Nintendo's groundbreaking handheld console, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, having first hit the market in 1989. This iconic device reigned supreme in the portable gaming world for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color took over in 1998. With its compact 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy opened up a new realm of gaming on the go, setting the stage for future successes like the Nintendo Switch. By the end of its run, an impressive 118.69 million units were sold, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
The Game Boy's allure was largely due to its rich library of games, which introduced players to now-iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these games 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 titles released for the original Game Boy, excluding any 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
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Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite its name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The Final Fantasy branding was used in North America to capitalize on the franchise's popularity, as per SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Legend 2 distinguished itself with 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 significantly expanded and enhanced adaptation of the classic arcade game. It not only includes the four original levels but adds a staggering 97 new stages, extending the game's settings from construction sites to jungles and arctic landscapes. These new levels blend platforming with puzzle elements, enhanced by Mario's ability to throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, upholds the series' tradition of robust turn-based RPG gameplay while weaving a more intricate and engaging story. The game's time-traveling narrative sees past actions influencing the present and future, drawing comparisons to another Square classic, Chrono Trigger, as noted in our review.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marks the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink puffball, created by Masahiro Sakurai, who later directed the Super Smash Bros. series. This side-scrolling action-platformer introduces key characters like King Dedede and the whimsical Dream Land, along with Kirby's iconic abilities to inflate and swallow enemies. The game, featuring five levels, can be completed in under an hour, making it a quick yet delightful experience.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the acclaimed SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool, the game adjusts its level and puzzle design to fit the Game Boy's hardware limitations. It's a solid platformer, uniquely packaged on a banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 builds upon its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with animal friends and his signature ability-absorbing power. This sequel offers a significantly richer experience, with three times the content of the original, as per How Long to Beat.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay, marked by his powerful charge attack and immortality. With over 50 levels, the game boasts diverse boss battles, hidden exits, secret paths, and multiple endings, providing a complex and rewarding experience.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks an experimental shift, featuring Wario instead of Mario. This game retains the platforming essence of Super Mario Land but introduces new elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant abilities such as ground pounding, fire breathing, and gliding. It serves as both a continuation of the Super Mario Land series and the start of Wario's own adventures.
Super Mario Land
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. While maintaining the core mechanics of Super Mario Bros., it adapts to the Game Boy's smaller screen with unique features like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs. It also introduced Princess Daisy as Mario's temporary damsel in distress.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a Tetris-inspired puzzle game, challenges players to eliminate viruses by matching colored pills. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor have cemented its status as a beloved Game Boy title. The handheld version adapts to the black-and-white screen with shaded pills and viruses.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld reminiscent of Super Mario World, and six zones for players to explore in any order. The game swaps the Superball Flower for the Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, with Wario making his debut as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, while fifth on our list, is arguably the most significant Game Boy game. Packaged with the console at launch in North America and Europe, it perfectly complemented the handheld's portability. Featuring endless, speed-based, and multiplayer modes, Tetris became the best-selling single Game Boy title, with 35 million units sold.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the series with its isolated, challenging gameplay and intricate level design. It introduces enduring weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative sets the stage for the beloved Super Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, becoming essential Game Boy titles. These games introduced the world to Pokémon, inspiring a franchise that spans over 100 sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and vast merchandise. Players journey through Kanto to become the Champion, collecting and battling Pokémon.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was the franchise's first handheld outing. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link must collect eight instruments to awaken the Wind Fish. This game balances combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, set against a surrealist backdrop inspired by Twin Peaks. Its 2019 Switch remake keeps the game relevant for today's audiences.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow transformed the Game Boy into a dedicated Pokémon console for many. It enhances the original experience by featuring Pikachu as a constant companion and aligning with the anime's first season, including Team Rocket's Jessie and James. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, sold an estimated 47 million copies, and the franchise continues to thrive with recent releases like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
For those looking to explore more Game Boy classics, former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris has compiled a list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. You can remix and rerank his list to create your own personalized selection of the best Game Boy games.
