The Pokétch ( ãã±ãã Poketchi), a simulated smartwatch, uses the DS's bottom screen and hosts applications including a clock, a calculator, a map, a counter, and a drawing pad. Some of the games' new features capitalize on the Nintendo DS's features. If the player cancels an evolution the Pokémon will learn new moves faster. Pokémon's stats also increase every time it levels up, and they will also learn new moves as well. After accumulating enough experience points, it can level up most Pokémon evolve into a new species of Pokémon whenever they reach a certain level. If the player's Pokémon defeats the opposing Pokémon (causes it to faint), it receives experience points. All Pokémon have hit points (HP) whenever a Pokémon's HP is reduced to zero, it faints and cannot battle unless revived at a Pokémon center or with an item. During battle, the player may fight, use an item, switch the active Pokémon, or flee (the last not an option in battles against trainers).
Whenever the player encounters a wild Pokémon or is challenged by a trainer to a battle, the screen switches to a turn-based battle screen where the Pokémon fight. The player can also use his/her Pokémon to do damage to the other Pokémon. Once Pokéballs are obtained, the player can capture more Pokémon using Pokéballs. The player begins the game with no Pokémon or Poké Balls, but is given the choice of three Pokémon as a part of the story line. As with all Pokémon games for handheld consoles, gameplay is in third-person overhead perspective, and consists of three basic screens: a field map, in which the player navigates the main character a battle screen and the menu, in which the player configures his or her party, items, or gameplay settings. The basic mechanics of the games are largely the same as their predecessors. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are role-playing games with adventure elements.