Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever

Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, the company's first-ever handheld console, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, this groundbreaking device dominated the portable gaming market for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color hit the scene in 1998. With its modest 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a gateway to portable gaming for millions, setting the stage for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. By the end of its life cycle, it had sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

The Game Boy's success was largely due to its rich library of games, which introduced the world to beloved franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these titles truly stand out as the cream of the crop? IGN’s editors have meticulously selected the top 16 Game Boy games, focusing on those that have either withstood the test of time or launched some of gaming's most iconic series. Importantly, only games released on the original Game Boy are considered, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives.

Without further ado, here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time, celebrating the classics that defined a generation of handheld gaming.

16 Best Game Boy Games

16 Images16. 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

Despite bearing the Final Fantasy name, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG systems. The inclusion of the Final Fantasy title in North America was a strategic move by Square to capitalize on the brand's popularity. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 distinguishes itself with enhanced gameplay mechanics, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.

15. Donkey Kong Game Boy

The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands upon the original arcade game, incorporating all four levels from the 1981 classic and adding a staggering 97 new stages. These additional levels introduce a variety of settings, from jungles to arctic landscapes, and blend platforming with puzzle-solving elements. Mario's ability to pick up and throw objects, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2, adds a fresh layer to the gameplay.

14. 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, builds on the solid foundation of its predecessors with refined turn-based RPG gameplay and a deeper narrative. The game's time-travel theme intricately weaves past, present, and future actions, drawing parallels to Square's acclaimed Chrono Trigger. This innovative storytelling approach, combined with robust gameplay, cements Legend 3 as a standout title.

13. 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 marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink protagonist, created by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of the Super Smash Bros. series. This side-scrolling platformer introduces key elements of the Kirby universe, including King Dedede and the enchanting Dream Land. Kirby's signature abilities, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit out star-shaped projectiles, are showcased here. With just five levels, it's a concise yet delightful experience.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the acclaimed SNES title, Donkey Kong Country 2. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong, players embark on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. While the level design is adjusted for the Game Boy's hardware, the game retains the charm and challenge of its console counterpart. Notably, it was released on a unique banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 enhances the original formula by introducing Kirby's animal friends, which allow for the mixing and matching of powers. This sequel significantly expands the game's content, offering three times more gameplay than its predecessor, as noted by IGN's sister site, How Long to Beat. It's a pivotal entry in the Kirby series, showcasing the evolution of the character's abilities.

10. 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's debut, Wario Land 2 offers a robust platforming experience with Wario as the star. Unlike Mario, Wario is more durable and features a powerful charge attack, enabling aggressive gameplay. His inability to die adds a unique twist. With over 50 levels, diverse boss battles, and a complex network of hidden exits and alternate endings, Wario Land 2 is a standout title.

9. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 represents an experimental shift for Nintendo, featuring the villainous Wario as the protagonist. This game both concludes the Super Mario Land series and launches the Wario-led spinoff series. Wario's unique abilities, such as using garlic instead of mushrooms and wearing power-inducing hats, offer a fresh take on platforming. The game retains the exploration elements of its predecessors while introducing new gameplay mechanics.

8. Super Mario Land

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 was Nintendo's first exclusive handheld Mario platformer. While it maintains the core mechanics of Super Mario Bros., the game's design is adapted for the smaller screen, resulting in a unique experience with features like exploding Koopa shells and rubber-like Superballs. It also introduces Princess Daisy, temporarily replacing Peach as Mario's damsel in distress.

7. Dr. Mario

Dr. Mario is a captivating puzzle game that mirrors the addictive nature of Tetris. Players must align falling pill capsules to match the colors of on-screen viruses, effectively eliminating them. The novelty of seeing Mario in a doctor's role, combined with its engaging gameplay, makes Dr. Mario a memorable Game Boy classic, despite the black-and-white screen limiting the color variety.

6. 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 is a significant improvement over the original, offering smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, a Super Mario World-inspired overworld, and six distinct zones that players can explore in any order. The game replaces the Superball Flower with the familiar Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, who can jump higher and glide. Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist, setting the stage for future adventures.

5. Tetris

Tetris, though ranked fifth, is arguably the most significant Game Boy game due to its inclusion as a pack-in title for the console's launch. Its timeless puzzle gameplay is perfectly suited for portable gaming, significantly contributing to the Game Boy's sales success. The Game Boy version offers three modes: endless, speed-based, and multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, making it the best-selling single Game Boy release with 35 million units sold.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the Metroid series with its focus on solo exploration and isolation. The game introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam, Space Jump, and Spider Ball, while its narrative sets the stage for future entries, including the introduction of Baby Metroid. Its impact is evident in the 2017 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns.

3. 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 sparked a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of Pokémon collecting and battling. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games offer a rich adventure through the Kanto region, challenging players to become the Champion by defeating eight gym leaders and the Elite Four. The franchise's success is unparalleled, spawning numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Link's Awakening brings the Zelda series to handhelds for the first time, presenting a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Players guide Link through dungeons to collect eight instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. The game balances combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surrealist narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its enduring appeal is highlighted by the 2019 Switch remake, keeping this classic alive for new audiences.

1. Pokémon Yellow

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

Pokémon Yellow is the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player in the overworld. Inspired by the first season of the Pokémon anime, the game includes Team Rocket's Jessie and James and adjusts gym leaders' teams to match the show. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with 47 million copies sold, and the franchise continues to thrive with recent releases like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

For more Game Boy nostalgia, check out former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' curated list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. Feel free to remix and rerank his selections to create your personalized list of the best Game Boy games.