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Nintendo's iconic handheld, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, having first hit the market in 1989. This groundbreaking device ruled the portable gaming scene for nearly a decade, until the release of its colorful successor, the Game Boy Color, in 1998. With its modest 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy opened up a world of mobile gaming to a whole generation, laying the groundwork for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. By the end of its run, it had sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its spot as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A significant part of the Game Boy's charm was its library of exceptional games, which introduced the gaming community to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these titles truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 finest Game Boy games, focusing only on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.
Here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time, ranked from the groundbreaking to the legendary:
16 Best Game Boy Games
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Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite its name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. Originally released under the Final Fantasy brand in North America to capitalize on the franchise's popularity, this game marked one of the earliest RPGs available on the Game Boy. With enhanced gameplay systems, visual improvements, and a more engaging narrative, Final Fantasy Legend 2 surpasses its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
Donkey Kong for Game Boy is a significantly expanded and enhanced version of the classic arcade game. It retains the four original levels and adds an astonishing 97 new stages, expanding the setting from construction sites to diverse environments like jungles and arctic zones. The game blends platforming with puzzle-solving elements, utilizing Mario's new ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, also known as SaGa 3 in Japan, keeps the robust turn-based RPG mechanics of the series while introducing a richer and more compelling narrative. This game weaves a complex tale of time travel, where actions taken in the past impact the present and future, akin to the storytelling in Square's renowned RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero and was the first game directed by Masahiro Sakurai, known for his work on the Super Smash Bros. series. This side-scrolling platformer introduced fans to Dream Land, King Dedede, and Kirby's signature abilities, including inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. With five levels, this compact game can be completed in under an hour.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2, featuring the same characters, Diddy and Dixie Kong, on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game adjusts the level design to fit the Game Boy's hardware, maintaining its platforming excellence and unique charm, all packaged in a striking banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolves the original with the introduction of animal friends that alter Kirby's abilities, aligning more closely with the Kirby series we recognize today. This sequel boasts triple the content of its predecessor, offering players a deeper and more engaging experience.
Wario Land 2
Just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Nintendo released Wario Land 2, showcasing Wario's robust and aggressive gameplay style. Unlike Mario, Wario cannot die in this game, enhancing the gameplay dynamics. With over 50 levels, varied boss battles, hidden paths, and multiple endings, Wario Land 2 offers a rich and complex gaming experience.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks a bold shift from Mario to the mischievous Wario, serving as both the third Super Mario Land game and the inaugural Wario-led series entry. The game retains the platforming essence of its predecessor but introduces Wario's unique traits, such as using garlic instead of mushrooms and donning power-altering hats like the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap.
Super Mario Land
As one of the launch titles for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first Mario platformer tailored exclusively for handheld play. Though it shares the core mechanics of Super Mario Bros., it adapts to the Game Boy's smaller screen with unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs instead of fireballs. Super Mario Land also introduced Princess Daisy, temporarily taking the role of Mario's damsel in distress.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario is a captivating puzzle game in the vein of Tetris, where players match pill capsules with viruses on screen. Despite the Game Boy's black-and-white display, the game remains engaging and memorable, combining familiar gameplay with the novelty of Mario in a doctor's role.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a significant leap forward from the original, featuring smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. This sequel introduces a world map reminiscent of Super Mario World, six cleverly designed zones, and the iconic Fire Flower and Bunny Mario transformations. It also marks the debut of Wario as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, while ranked fifth on our list, played a crucial role in the Game Boy's success, especially in North America and Europe where it was bundled with the console at launch. This timeless puzzle game perfectly suits handheld play, boosting Game Boy sales with its three modes: endless, speed-based, and multiplayer via the Game Link Cable. With 35 million units sold, Tetris is the best-selling single Game Boy release.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus brings the essence of the series to handhelds with its isolated, maze-like levels and solo adventure. This game introduces lasting weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative sets the stage for the beloved Super Metroid. A 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released in 2017.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited the global Pokémon phenomenon, offering a rich world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love of insect collecting, these games set players on a journey to become the Kanto Champion, laying the foundation for a franchise that includes over 100 sequels, a trading card game, numerous movies and TV series, and extensive merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Link's Awakening was the first Zelda game on a handheld console, setting a new standard for portable adventures. Stranded on Koholint Island, players guide Link through dungeons to collect instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. Its unique story, inspired by Twin Peaks, blends traditional Zelda elements with a surreal narrative. A full remake was released for the Switch in 2019, keeping this classic alive for new audiences.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many, becoming the definitive Pokémon game on the console. It replaces the starter Pokémon with a Pikachu companion that follows the player, aligning the game more closely with the Pokémon anime. Changes to the game include the addition of Team Rocket's Jessie and James and adjustments to gym leaders' teams. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green, have sold an estimated 47 million copies, with the franchise continuing to thrive with recent hits like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
For more on the Game Boy's legacy, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' top 25 Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist, where you can remix and personalize the list to your taste.
Best Game Boy games
Our curated selection showcases the pinnacle of Game Boy gaming, encompassing both original Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, as the latter was essentially an enhanced version of the former. While the Game Boy Advance is a different entity altogether, the focus here is on the classics that defined an era.
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