Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, launched in 1989, marked a groundbreaking era in portable gaming. Dominating the market for nine years until the Game Boy Color's debut in 1998, this handheld marvel became a cultural phenomenon. Its 2.6-inch black-and-white screen introduced millions to the joys of gaming on the go, paving the way for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering 118.69 million units sold, the Game Boy ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.
A significant part of the Game Boy's success was its rich library of games, which launched legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which 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 exclusively on those released for the original Game Boy, not including 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
16 Images
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
Final Fantasy Legend 2, part of Square’s SaGa series, is a turn-based RPG with enhanced gameplay systems, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor. Despite bearing the Final Fantasy name for its North American release, it's a unique entry in the RPG genre that helped establish the Game Boy as a platform for deep gaming experiences.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
Donkey Kong for Game Boy is a remarkable expansion of the classic arcade game, featuring all original levels and an additional 97 stages. These new levels take players from construction sites to exotic locales like jungles and arctic regions, blending platforming with puzzle-solving. Mario's ability to pick up and throw items adds depth to the gameplay.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
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, enhances the series' turn-based RPG mechanics with a rich time-travel narrative. Players' actions in the past influence the present and future, reminiscent of the acclaimed RPG Chrono Trigger. This game showcases the depth and storytelling potential of the Game Boy.
Kirby's Dream Land
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 introduced the world to Nintendo's beloved pink protagonist. Designed by Masahiro Sakurai, this side-scrolling platformer set the stage for Kirby's iconic abilities, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. A compact yet delightful experience, it can be completed in under an hour.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a portable adaptation of the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong, players embark on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. The game's levels and puzzles are tailored to the Game Boy's hardware, offering a challenging yet rewarding platforming experience.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor with the introduction of animal friends that alter Kirby's abilities. This sequel triples the content of the original, offering a more comprehensive Kirby experience. It showcases the evolution of the series on the Game Boy platform.
Wario Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 features the robust and aggressive Wario, who cannot die. With over 50 levels, diverse boss battles, and a complex network of secret paths and alternate endings, this game stands out for its innovative gameplay and depth.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 is a bold departure from the Mario series, introducing Wario as a playable character. It retains the platforming structure but adds unique elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant new abilities. This game marked the beginning of Wario's own series.
Super Mario Land
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, brought Mario's platforming adventures to a handheld format. Despite the smaller screen, the game retains core elements from Super Mario Bros., while introducing unique features like exploding Koopa shells and the Superball Flower. It also introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario is a captivating puzzle game where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it an enduring favorite on the Game Boy, despite the system's black-and-white display.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
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 improves on its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld map, and the beloved Fire Flower and Bunny Mario power-ups. Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist, setting the stage for future games.
Tetris
Tetris, a pack-in game for the Game Boy's North American and European launch, is synonymous with the console. Its timeless puzzle gameplay perfectly complements the portable format, and its three modes, including multiplayer, helped drive Game Boy sales. It remains the best-selling single Game Boy game, with 35 million units sold.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' hallmark elements of isolation and exploration. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and sets the narrative stage for Super Metroid. Its impact is evident in its 2017 remake, Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing the world to creature collecting and battling. Players journeyed through Kanto to become the region's Champion, setting the foundation for a franchise that would span over 100 games, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the series to handhelds for the first time. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link embarks on a quest to collect eight instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. Its unique narrative, inspired by Twin Peaks, and a 2019 Switch remake, solidify its place as a Zelda classic.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow, the definitive Game Boy Pokémon experience, closely aligns with the anime series. It features a companion Pikachu that follows the player, along with changes to gym leaders' teams. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, remains the best-selling with over 47 million copies sold, underscoring the franchise's enduring popularity.
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
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
