The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and held its ground as the dominant handheld console for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color was released in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation and laid the groundwork for the success of the Nintendo Switch. It remains a top-selling console, with 118.69 million units sold, ranking fourth among all-time best-selling consoles.
A significant part of the Game Boy's enduring legacy is its remarkable library of games, which introduced the world to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these games truly stand out as the best? IGN’s editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games that have either withstood the test of time or launched some of gaming's most beloved series. Only games released on the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives, were considered.
Here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time:
16 Images
16. 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 game was rebranded in North America to capitalize on the Final Fantasy brand, as noted by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. Final Fantasy Legend 2 was one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, featuring enhanced gameplay, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
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 reviewThe Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands on the original arcade game, incorporating all four levels from the 1981 classic alongside an additional 97 stages. These new levels introduce players to diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions, blending platforming with puzzle-solving. Mario’s new ability to pick up and throw items adds a fresh twist reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
14. Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, maintains the series' robust turn-based RPG mechanics while delivering a deeper, more engaging storyline involving time travel. The game's narrative structure, where past actions influence the present and future, echoes the acclaimed RPG Chrono Trigger, as highlighted in our review.
13. Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's iconic pink hero, designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like King Dedede, the Dream Land setting, and Kirby's signature abilities such as inflating to fly and spitting enemies as star-shaped projectiles. The game, spanning five levels, is concise enough to be completed in under an hour.
12. Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. While the level design was adjusted for the Game Boy's capabilities, the game retains the engaging platforming experience and was notably released on a unique banana-yellow cartridge.
11. Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 builds on its predecessor with more content and introduces Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with his animal friends. This sequel aligns more closely with the modern Kirby gameplay style, offering three times the content of the original, according to How Long to Beat.
10. Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 features the titular character's unique, aggressive gameplay mechanics, including an invincible Wario with a powerful charge attack. The game boasts over 50 levels filled with diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden exits and secret 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 reviewWario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a bold departure from Mario-centric games, introducing Wario as a playable character. The game retains the platforming structure of Super Mario Land but adds unique elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant abilities such as ground pounding, fire breathing, and gliding.
8. Super Mario Land
One of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land adapts the classic Super Mario Bros. gameplay for a smaller screen, introducing unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs instead of fireballs. The game also debuted Princess Daisy as a new character.
7. Dr. Mario
**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** July 27, 1990 | **Review:** IGN's Dr. Mario reviewDr. Mario is a Tetris-like puzzle game where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario in a medical role make it a beloved Game Boy title, adapted to the system's black-and-white display with different shades.
6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The game introduces a non-linear overworld and the Fire Flower, replacing the original's Superball Flower. Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist.
5. Tetris
**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 14, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Tetris reviewTetris, a crucial game for the Game Boy's success, was included as a pack-in title during the console's launch in North America and Europe. With three modes, including multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris remains the best-selling single Game Boy game with 35 million units sold.
4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus
**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** November, 1991| **Review:** IGN's Metroid 2 reviewMetroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the Metroid series with its isolated, non-linear exploration. The game introduces iconic weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative sets the stage for Super Metroid. A 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released in 2017.
3. Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's childhood hobby, these games launched a media franchise that has since grown to include numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV shows, and extensive merchandise.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 6, 1993 | **Review:** IGN's Link's Awakening reviewThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the series to a handheld console for the first time, featuring a unique story set on Koholint Island. The game blends combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its 2019 remake for the Switch ensures its enduring legacy.
1. Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow offers the definitive Game Boy Pokémon experience, with Pikachu as a companion following the player. The game aligns more closely with the Pokémon anime, featuring characters like Jessie and James from Team Rocket. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green, sold an estimated 47 million copies, ranking 12th among all-time best-selling video games. The franchise continues to thrive with recent titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, approaching collective sales of 500 million copies.
For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. Feel free to remix and rerank the list to create your own personalized collection of the best Game Boy games.
Best Game Boy games
I was tasked with selecting the finest offerings from the Game Boy library, including both Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles. The Game Boy Advance, however, is a different story and not included here.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
![Cockham Superheroes – New Version 0.5.2 [EpicLust]](https://images.5534.cc/uploads/36/1719595948667ef3acb2d9e.jpg)
