Celebrating over three decades since its debut, the iconic Game Boy, launched by Nintendo in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming. Its simple yet captivating 2.6-inch black-and-white screen opened up a world of on-the-go 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.
A significant part of the Game Boy's enduring success was its impressive library of games, introducing the world to legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out as the cream of the crop? IGN's editors have compiled a definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. Here, we dive into 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
Though it bears the Final Fantasy moniker, Legend 2 is actually the second entry in Square's SaGa series, a more systems-focused turn-based RPG. The game was rebranded in North America to leverage the Final Fantasy brand, as noted by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the first RPGs on the Game Boy, it introduced enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
This version of Donkey Kong expands significantly on the arcade original, featuring all four original levels plus an additional 97 stages. These new levels introduce 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, 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, maintains the series' solid turn-based RPG mechanics while enhancing the storytelling. It introduces a time-travel narrative where actions in the past affect the present and future, reminiscent of the acclaimed 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
The debut of the lovable pink puffball, Kirby, this game marked the first appearance of both Kirby and his creator, Masahiro Sakurai, who later directed the Super Smash Bros. series. Kirby's Dream Land introduces King Dedede and the enchanting Dream Land, along with Kirby's iconic abilities like inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. A quick yet delightful adventure, it can be completed in under an hour.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
A handheld adaptation of the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2, Donkey Kong Land 2 brings the same characters and storyline to the Game Boy, with adjusted level and puzzle designs to suit the hardware. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool, it's a standout platformer, packaged in a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
A significant evolution from the original, Kirby's Dream Land 2 introduces the ability to combine powers with Kirby's animal friends, a core mechanic of the series today. The game offers three times the content of its predecessor, providing a more substantial Kirby 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 launch, Wario Land 2 showcases the robust and aggressive gameplay of Wario, who, unlike Mario, is immortal in this game. With over 50 levels, the game offers diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings, making it a rich platforming experience.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
This game marks the shift from Mario to Wario as the protagonist, introducing new gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant abilities such as ground pounding and fire breathing. It blends platforming with exploration, setting the stage for the Wario 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
One of the two launch titles for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land offers a unique take on Mario's platforming adventures, adapted for the handheld's smaller screen. It introduces Princess Daisy and features innovative elements like exploding Koopa shells and rubber-like Superballs.
Dr. Mario
A puzzle game reminiscent of Tetris, Dr. Mario challenges players to match colors to eliminate viruses using falling pill capsules. Its addictive gameplay and the novel concept of Mario as a doctor make it a beloved classic, even with the Game Boy's monochrome display.
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
A significant upgrade from the original, Super Mario Land 2 introduces smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The game also features a Super Mario World-style overworld and introduces Bunny Mario, who can jump higher and glide. Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist, setting the stage for future games.
Tetris
Arguably the most iconic Game Boy game, Tetris was bundled with the console in North America and Europe, contributing significantly to its success. With its perfect fit for handheld gaming and three engaging modes, including multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris remains the best-selling single Game Boy release.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2 encapsulates the series' signature elements of isolation and exploration on a handheld scale. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and sets up the narrative for the beloved Super Metroid with the introduction of the 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
The games that sparked the Pokémon phenomenon, Red and Blue introduced players to the enchanting world of Pokémon, where they collect and battle creatures to become the Kanto region's Champion. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love of insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has become the highest-grossing media franchise ever.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Link's Awakening brings the Zelda experience to a handheld for the first time. Stranded on Koholint Island, players must collect instruments and wake the Wind Fish. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, along with a surreal story inspired by Twin Peaks, has been celebrated in a charming 2019 remake for the Switch.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
The definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, Yellow replaces the starter Pokémon with a companion Pikachu that follows you in the overworld, closely aligning with the Pokémon anime. With significant changes to align with the show, including Team Rocket's Jessie and James, Pokémon Yellow remains a fan favorite and part of the best-selling first generation of games.
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
