Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever
- By Ellie
- Apr 25,2025
The Nintendo Game Boy, which first hit the market in 1989, is a legendary handheld console that dominated portable gaming for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color was released in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, ultimately setting the stage for the success of the Nintendo Switch. It sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its extensive library of exceptional games. These games not only entertained but also introduced players to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out among the rest? IGN's editors have 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.
Without further delay, let's dive into the top 16 Game Boy games that have left an indelible mark on gaming history.
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
16. Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite bearing the Final Fantasy name, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The use of the Final Fantasy moniker in North America was a strategic move to capitalize on the brand's popularity, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 offered enhanced gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong is a vastly expanded and improved take on the classic arcade game. It retains all four levels from the 1981 original while adding an astonishing 97 new stages, expanding the game's environment from construction sites to jungles and arctic landscapes. The new levels blend platforming with puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw objects, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, continues the series' tradition of solid turn-based RPG gameplay but elevates it with a richer, more engaging narrative. Set within a time-travel framework, the game's mechanics allow past actions to influence the present, echoing the innovative storytelling found in another Square classic, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink puffball, designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling action-platformer introduced key elements of the Kirby series, including King Dedede and Dream Land. Although Kirby couldn't copy enemy abilities in this initial outing, he could inhale foes and spit them out as star-shaped projectiles. The game's five levels can be completed in under an hour, making it a quick but delightful experience.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the acclaimed SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2. It features the same characters, Diddy and Dixie Kong, and the same mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool, but with levels and puzzles tailored to the Game Boy's hardware. The game is a strong standalone platformer and was uniquely released on a banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands significantly on the original, introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with animal friends, a hallmark of the series. The game boasts three times the content of its predecessor, according to How Long to Beat, and solidifies Kirby's identity as a versatile and engaging character.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario as a robust alternative to Mario. Wario's unique moveset, including a powerful charge attack, and his inability to die, lead to more aggressive gameplay. With over 50 levels, the game impresses with diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 was an experimental shift for Nintendo, focusing on the villainous Wario instead of Mario. This game, which served as both the third entry in the Super Mario Land series and the first in the Wario spinoff series, introduced new gameplay elements like exploration and power-inducing hats, such as the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap.
Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land, one of the Game Boy's launch titles, was Nintendo's first Mario platformer designed for a handheld. It maintains the essence of Super Mario Bros. but adapts to the Game Boy's smaller screen with unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and 'Superballs' instead of fireballs. It also introduced Princess Daisy, who temporarily took the role of the damsel in distress.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario is a Tetris-inspired puzzle game where players match colored pills to destroy viruses. The Game Boy version, adapted to its monochrome screen, used shades of black and white to represent the different colors. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with Mario's charm, made it a standout title.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improved upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduced backtracking, an overworld similar to Super Mario World, and six distinct zones to explore. The game swapped the Superball Flower for the classic Fire Flower and debuted Bunny Mario, who could jump higher and glide. Wario, the main antagonist, made his first appearance here.
Tetris
Tetris, though ranked fifth, is arguably the most significant Game Boy game. It was bundled with the console at launch in North America and Europe, becoming synonymous with the Game Boy itself. The game's three modes — A-Type, B-Type, and 2 Player — and its perfect fit for portable play helped drive Game Boy sales. With 35 million units sold, it remains the best-selling single Game Boy game, second only to the combined sales of Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the series with its solitary exploration and challenging, maze-like levels. It introduced key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam, Space Jump, and Spider Ball, and its narrative introduced the Baby Metroid, setting the stage for Super Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue sparked a global phenomenon. These games introduced players to the world of creature collection and battling, featuring a rich universe of characters and companions. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love of insect collecting, the games became the foundation for the highest-grossing media franchise ever, spawning numerous 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 brought the iconic series to handhelds for the first time. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link must navigate dungeons and collect eight instruments to awaken the Wind Fish. The game blends combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surreal, Twin Peaks-inspired narrative. Its legacy was further cemented with a charming remake for the Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many players, offering an enhanced version of the original Pokémon adventure. It replaced the starter Pokémon with a Pikachu companion that followed the player in the overworld, mirroring the anime series. Other changes aligned with the show, including appearances by Team Rocket's Jessie and James. The first generation of Pokémon games (Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green) remains the best-selling, with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet continuing the franchise's success today.
For those eager to explore more Game Boy classics, former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris curated a list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. Feel free to remix and rerank the list to create your own personalized collection of the best Game Boy games.
Best Game Boy games
I was tasked with selecting the cream of the crop from the Game Boy library. This list encompasses both the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, as the latter is essentially an enhanced version of the former. If you're looking for Game Boy Advance games, that's a different story entirely.
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