Nintendo's iconic handheld console, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, having revolutionized portable gaming since its launch in 1989. The Game Boy's reign over the handheld market lasted a remarkable nine years, culminating with the introduction of its successor, the Game Boy Color, in 1998. With its distinctive 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, ultimately selling 118.69 million units and securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring success was its extensive library of groundbreaking games, which introduced the world to beloved Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. These titles not only captivated gamers but also set the stage for future innovations, including the development of the wildly popular Nintendo Switch. But which of these classic Game Boy games truly stand out as the best?
IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 greatest Game Boy games, selecting titles that have either withstood the test of time or served as the launchpad for some of gaming's most iconic series. To qualify for this prestigious list, a game had to have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.
Without further ado, here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time:
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
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 Final Fantasy moniker was used in North America to establish a "Square = Final Fantasy" brand identity, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 enhanced its predecessor with richer gameplay systems, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands upon the original arcade game, featuring all four levels from the 1981 classic plus an additional 97 stages. These new levels take players beyond the familiar construction site into diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions. The game blends platforming with puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
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, builds on the series' established turn-based RPG mechanics with a deeper, more engaging storyline. The game's time-travel narrative intricately links past, present, and future actions, echoing the narrative complexity of Square's acclaimed 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
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's iconic pink hero and was the first game directed by Masahiro Sakurai, later known for Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like King Dedede and Kirby's signature abilities, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. The game's compact design allows for completion in under an hour.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game's level and puzzle design are tailored to the Game Boy's hardware, yet it retains the charm and quality of its console counterpart, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with the help of animal friends. This sequel offers a more comprehensive Kirby experience, with three times the content of the original, according to How Long to Beat.
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 debut, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including a powerful charge attack and his inability to die. The game's 50+ levels offer 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 marks a bold departure from Mario's traditional platforming, introducing Wario as the protagonist with unique gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant abilities such as ground pounding and fire breathing.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, it features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, alongside the introduction of Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-like puzzle experience where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable Game Boy title, despite the monochrome screen's limitations.
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
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, while Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, played a crucial role in the console's success. Its timeless puzzle gameplay and multiplayer capabilities via the Game Link Cable made it the best-selling single Game Boy release, with 35 million units sold.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the Metroid series with its isolated, challenging gameplay and intricate level design. It introduces key elements like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative sets the stage for Super Metroid. A remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released for the 3DS in 2017.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of Pokémon through creature collection and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with over 100 sequels and spinoffs.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the series to handhelds for the first time, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, combined with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, has been celebrated with a 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
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many, featuring a companion Pikachu and elements from the Pokémon anime. As part of the first generation of Pokémon games, it contributed to the franchise's staggering sales, with the series nearing 500 million copies sold and recent titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet among Nintendo's fastest-selling 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
