Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever

The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and held its ground as the leading handheld console for nine years until the advent of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy not only entertained millions but also paved the way for future innovations 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 enduring legacy is largely due to its exceptional library of games, which introduced legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles that debuted on the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives. Here are the top picks that have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated for their impact on gaming culture.

16 Best Game Boy Games

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16. Final Fantasy Legend 2

Image credit: Square Enix Developer: Square | Publisher: Square | Release Date: December 14, 1990 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 2 review

Though it bears the Final Fantasy name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The game's North American release adopted the Final Fantasy moniker as part of Square's strategy to brand their RPGs under the Final Fantasy umbrella. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative.

15. Donkey Kong Game Boy

**Developer:** Nintendo/Pax Softnica | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Initial Release Year:** June 14, 1994 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Donkey Kong Game Boy review

The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expanded the original arcade game, featuring all four classic levels alongside an impressive 97 new stages. This version introduced new settings like jungles and arctic landscapes, and incorporated platforming and puzzle elements enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw objects, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. Final Fantasy Legend 3

Image credit: Square Enix Developer: Square | Publisher: Square | Release Date: December 13, 1991 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 3 review

Final Fantasy Legend 3, or SaGa 3 in Japan, retained the series' solid turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a deeper and more engaging story centered around time travel. Its narrative structure, where actions in the past influence the present and future, draws parallels to Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.

13. Kirby's Dream Land

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: 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 iconic pink hero and introduced the whimsical world of Dream Land. Designed by Masahiro Sakurai, this side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements of Kirby's gameplay, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. With five levels, it's a compact yet memorable experience.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)

Donkey Kong Land 2 brought the beloved SNES game, Donkey Kong Country 2, to the Game Boy, featuring the same characters, Diddy and Dixie Kong, and mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game adapted its level and puzzle design to the Game Boy's hardware, delivering a unique yet faithful handheld experience, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995

Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolved the series with the introduction of Kirby's ability-altering animal friends and his signature power-absorbing ability. With three times the content of the original, according to How Long to Beat, this sequel brought more depth and variety to the Kirby formula.

10. Wario Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 9, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Wario Land 2 review

Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 offered a robust platforming experience with Wario's unique, aggressive moveset, including a powerful charge attack. The game's immortality feature made Wario immune to death, while its 50+ levels showcased diverse boss battles and hidden paths leading to multiple endings.

9. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** January 21, 1994 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 review

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 showcased Nintendo's willingness to experiment by featuring Wario, Mario's rival, as the protagonist. This game introduced unique gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that granted abilities such as ground pounding and fire breathing, diverging from the traditional Mario platforming structure.

8. Super Mario Land

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: 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 brought Mario's platforming to handhelds for the first time. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, it introduced unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, and debuted Princess Daisy as Mario's new damsel in distress.

7. Dr. Mario

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** July 27, 1990 | **Review:** IGN's Dr. Mario review

Dr. Mario is a beloved puzzle game where players match colored pills with viruses, akin to Tetris. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it an enduring favorite, even on the Game Boy's monochrome screen where colors were represented by shades.

6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: October 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land 2 review

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improved upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduced backtracking, an overworld similar to Super Mario World, and the iconic Fire Flower. The game also debuted Wario as the main antagonist, setting the stage for his future appearances.

5. Tetris

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 14, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Tetris review

Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy's North American and European launch, became synonymous with the console. Its three gameplay modes and compatibility with the Game Link Cable for multiplayer made it a perfect fit for handheld gaming, contributing to its status as the best-selling single Game Boy title, with 35 million units sold.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** November, 1991| **Review:** IGN's Metroid 2 review

Metroid 2: Return of Samus brought the series' signature sense of isolation and exploration to the Game Boy. It introduced new weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative set the stage for the events of Super Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review

Pokémon Red and Blue ignited the global Pokémon phenomenon, introducing players to a world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's childhood hobby of insect collecting, these games laid the foundation for a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with over 100 sequels and spinoffs.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 6, 1993 | **Review:** IGN's Link's Awakening review

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was the first Zelda game on a handheld console, featuring a unique narrative where Link is stranded on Koholint Island. With its blend of traditional Zelda gameplay and a surreal, Twin Peaks-inspired story, it remains a standout title. A charming remake was released for the Switch in 2019, ensuring its legacy continues.

1. Pokémon Yellow

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review

Pokémon Yellow was the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu that followed the player in the overworld. It aligned closely with the first season of the Pokémon anime, incorporating characters like Jessie and James and altering the gym leaders' Pokémon. As part of the first generation of Pokémon games, it contributed to the franchise's 47 million sales, and the series continues to thrive with recent hits like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

What is the best Game Boy game of all time? -------------------------------------------

Final Fantasy Legend 2Donkey Kong Game BoyFinal Fantasy Legend 3Kirby's Dream LandDonkey Kong Land 2Kirby's Dream Land 2Wario Land 2Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3Super Mario LandDr. MarioSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsTetrisMetroid 2: Return of SamusPokémon Red and BlueThe Legend of Zelda: Link's AwakeningPokémon Yellow Something else (let us know in the comments)

For those hungry 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 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 with its own legacy.

1Mario GolfCamelot2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD3ShantaeWayForward4Tetris DXNintendo R&D15Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D26Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)7Pokemon PinballJupiter8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1