Other Pokémon can be obtained by battling them in the wild and using a Poké Ball to capture them, trading Pokémon with a friend or with someone online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, getting them through a story event, or evolving them (which produces a new species of Pokémon). In the beginning of the game, the player can choose one of three different species of Starter Pokémon, which are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.

Players can capture Pokémon through various different means. Pokémon White and Black introduce 156 new Pokémon species to the series, more than any other game preceding it (including the original titles). In a battle with a Trainer, the battle ends when either all of the opposing Trainer's Pokémon get knocked out or when all of the player's Pokémon get knocked out. In the wild, a battle is finished when the opposing Pokémon gets knocked out or when all of the player's Pokémon get knocked out. The player is then required to select commands for the Pokémon such as battling or using an item. When a battle starts, the first Pokémon in the player's inventory (the player can have up to six Pokémon at once, though can store the rest in a PC to use for later) is sent out (in double or triple battles, the next Pokémon in line are sent out with it). Battles in the game are turn based and involve the player's Pokémon.

The player can obtain additional Pokémon by capturing them in the wild or getting them through a trade. Of the three available, they are only allowed to choose one.

In the beginning of the game, the character will come in possession of a Starter Pokémon.

On the way, they will be able to acquire Pokémon through various different means. The player chooses either a boy or a girl and sets off on their adventure.

Pokemon white nintendo ds