Nintendo's pioneering handheld console, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, having debuted in 1989. This groundbreaking device captivated the portable gaming market for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color arrived in 1998. Its iconic 2.6-inch monochrome screen served as a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation and laid the foundation for future successes like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering 118.69 million units sold, it ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.
The Game Boy's success was significantly bolstered by its rich library of games, which introduced the world to now-iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out as the cream of the crop? IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing exclusively on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. These games have either withstood the test of time or launched some of gaming's most beloved franchises. Here, we present the definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games ever.
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
16. Final Fantasy Legend 2
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Square | Release Date: December 14, 1990 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 2 review
Despite its name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is the second installment in Square’s SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. It was rebranded for the North American market to capitalize on the Final Fantasy brand. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 offers enhanced gameplay systems, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
This Game Boy version of Donkey Kong expands significantly on the original arcade game, offering all four levels from the 1981 classic plus an impressive 97 additional stages. Players can explore varied environments, from construction sites to jungles and arctic regions, with Mario utilizing new mechanics like item-throwing, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Square | Release Date: December 13, 1991 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 3 review
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, maintains the series' robust turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a deeper, more engaging story centered around time travel. The game's narrative echoes the complexity of Square's renowned title, Chrono Trigger, making it a standout in the RPG genre.
Kirby's Dream Land
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 27, 1992 (JP) | Review: IGN's Kirby's Dream Land review
The first game to introduce the world to Kirby, this side-scrolling platformer was also the debut work of Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai. Featuring five levels that can be completed in under an hour, Kirby's Dream Land introduces iconic characters like King Dedede and showcases Kirby's signature abilities, such as inflating to fly and spitting out enemies as projectiles.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
A handheld adaptation of the acclaimed SNES title Donkey Kong Country 2, Donkey Kong Land 2 offers a similar adventure with Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game features unique level designs tailored for the Game Boy's hardware and was released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with his animal friends. With significantly more content, this sequel offers a richer gaming experience that aligns more closely with the modern Kirby games fans know and love.
Wario Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 9, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Wario Land 2 review
Released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, such as his powerful charge attack and invincibility. With over 50 levels, diverse boss battles, and a complex network of secret paths, Wario Land 2 delivers a satisfying and challenging experience.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked Nintendo's shift towards more experimental gameplay, introducing Wario as a playable character. This game retains the platforming essence of the Super Mario Land series but adds unique elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant abilities like ground pounding and fire breathing.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land introduced handheld Mario gaming. Adapted to fit the Game Boy's smaller screen, this game features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, along with shooting levels inspired by Gradius. It also introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.
Dr. Mario
A puzzle game inspired by Tetris, Dr. Mario challenges players to clear viruses by matching pill colors. The Game Boy version, with its monochrome display, creatively uses shades to distinguish between pill and virus types, making it a memorable and engaging title.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: October 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land 2 review
A significant improvement over its predecessor, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins offers smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. This sequel introduces backtracking, an overworld map, and six distinct zones with nonlinear progression. It replaces the Superball Flower with the familiar Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, while also marking Wario's debut as a villain.
Tetris
Arguably the most iconic Game Boy game, Tetris was bundled with the console in North America and Europe, significantly boosting its sales. With three distinct modes, including multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris remains a timeless classic and the best-selling single Game Boy title, with 35 million units sold.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus brings the series' signature atmosphere and isolation to the Game Boy. Introducing new weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, this game sets the stage for the narrative developments in Super Metroid. Its 2017 remake for the 3DS, Metroid: Samus Returns, further cements its legacy.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review
The games that ignited the Pokémon phenomenon, Pokémon Red and Blue captivated players with their innovative creature-collecting and battling mechanics. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's childhood passion for insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media empire, spawning countless sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening marks the franchise's first handheld adventure. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link must collect eight instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. This game blends traditional Zelda gameplay with a unique, surrealist narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its 2019 Switch remake ensures its legacy continues to thrive.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow epitomizes the Game Boy Pokémon experience, offering a companion Pikachu that follows the player in the overworld. Inspired by the Pokémon anime, it includes characters like Jessie and James and adjusts the gym leaders' line-ups. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with 47 million copies sold, and the franchise continues to flourish with recent hits like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
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