The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and remained a dominant force for nearly a decade until the advent of the Game Boy Color in 1998. Its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white display opened the door 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.
The Game Boy's success was largely due to its robust library of games, which introduced fans to enduring Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly shine among the classics? IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original monochrome system.
Without further ado, let's dive into the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.
16 Best Game Boy Games
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16. Final Fantasy Legend 2
Final Fantasy Legend 2, though bearing the Final Fantasy name, is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The game was rebranded in North America to leverage the Final Fantasy brand, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. It marked one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy and offered enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a deeper narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
Donkey Kong for Game Boy vastly expanded upon the original arcade game, including all four levels from the 1981 classic and an impressive 97 new stages. These additional levels ventured into diverse settings like jungles and arctic landscapes, blending platforming with puzzle-solving elements. Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, added a new layer of gameplay.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, refined the series' turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a captivating time-travel narrative. The game's innovative storytelling, where past decisions influence the present and future, drew parallels to the critically acclaimed Chrono Trigger, also by Square.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land introduced the world to Nintendo's beloved pink protagonist and was the brainchild of Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This action-platformer brought to life the whimsical Dream Land and iconic characters like King Dedede, setting the stage for Kirby's enduring abilities like self-inflation for flight and enemy-swallowing.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2, a handheld adaptation of the SNES hit Donkey Kong Country 2, brought the adventure of Diddy and Dixie Kong to the Game Boy. While it adjusted the level design for the less powerful hardware, it retained the charm and challenge of its console counterpart, packaged in a memorable banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolved the series by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with his animal friends, a hallmark feature of the franchise. With significantly more content than its predecessor, this sequel showcased the depth and fun of Kirby's gameplay.
Wario Land 2
Wario Land 2, released just months before the Game Boy Color, showcased Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including his powerful charge attack and invincibility. The game boasted over 50 levels, 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 marked a bold shift by featuring Wario as the protagonist, diverging from Mario's traditional role. This game introduced new elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that granted Wario special abilities, paving the way for the Wario Land series.
Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land, one of the Game Boy's launch titles, was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Its compact design adapted the Super Mario Bros. formula for the Game Boy's smaller screen, introducing innovative elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, as well as the character Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario offered a Tetris-like puzzle experience where players matched colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay, combined with the novelty of Mario as a doctor, cemented its status as a beloved Game Boy title, despite the monochrome screen's limitations.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly enhanced its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The introduction of Bunny Mario and the villain Wario added fresh dynamics, making it a standout Mario title on the Game Boy.
Tetris
Tetris, while ranked fifth here, played a pivotal role in the Game Boy's success. Included as a pack-in game in North America and Europe, it became synonymous with the handheld console. Its engaging puzzle gameplay, perfect for on-the-go, helped sustain Game Boy sales.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulated the series' essence with its focus on exploration and isolation. It introduced key elements like the Plasma Beam and Baby Metroid, setting the stage for future entries. The game's 2017 remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, reaffirmed its lasting impact.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the captivating world of Pokémon. Inspired by insect collecting, these games offered a rich experience of creature collection, training, and battling, spawning a media franchise that remains one of the highest-grossing ever.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the franchise to handhelds with a unique narrative. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link embarked on a surreal adventure inspired by Twin Peaks. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, combined with a 2019 Switch remake, has kept it alive for new audiences.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience by aligning closely with the Pokémon anime. With Pikachu as a constant companion and adjustments to reflect the show's characters and events, it became the definitive Pokémon game on the platform. The first generation of Pokémon games remains among the best-selling video games of all time.
For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' top 25 Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. You can even remix and rerank the list to create your own personalized selection.
Best Game Boy games
Our curated list showcases the best of the Game Boy, including both original Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles. While the Game Boy Advance is a different story, these classics continue to captivate gamers with their timeless appeal.
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