The iconic Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and remained a dominant force for nine years until the Game Boy Color's arrival in 1998. With its simple yet effective 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, setting the stage for the success of the Nintendo Switch. It achieved remarkable sales, with 118.69 million units sold, securing its position as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's success was its extensive library of exceptional games, which introduced the world to iconic franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have compiled a definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing on titles that have stood the test of time or launched major gaming series. To qualify for this list, games must have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives.
Without further ado, here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time:
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
16. Final Fantasy Legend 2
Final Fantasy Legend 2, the second installment in Square's SaGa series, stands out among early Game Boy RPGs. Despite the Final Fantasy moniker used in North America, this game offers enhanced gameplay mechanics, graphical improvements, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
Donkey Kong for Game Boy expands significantly on the original arcade game, featuring all four classic levels and an impressive addition of 97 new stages. These stages take players through diverse environments like jungles and the arctic, blending platforming with puzzle-solving and introducing Mario's ability to throw items from Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, also known as SaGa 3 in Japan, elevates the series with its deep narrative centered around time travel. The game's mechanics, where past and present actions impact the future, echo the storytelling of Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero and introduced fans to King Dedede and the enchanting Dream Land. This side-scrolling platformer features Kirby's iconic abilities to inflate and fly, and to swallow enemies, though in this initial outing, he spits them out as projectiles rather than copying their powers. The game is compact, with five levels that can be completed in under an hour.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2, a handheld adaptation of the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2, retains the original's charm and challenge. Players control Diddy and Dixie Kong as they navigate altered levels and puzzles suited to the Game Boy's hardware, all packaged in a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor with the introduction of ability-altering animal friends and Kirby's signature power-absorbing feature. This sequel offers significantly more content, tripling the original's playtime according to IGN sister site How Long to Beat.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay style. Unlike Mario, Wario can't die, allowing for more aggressive play. The game boasts over 50 levels, 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 the Mario series by focusing on Wario. This game introduces novel elements like garlic instead of mushrooms and power-enhancing hats, such as the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap, adding depth to exploration and platforming.
Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land, one of the Game Boy's launch titles, was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. It retains the essence of Super Mario Bros. but adapts to the Game Boy's smaller screen with unique features like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs. It also introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario brings the addictive gameplay of Tetris to the Game Boy, challenging players to match colored pills with viruses. The game's charm lies in its simplicity and the novelty of seeing Mario in a doctor's role, making it a memorable Game Boy title despite its black-and-white palette.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins vastly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld map similar to Super Mario World, and six zones that players can explore in any order. The game replaces the Superball Flower with the familiar Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, with Wario making his villainous debut.
Tetris
Tetris, included with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, played a pivotal role in the console's success. The game's simple yet engaging puzzle mechanics were perfect for portable play, and its three modes, including multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, sold an impressive 35 million units, making it the best-selling single Game Boy release.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the series with its isolating atmosphere and challenging level design. It introduces key elements like the Plasma Beam, Space Jump, and Spider Ball, and sets the stage for its narrative with the introduction of Baby Metroid. The game was later remade as Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS.
Pokémon Red and Blue
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 became the foundation for a media franchise that spans over 100 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 brings the iconic series to handhelds for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, the game features a unique narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, blending traditional Zelda gameplay with exploration and puzzle-solving. Its 2019 Switch remake ensures its legacy continues to captivate new audiences.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow offers the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, with a companion Pikachu following the player in the overworld. Inspired by the anime, the game features appearances by Team Rocket's Jessie and James and adjusted gym leader line-ups. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with over 47 million copies sold, and the franchise continues 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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