Nintendo's pioneering handheld console, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, it revolutionized portable gaming, maintaining its dominance in the market for nine years until the introduction of the Game Boy Color in 1998.
The Game Boy's simple yet effective 2.6-inch black-and-white screen became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming, setting the stage for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering 118.69 million units sold, it ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its rich library of games, which introduced 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 compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, celebrating titles that have either withstood the test of time or launched major gaming franchises. To qualify for this list, games must have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding any 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
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's North American release used the Final Fantasy name to leverage the brand's popularity, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 brought enhanced gameplay, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong expands significantly on the 1981 arcade classic, incorporating all four original levels plus an impressive 97 new stages. These additional levels take players through varied environments such as jungles and arctic landscapes. The game introduces new mechanics like item-throwing, inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, enriching the platforming and puzzle-solving experience.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, continues the series' tradition of solid turn-based RPG gameplay but elevates it with a more engaging story centered around time travel. The game's narrative, where past actions impact the present and future, draws parallels to another acclaimed Square RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marks the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero and was the first game designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduces key elements such as Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, and his iconic enemy-swallowing mechanic. With five levels, it offers a concise yet enjoyable gaming experience.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong, players embark on a quest to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game's levels and puzzles are cleverly modified to suit the Game Boy's hardware, resulting in a satisfying platforming adventure on a unique banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's animal friends, which allow for power mixing and matching. This sequel offers a richer gaming experience, featuring three times the content of the original, as noted by How Long to Beat.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 offers an aggressive gameplay style with Wario's unique charge attack and immortality. The game boasts over 50 levels, diverse boss battles, and a complex network of hidden exits and alternate endings, enhancing its replay value.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks a bold shift from Mario to Wario, introducing innovative gameplay mechanics like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant special abilities. This game is both a continuation of the Super Mario Land series and the beginning of Wario's own adventures.
Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land, a launch title for the Game Boy, brings the iconic Mario experience to handhelds. Despite the limitations of the smaller screen, the game retains the essence of Super Mario Bros. with unique twists like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs. It also introduces Princess Daisy as a new character in the Mario universe.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-like puzzle experience where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its engaging gameplay, combined with the novelty of Mario as a doctor, makes it one of the most memorable Game Boy titles, even with the limitations of the black-and-white screen.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improves on the original with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces new features like backtracking, an overworld map, and the ability to choose the order of zones. The game also swaps the Superball Flower for the more familiar Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, with Wario debuting as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris is not only a standout Game Boy game but also a crucial one, bundled with the console at its North American and European launches. Its timeless puzzle gameplay perfectly complements the portable nature of the Game Boy, contributing significantly to its sales success. With three modes and multiplayer capability via the Game Link Cable, Tetris remains the best-selling single Game Boy game, second only to Pokémon in total sales.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the essence of the Metroid series with its focus on solo exploration and atmospheric tension. The game introduces key elements like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and its narrative sets the stage for the acclaimed Super Metroid. Its legacy continues with the 2017 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the enchanting world of Pokémon. These games launched the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with extensive sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and merchandise. Players journey through Kanto, collecting and battling Pokémon to become the region's Champion.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brings the acclaimed series to the handheld platform for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, the game offers a unique Zelda experience with its surreal story inspired by Twin Peaks. Its legacy continues with a full remake released for the Switch in 2019, keeping this classic alive for new generations.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow represents the ultimate Game Boy Pokémon experience, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player. The game aligns more closely with the Pokémon anime, introducing characters like Team Rocket's Jessie and James and adjusting the gym leaders' Pokémon. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, remains the best-selling with an estimated 47 million copies sold, while the franchise continues to thrive with recent successes like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
