The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and held the market for nine years until the arrival of the Game Boy Color in 1998. This iconic handheld device, with its 2.6-inch black-and-white display, became a beloved gateway to on-the-go gaming and laid the groundwork for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. With an impressive total of 118.69 million units sold, it ranks fourth among the all-time best-selling consoles.
A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its remarkable library of games, which introduced the world to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. These games not only defined a generation but also set the stage for many of gaming's most celebrated series. To celebrate the legacy of this pioneering console, IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original Game Boy.
Without further ado, let's dive into 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 part of Square’s SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. Originally released under the Final Fantasy banner to capitalize on the series' popularity in North America, Legend 2 brought enhanced gameplay, improved graphics, and a more engaging story compared to its predecessor, making it a standout RPG on the Game Boy.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong is a significant expansion of the original arcade game, offering 97 additional stages alongside the classic four. This version ventures beyond the original construction site into diverse environments like the jungle and arctic, featuring both platforming and puzzle elements, enhanced by Mario's ability to throw items.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, builds on the series' established turn-based RPG mechanics with a more intricate and engaging narrative centered around time travel. The game's story, where past actions affect the present and future, echoes the storytelling of Square's acclaimed Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's iconic 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 swallow enemies to spit them out as projectiles. Despite its short length, it's a charming and memorable entry in the series.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2, a handheld adaptation of the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2, features Diddy and Dixie Kong on a quest to rescue Donkey Kong. With altered level designs to fit the Game Boy's capabilities, it remains a solid platformer, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on the original with the introduction of animal friends that allow Kirby to combine powers, a hallmark of the series. This sequel is significantly longer and more content-rich, offering a deeper Kirby experience.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay, featuring his powerful charge attack and invulnerability. 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 marked a bold departure from Mario's adventures, introducing Wario as a playable character with unique mechanics like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant abilities such as ground pounding, fire breathing, and gliding.
Super Mario Land
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land brought Mario's platforming adventures to a handheld format. Adapted for the Game Boy's smaller screen, it features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, and introduced Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a puzzle game similar to Tetris, involves matching colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor have made it a beloved classic, adapted for the Game Boy's monochrome display.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and innovative features like backtracking and an overworld map. It introduces the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, with Wario making his debut as the antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris is not only a critical Game Boy title but also played a pivotal role in its success, bundled with the console at launch in North America and Europe. With its timeless puzzle gameplay and multiplayer capability via the Game Link Cable, it became the best-selling single Game Boy game.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' core elements of isolation and exploration on a handheld device. It introduced new weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and set the stage for the narrative of Super Metroid with the introduction of Baby Metroid.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue launched the global phenomenon that is Pokémon, introducing players to a world of creature collection and battle. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's childhood hobby, these games spawned a massive franchise that continues to thrive today.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Link's Awakening brought the Zelda series to handhelds with a unique story set on Koholint Island. Combining traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, it remains a beloved classic, remade for the Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow is the definitive first-generation Pokémon experience, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player. With elements inspired by the Pokémon anime, it remains one of the best-selling games in the franchise, contributing to Pokémon's enduring success.
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
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