The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and remained the top handheld console for nine years until the Game Boy Color arrived in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy opened up a world of on-the-go gaming that laid the groundwork for today's popular Switch console. Its impressive sales of 118.69 million units rank it fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.
The Game Boy's enduring success can largely be attributed to its stellar lineup of games, which introduced iconic Nintendo franchises like Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these classic titles truly stand out? IGN's editors have carefully curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing exclusively on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives. Here’s a look at these timeless classics:
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
Final Fantasy Legend 2
Image credit: Square Enix
Developer: 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 the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. Released as part of the Final Fantasy branding to leverage its popularity in North America, this game expanded on its predecessor with richer gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more engaging story.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
Donkey Kong on Game Boy significantly expands upon the arcade original with 97 additional stages beyond the classic construction site, venturing into varied settings like jungles and arctic landscapes. This version enhances the game with new platforming and puzzle elements, utilizing Mario's ability to throw objects.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Image credit: Square Enix
Developer: 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, continues the series' tradition of solid turn-based RPG gameplay but with a deeper narrative centered on time travel. Players' actions in the past influence the present, mirroring the dynamic storytelling of Square's renowned RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 27, 1992 (JP) | Review: IGN's Kirby's Dream Land review
Kirby's Dream Land introduced the world to the beloved pink puffball and the whimsical Dream Land. Created by Masahiro Sakurai, this side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements of the Kirby series, including flight and enemy-swallowing abilities, all wrapped in a compact, hour-long adventure.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 brings the acclaimed SNES adventure to the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. The game adapts the original's level design for the Game Boy's hardware, delivering a robust platforming experience on a unique banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolves the series with the introduction of ability-altering animal friends and the ability to absorb enemies' powers. This sequel triples the content of the original, offering a richer and more engaging gameplay experience.
Wario Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 9, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Wario Land 2 review
Released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique, aggressive gameplay style and his inability to die. The game features over 50 levels with diverse boss fights and a complex network of hidden paths and multiple endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks a bold shift by focusing on Wario instead of Mario, introducing new gameplay mechanics like exploration and unique power-ups such as the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap, all while retaining the platforming essence of the Super Mario Land series.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: 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 offers a compact version of the classic Mario platforming experience. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, it features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and rubber Superballs, and introduces Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario combines the addictive mechanics of Tetris with the novelty of Mario as a doctor, challenging players to clear viruses by matching colors. The Game Boy version adapts this with black-and-white graphics, yet retains the engaging gameplay.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: October 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land 2 review
Super Mario Land 2 significantly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the addition of backtracking and an overworld. It introduces the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, and marks the first appearance of Wario as a villain.
Tetris
Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, was crucial to the console's success. With its perfect fit for portable play, three game modes, and use of the Game Link Cable, Tetris became the best-selling single Game Boy title.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus brings the series' signature isolated atmosphere to handheld consoles. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and sets the stage for future entries with the introduction of Baby Metroid.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review
Pokémon Red and Blue launched the global phenomenon of Pokémon. These games introduced players to the world of creature collecting and battling, inspiring a media franchise that has grown to be the highest-grossing ever with numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, and merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brings the series to handheld for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, it offers a unique Zelda experience with a surrealist story inspired by Twin Peaks. Its 2019 Switch remake keeps the game fresh for modern audiences.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow enhances the original Pokémon adventure by allowing players to travel with Pikachu, mirroring the anime series. With changes like Team Rocket's appearances and adjusted gym leader teams, Pokémon Yellow remains the best-selling of the first generation, contributing to the franchise's monumental success.
For more Game Boy nostalgia, check out former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist, where you can also remix and rerank the list to suit your preferences:
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 incredible lineup. Here are some of the top picks:
1. Mario Golf - Camelot
2. Donkey Kong [GB] - Nintendo EAD
3. Shantae - WayForward
4. Tetris DX - Nintendo R&D1
5. Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble - Nintendo R&D2
6. Metal Gear Solid [2000] - Konami OSA (KCEO)
7. Pokemon Pinball - Jupiter
8. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993] - Nintendo EAD
9. Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition - Nintendo
10. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins - Nintendo R&D1
