Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, the pioneering handheld console, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming and held its ground as the market leader for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color's debut in 1998. With its modest 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming, setting the stage 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 significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring success was its rich library of games, which introduced the world 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 greatest Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. Here, we present the definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.
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
Despite its name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The game was rebranded in North America to leverage the Final Fantasy brand, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 offers enhanced gameplay, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands on the original arcade game, featuring all four classic levels plus an additional 97 stages. These new levels introduce diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions, blending platforming with puzzle-solving elements. Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2, adds a fresh twist to the gameplay.
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, builds on the series' turn-based RPG foundation with a deeper, more engaging storyline centered around time travel. The game's narrative, where past actions influence the present and future, echoes the complexity found in Square's acclaimed 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 marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero, designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, and his signature move of swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. With five levels, it's a compact yet delightful experience.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game's level design is tailored to the Game Boy's capabilities, yet it retains the charm and challenge of its console counterpart, released on a distinctive 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 expands on the original with the introduction of animal friends that alter Kirby's abilities, a hallmark of the series. With three times the content of its predecessor, this sequel offers a richer and more varied 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, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including his powerful charge attack and immortality. The game's 50+ levels offer diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings, making it a standout title.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks a bold shift from Mario to Wario, introducing new gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant special abilities. This game laid the foundation for the Wario Land series, blending exploration with innovative platforming.
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 brought Mario's platforming adventures to handhelds for the first time. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, the game features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, alongside the introduction of Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-like puzzle experience where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor have made it a cherished Game Boy classic, despite the monochrome screen's limitations.
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: 6 Golden Coins significantly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The game introduces the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, while Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, bundled with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, played a crucial role in the console's success. Its timeless puzzle gameplay, available in multiple modes including multiplayer, sold 35 million units, making it the best-selling single Game Boy title.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the series with its isolated, challenging exploration. It introduces key elements like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative sets the stage for Super Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.
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 ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise 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 brought the series to handhelds for the first time, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, combined with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, has made it a standout title. A charming remake was released for the Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player. Inspired by the Pokémon anime, it includes characters like Jessie and James and adjusts the gym leaders' teams. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with the franchise continuing to thrive 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 wiSee 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
