Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever
Author: Patrick
May 15,2025
The iconic Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color hit the scene in 1998. With its modest 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming and set the stage for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. By the end of its production run, it had sold a staggering 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console ever.
A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring success was its rich library of games, which introduced the world to legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out among the best? IGN’s editors have meticulously selected the top 16 Game Boy games that have not only withstood the test of time but also launched some of gaming's most iconic series. To qualify, these games must have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives.
So, without further ado, let's dive into the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.
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 its Final Fantasy branding, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The Final Fantasy label was used in North America to establish a "Square = Final Fantasy" formula, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. This game, along with its predecessor, were among the first RPGs on the Game Boy, featuring enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong expands dramatically on the original arcade game, including all four classic levels plus an impressive 97 new stages. These additional levels offer a mix of platforming and 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, also known as SaGa 3 in Japan, maintains the series' robust turn-based RPG gameplay while introducing a deeper, more engaging time-travel narrative. The game's mechanics echo those of another Square classic, Chrono Trigger, where past actions influence the present and future.
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 marks the debut of Nintendo's iconic pink hero, designed by Masahiro Sakurai, who later directed Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduces Kirby's signature abilities like self-inflation for flight and swallowing enemies to spit them out as star-shaped projectiles. The game, though compact with just five levels, offers a delightful 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 brings the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 to the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game adapts the original's level design to the handheld's capabilities and comes in a memorable 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 elevates the original by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with animal friends, a hallmark of the series today. The sequel boasts three times the content of its predecessor, as noted by IGN's sister site 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
Wario Land 2, released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, showcases Wario's unique, aggressive gameplay style. Unlike Mario, Wario is immortal and can't die, allowing for a more daring approach. The game offers over 50 levels with varied boss battles and intricate hidden paths, leading to multiple endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks Nintendo's venture into more experimental gameplay, shifting focus from Mario to the villainous Wario. The game introduces new exploration elements and unique power-ups like the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap, adding fresh dynamics to the platforming experience.
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. Despite the smaller screen, the game retains the essence of Super Mario Bros. with unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and rubber-like Superballs. It also introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-like puzzle game where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. The Game Boy version creatively adapts to its monochrome display, making it a beloved and addictive 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 improves on its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld similar to Super Mario World, and the iconic Fire Flower and Bunny Mario abilities. Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist, setting the stage for future games.
Tetris
Tetris, the quintessential Game Boy game, was instrumental in the console's success, bundled with the system at launch in North America and Europe. With three engaging modes, including multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris sold 35 million units, making it the best-selling single Game Boy release.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the series with its focus on solitary exploration and isolation. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and sets up the narrative for Super Metroid with the introduction of the Baby Metroid. A 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released in 2017.
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, inviting players to collect and battle Pokémon to become the Kanto Champion. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games launched a media franchise that now boasts over 100 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 brings the series to handheld for the first time, with Link stranded on Koholint Island. The game blends combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. A charming remake for the Switch in 2019 keeps this classic alive for new audiences.
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 Game Boy Pokémon experience, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player in the overworld. Inspired by the first season of the Pokémon anime, it includes characters like Jessie and James and adjusts the gym leaders' Pokémon. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with nearly 500 million copies sold across the franchise, including the recent fast-selling Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
For those hungry for more Game Boy nostalgia, former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris shares his top 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. Feel free to remix his list, rerank the games, and make it your own:
Best Game Boy games
I was tasked with curating the ultimate collection of Game Boy titles, encompassing both Game Boy and Game Boy Color, because the latter is essentially an enhanced version of the original. If you're looking for Game Boy Advance games, that's an entirely different category worth exploring. See All!
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
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