gardevoir back
Betajirachi.png

Jirachi "back"
Betaturtwig.png

Turtwig back
Betachimchar.png

Chimchar back
Betapiplup.png

Piplup back
Spr 4dp 422 beta.png

Shellos back
Spr 4dp 423 beta.png

Gastrodon back
Betabronzor.png

Bronzor "back"
Betamanaphy.png

Manaphy back
???-type Arceus front
Spr b g4 493-Unknown.png

???-type Arceus back

Prototype maps

Route 219 pre-release screenshot

Jubilife City pre-release screenshot

A prototype map of Spear Pillar has been found. This is surprisingly like the normal game's Spear Pillar, but the entrance to Mt. Coronet is missing. Many also think that the Mystery Zone found in the Pokémon League is a possible prototype map.

Second Jubilife City pre-release shot

Interestingly, by using a "walk through walls" cheat and going north through the trees at each of the three lakefronts, one can find a small puddle, perhaps in the game to tell the mapmakers where each lake would be.

Early screenshot of Route 203

A few prototype maps were shown in pre-release screenshots. The first two are of Jubilife City, seen at right. These images show the Pokémon Center and the Pokémon Mart in different spots than the current area. Another image was of Route 219, seen at left, that reveals a beta look for water, sand, and rocks. The last is of Route 203, also seen at left, showing early Trainers.

Prototype music

A prototype track has been found in the music, possibly as a test track. The track, in question, is a remix of the opening theme of the Generation III games; Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald.

Another prototype track exists in the coding. It is an unused remix of the Gym Leader battle theme that was originally intended to be used for the Tower Tycoon battle. [1]

Pokétch

Early Pokétch design

In multiple pre-release screenshots, a early design of the Pokétch was shown, seen at the right. This showed a smaller change button and more of the device on-screen. Also, the Digital Clock application was shown without a Pikachu at the bottom-left.

Prototype items

Various items have been discovered by Serebii and various others at Serebii.net and its forums in the coding of Diamond and Pearl. These items can be obtained using Action Replay and other cheating products, but cannot be used. They are:

S.S. Ticket, which allows entry for the luxury liner S.S. Anne (a possible reference to Red and Green or FireRed and LeafGreen).
Contest Pass, which would allow entry into Contests. However, Super Contests allow entry without a pass.
Magma Rock, which would be a mystical item that could be used in Stark Mountain. Although it hasn't any known purpose, it is possible it would have something to do with the Heatran event.
Red Chain, which is a creation by the lake trio that would be used to awaken Dialga or Palkia. Cyrus actually himself uses the item in-game, and it's possible that the Team Galactic event at Spear Pillar was initially to be activated by the player.
Rule Book, which was a book that would be used as a guide when using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. It's possible that this was removed since these guidelines were contained in the games' instruction book.
Seal Bag, which held up to 10 Seals, but was replaced with the Seal Case.
Loot Sack, which was meant to hold treasures from the Underground. It was replaced with a unique menu for the Underground.