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The iconic Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and held its ground as the top handheld console for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color's debut in 1998. With its modest 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, setting the stage for future successes like the Nintendo Switch. It concluded its impressive run with a staggering 118.69 million units sold, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its extensive library of exceptional games, which introduced the world to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these titles truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 greatest Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.
Without further ado, let's dive into the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.
16 Best Game Boy Games
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Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite its Final Fantasy moniker, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The Final Fantasy branding was used in North America to capitalize on the series' popularity, 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, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands upon the original arcade game, featuring all four levels from the 1981 classic plus an additional 97 stages. These new levels introduce diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions, blending platforming with puzzle-solving elements. Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2, adds a fresh layer of gameplay.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, maintains the series' robust turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a deeper, more engaging storyline centered around time travel. The game's narrative, where past actions influence the present and future, echoes the innovative storytelling found in Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero and was the first game designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like King Dedede and Kirby's signature abilities, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. With five levels, it's a compact yet delightful experience.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. While the level design is adjusted for the Game Boy's hardware, it remains a compelling platformer, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with animal friends, a hallmark of the series. With significantly more content than the original, this sequel offers a richer and more varied gameplay experience.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including his powerful charge attack and immortality. With over 50 levels, the game offers 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 marks a bold departure from Mario's traditional platforming, introducing Wario as the protagonist. The game retains the series' structure but adds unique elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant abilities such as ground pounding and fire breathing.
Super Mario Land
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Adapted for the Game Boy's smaller screen, it features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, alongside the introduction of Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a puzzle game similar to Tetris, challenges players to match colored pills with viruses. Its engaging gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor have made it a beloved classic, despite the Game Boy's monochrome display.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld map, and the ability to choose the order of zones. The game also features the Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, with Wario making his debut as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, is arguably the console's most iconic title. With three gameplay modes and the introduction of multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris sold 35 million units, making it the best-selling single Game Boy game.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the series with its focus on solo exploration and isolation. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and its narrative sets the stage for Super Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love of insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, and merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the franchise to handhelds for the first time, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. With its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, the game's surreal narrative, inspired by Twin Peaks, has been celebrated with a modern remake for the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow, the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, features a companion Pikachu that follows the player. Inspired by the Pokémon anime, it includes characters like Jessie and James and adjusts the gym leaders' Pokémon. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with the franchise continuing to thrive with recent releases like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
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:Best Game Boy games
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
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