Nintendo's first handheld console, the Game Boy, celebrated over 30 years since its launch in 1989. This groundbreaking device dominated the portable gaming market for nearly a decade, until the release of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white display, the Game Boy opened up a new world of on-the-go gaming, paving the way for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. By the end of its lifecycle, it had sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A major factor in the Game Boy's success was its extensive library of exceptional games, which introduced players to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which games truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing exclusively on titles released for the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. Here, we dive into these timeless classics that have left an indelible mark on gaming history.
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
Despite bearing the Final Fantasy name, Legend 2 is the second installment in Square's SaGa series, offering a more system-heavy turn-based RPG experience. In North America, the Final Fantasy moniker was used to simplify the branding, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the Game Boy's first RPGs, Final Fantasy Legend 2 enhanced its predecessor with expanded gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands on the original arcade game, offering not just the four classic levels, but an additional 97 stages. These new stages introduce players to varied environments like the jungle and arctic, blending platforming with puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of 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, builds on the series' turn-based RPG foundation with a deeper, more engaging narrative centered around time travel. The game's unique mechanic, where past actions influence the present and future, echoes the innovative storytelling seen in Square's Chrono Trigger.
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 hero, crafted by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduced players to the whimsical world of Dream Land and iconic characters like King Dedede. Kirby's staple abilities of inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles were first showcased here, offering a compact yet delightful gaming experience that 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 adapts the beloved SNES title, Donkey Kong Country 2, for the Game Boy, retaining the core characters, Diddy and Dixie Kong, and the mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. Despite the limitations of the Game Boy hardware, the game offers a fresh take on level and puzzle design, all packaged in a vibrant banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolves the series by introducing Kirby's ability-altering animal friends and his power to absorb and mix abilities. This sequel significantly expands on the original, offering three times more content and a deeper gameplay experience.
Wario Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 9, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Wario Land 2 review
Just before the Game Boy Color's launch, Wario Land 2 hit the shelves, offering players a robust platforming experience with Wario's unique, aggressive gameplay mechanics. His invincibility and powerful charge attack set the game apart, while the variety of boss battles, hidden exits, and secret paths add layers of complexity and replayability.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 represents Nintendo's experimental spirit, replacing Mario with the mischievous Wario. The game introduces innovative gameplay elements such as garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant Wario special abilities, marking the start of the Wario-led spinoff series.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review
A launch title for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Despite the smaller screen, it retained the essence of its console counterparts, albeit with unique twists like exploding Koopa shells and the introduction of Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario offers a captivating puzzle experience akin to Tetris, where players eliminate viruses by matching the colors of falling pill capsules. Its addictive gameplay and Mario's novel doctor persona made it a standout Game Boy title.
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 enhances the original with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The introduction of the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario added depth to the gameplay, while Wario's debut as the main antagonist added a new layer to the narrative.
Tetris
Tetris, bundled with the Game Boy at its North American and European launches, became synonymous with the console. Its perfect fit for portable play and enduring appeal helped drive Game Boy sales. With three distinct modes, including the innovative multiplayer option via the Game Link Cable, Tetris remains the best-selling single Game Boy title, with 35 million units sold.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the Metroid series with its focus on solo exploration and eerie isolation. It introduced key elements like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, while the narrative set up pivotal events for Super Metroid, including the introduction of the Baby Metroid.
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 launched the global phenomenon that is Pokémon, inviting players into a world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games laid the foundation for a media franchise that has since grown to include numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Link's Awakening brought the Zelda series to handhelds, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, coupled with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, has made it a beloved classic. The 2019 Switch remake ensures its legacy continues to thrive.
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, closely aligning with the first season of the Pokémon anime. With a companion Pikachu and enhanced elements reflecting the show, it remains a fan favorite. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green, are among the best-selling video games of all time, with the franchise continuing to flourish with titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
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 with its own set of classics. Here's a quick look at some standout titles:
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
