Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, the first handheld console from the gaming giant, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming and held its ground as the market leader for nine years until the Game Boy Color hit the shelves in 1998. Its simple yet effective 2.6-inch black-and-white screen became the gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation and laid the groundwork for the success of modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering total of 118.69 million units sold, it ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.
The Game Boy's enduring popularity can be largely attributed to its exceptional lineup of games, which introduced players to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these titles are considered the cream of the crop? IGN’s editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives. Here, we present the definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games that have stood the test of time and shaped gaming history.
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
16. 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, despite its name, is actually the second installment in Square’s innovative SaGa series. It's a turn-based RPG with complex systems that differentiate it from the main Final Fantasy franchise. This title was part of Square's strategy to brand their SaGa games as Final Fantasy in North America, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 boasts enhanced gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong is a significantly expanded and enhanced take on the classic arcade game. It includes not only the original four levels but also an impressive 97 additional stages, expanding the gameplay from the familiar construction site to diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions. Players can enjoy a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving, with Mario now able to throw items, adding a layer of strategy akin to Super Mario Bros. 2.
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, retains the robust turn-based RPG gameplay of its series while introducing a richer narrative involving time travel. The game’s storyline, where past actions influence the present and future, resonates with the acclaimed RPG Chrono Trigger. This depth and engagement set Final Fantasy Legend 3 apart from its predecessors.
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 puffball and was the first game directed by Masahiro Sakurai, known for the Super Smash Bros. series. This side-scrolling platformer introduced Kirby’s world, including the antagonist King Dedede and Kirby’s core abilities like inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. A compact yet delightful experience, the game 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 brings the acclaimed SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 to the handheld format, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on their mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. While the level and puzzle designs are tailored to the Game Boy’s capabilities, it remains a robust platformer. It was released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge, adding to its charm.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolves from its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with the help of his animal friends. This sequel offers a more comprehensive Kirby experience, with significantly more content than the original, according to How Long to Beat.
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 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics. Unlike Mario, Wario's durability and powerful charge attack encourage a more aggressive playstyle. The game’s 50+ levels offer a diverse range of boss battles and hidden paths, culminating in multiple endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 is a pioneering title that shifted focus from Mario to the villainous Wario. It marks the transition from the Super Mario Land series to the Wario-centric spinoffs. Wario introduces new gameplay elements like exploration and power-ups through unique hats, such as the Bull Cap for ground pounding and the Dragon Cap for fire breathing.
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, one of the Game Boy’s launch titles, was Nintendo’s first handheld-exclusive Mario game. Adapted to the smaller screen, it features unique gameplay elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs instead of fireballs. It also introduced Princess Daisy, temporarily replacing Peach as the damsel in distress.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a puzzle game similar to Tetris, involves matching colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its engaging gameplay and Mario's charming doctor persona made it a fan favorite on the Game Boy, despite the console’s monochrome 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 upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The game introduces a Super Mario World-like overworld and six creatively designed zones. It replaces the Superball Flower with the Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, who can jump higher and glide. Wario makes his debut as the game's antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, the fifth-ranked Game Boy game, played a crucial role in the console's success. Bundled with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, it became synonymous with the handheld. Featuring three modes and multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris sold 35 million copies on the Game Boy, making it the best-selling single title on the platform.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the Metroid series with its solo adventure and eerie atmosphere. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, as well as the narrative element of the Baby Metroid, setting the stage for Super Metroid on the SNES. The game was later remade for the 3DS as 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 sparked a global phenomenon. These games introduced the world to Pokémon collecting and battling, becoming essential titles on the Game Boy. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri’s love of insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has grown into the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with numerous 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 brought the franchise to handhelds for the first time. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link must collect eight instruments to awaken the Wind Fish. This game blends traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its legacy was revived with a remake on the Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many, serving as the definitive Pokémon game on the console. It features a companion Pikachu that follows the player, alongside adjustments to align with the Pokémon anime, such as the inclusion of Team Rocket’s Jessie and James. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with an estimated 47 million copies sold. The franchise continues to thrive, with recent titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet among the fastest-selling games ever.
For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' top 25 Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. You can even remix and rerank his list to create your personalized top games collection.
Best Game Boy games
Here's a curated selection of the finest Game Boy titles, including both original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. Note that Game Boy Advance games are not included, as they represent a different era of handheld gaming.
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
