Nintendo's first-ever handheld console, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, this pioneering device dominated the portable gaming market for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color hit the scene in 1998.
With its modest 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a beloved portal into mobile gaming for an entire generation, setting the stage for the success of the Nintendo Switch. It wrapped up its production with an impressive 118.69 million units sold, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
The Game Boy's allure was significantly boosted by its rich library of games, which introduced iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stood out among the best? IGN's editors have curated a definitive list of the 16 greatest Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy. These games have either aged gracefully or played a pivotal role in launching major gaming franchises.
So, without further delay, let's dive into the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
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 Final Fantasy branding, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, which emphasizes complex turn-based RPG mechanics. Square used the Final Fantasy name in North America to create a simple "Square = Final Fantasy" association, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 enhanced its predecessor with richer gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong is a significantly expanded take on the classic arcade game, featuring all four original levels plus an astonishing 97 additional stages. These new stages take players from the iconic construction site to the jungle, arctic, and beyond. Mario's ability to pick up and throw items adds layers of platforming and puzzle-solving to the mix.
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, continues the series' tradition of solid turn-based RPG gameplay but introduces a deeper and more engaging storyline involving time travel. Players' actions in the past influence the present and future, mirroring the narrative complexity seen in Square's acclaimed Chrono Trigger.
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
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero and was the first game directed by Masahiro Sakurai, who later became famous for Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, and to swallow enemies and spit them out as star-shaped projectiles. With five levels, it's a compact yet delightful experience.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the acclaimed SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2. It retains the same characters, Diddy and Dixie Kong, and the mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool, with level and puzzle designs tailored to the Game Boy's capabilities. Packaged in a unique banana-yellow cartridge, it's a standout platformer in its own right.
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, a feature that has become a hallmark of the series. With three times the content of the original, as reported by How Long to Beat, it's a fuller Kirby experience.
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 offers a robust platforming experience. Wario's unique moveset, including a powerful charge attack and his inability to die, shifts the gameplay towards more aggressive strategies. The game boasts over 50 levels with diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a departure from the traditional Mario formula, focusing on the mischievous Wario. It retained the platforming essence of Super Mario Land but introduced garlic as a power-up and new mechanics like power-inducing hats, which added layers of exploration and strategy.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review
Super Mario Land, a launch title for the Game Boy, was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario game. It adapted the familiar Super Mario Bros. gameplay to the smaller screen, resulting in unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and rubber-like Superballs. It also introduced Princess Daisy as Mario's damsel in distress.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a Tetris-inspired puzzle game, challenges players to match pill capsules with virus sprites to eliminate them. Its engaging gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable and beloved title on the Game Boy, despite the monochrome screen's limitations.
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
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improves on its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger and more detailed sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces a Super Mario World-style overworld, new zones to explore, and the iconic Fire Flower, along with the debut of Bunny Mario. Wario also makes his first appearance as the game's antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, though ranked fifth, is arguably the most significant Game Boy game, included as a pack-in for the system's launch. Its timeless puzzle gameplay perfectly suited portable play, contributing to the Game Boy's enduring success. With three modes and support for multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, it sold 35 million units, making it the best-selling single Game Boy release.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' essence with its isolating atmosphere and intricate level design. It introduced key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative set the stage for Super Metroid. Its impact was recognized with a 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, in 2017.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited the Pokémon phenomenon, captivating players with its creature collection and battle mechanics. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's childhood insect collecting, these games laid the foundation for a media franchise that has since grown to include numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the beloved series to handhelds for the first time. Stranded on Koholint Island, players navigate dungeons, solve puzzles, and collect instruments to awaken the Wind Fish. Its surreal story, inspired by Twin Peaks, was revitalized with a charming Switch remake in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow transformed the Game Boy into a dedicated Pokémon machine for many fans. This enhanced version of the original Pokémon games featured a companion Pikachu that followed the player, along with changes reflecting the Pokémon anime, like the inclusion of Team Rocket. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet continuing the franchise's success today.
For more Game Boy nostalgia, check out former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. You can also customize and rerank the list to create your own personal top picks:
Best Game Boy games
I was tasked with selecting what I believe are the ultimate Game Boy titles. This includes both the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, as the latter was essentially an enhanced version of the former. For Game Boy Advance games, consider them a different category entirely.
1Mario GolfCamelot
2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD
3ShantaeWayForward
4Tetris DXNintendo R&D1
5Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D2
6Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)
7Pokemon PinballJupiter
8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD
9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo
10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1
