The Nintendo Game Boy, first released in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and held its ground as the go-to handheld console for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color hit the market in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a beloved companion for gamers on the go, setting the stage for the success of future Nintendo handhelds like the Switch. By the end of its life cycle, it had sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its spot as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its rich library of games, which introduced players to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these titles truly stand out as the cream of the crop? IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, to highlight the gems that have withstood the test of time or launched legendary gaming series.
So, without further ado, here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time:
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, offering a more complex turn-based RPG experience. It was one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy and improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong for Game Boy significantly expands on the original arcade game, offering 97 additional stages beyond the classic four. This version diversifies gameplay with platforming and puzzle elements, allowing Mario to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
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, retains the series' robust turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a deeper, time-traveling narrative. Its gameplay mirrors that of Chrono Trigger, as past actions impact the present and future, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
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. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, and swallow enemies to spit them out as star-shaped projectiles. It's a short but sweet adventure, completable in under an hour.
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 into a handheld format, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong as they attempt to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The level design is tailored for the Game Boy, yet retains the charm and excitement of the original, all packaged in a unique banana-yellow cartridge.
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 builds on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to combine powers with his animal friends, adding depth to the gameplay. With significantly more content than the original, it provides a more comprehensive Kirby experience.
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 9, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Wario Land 2 review
Wario Land 2, released just before the Game Boy Color, showcases Wario's unique attributes, such as his powerful charge attack and immortality. The game offers over 50 levels with diverse boss battles and a complex structure of hidden exits and secret paths, culminating in multiple endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks an experimental shift for Nintendo, focusing on the anti-hero Wario. This game retains the platforming essence of Super Mario Land but introduces new mechanics like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant special abilities, enhancing exploration and gameplay.
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 platformer. It adapts the Super Mario Bros. formula to the smaller screen, introducing unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and the character Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-like puzzle experience where players eliminate viruses by matching colored pills. Despite the Game Boy's monochrome display, the game remains engaging and memorable, thanks to its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario in a medical role.
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 enhances its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces a Super Mario World-like overworld and the iconic Fire Flower, alongside the debut of Wario as the main antagonist.
Tetris, bundled with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, played a crucial role in the console's success. With three engaging modes and multiplayer capability via the Game Link Cable, it remains the best-selling single Game Boy title, with 35 million units sold.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' essence with its solo adventure and eerie isolation. It introduces key abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, setting the stage for its iconic sequel, Super Metroid, and was later remade as Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS.
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review
Pokémon Red and Blue sparked a global phenomenon, introducing players to a world of creature collecting and battling. These games laid the foundation for the expansive Pokémon franchise, which now includes over 100 sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and a vast array of merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the iconic series to the handheld for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, the game blends traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its charm and depth were preserved in a 2019 remake for the Switch.
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow is the ultimate Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player in the overworld. Inspired by the anime, it includes Team Rocket's Jessie and James and modified gym leader teams. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, remains one of the best-selling video game series, with the franchise still thriving today.
AnswerSee ResultsWant more Game Boy? Check out former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. You can also remix his list, rerank the games, and make it your own:I was asked to curate what I think is the absolute finest the Game Boy has to offer. This, to me, includes both Game Boy AND Game Boy Color, because c'mon, the GBC was just a Game Boy with a little extra oomph.Looking for Game Boy Advance? That's a completely different beast wiSee All
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
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