Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked
Nintendo's groundbreaking Game Boy, released in 1989, revolutionized handheld gaming and held its dominance for nine years until the Game Boy Color debuted in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a beloved gateway to portable entertainment, paving the way for modern consoles like the Switch. It sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
The Game Boy's success was largely fueled by its exceptional game library, introducing iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original system, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. Here's a look at the games that have stood the test of time and shaped the gaming landscape.
16 Best Game Boy Games
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Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite its Final Fantasy moniker, Legend 2 is part of Square’s SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. In North America, the game was branded with the Final Fantasy name to capitalize on the series' popularity. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay, graphics, and a compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expanded upon the arcade classic, incorporating all four original levels and adding an astonishing 97 new stages. This version broadened the setting from the construction site to diverse environments like jungles and arctic landscapes. The game enhanced Mario's capabilities, introducing item-throwing mechanics inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, or SaGa 3 in Japan, refined the series' turn-based RPG gameplay with a richer, more engaging narrative centered around time travel. The game's innovative approach to storytelling, where past actions influence the present and future, mirrors the narrative depth of Square's acclaimed Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink protagonist, designed by Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduced iconic characters like King Dedede and established Kirby's signature abilities, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. The game, concise with five levels, can be completed in under an hour.
Donkey Kong Land 2
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. The handheld version, while adjusted for the less powerful hardware, offers engaging platforming and puzzle-solving, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands upon its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with animal friends, a feature that defines the series today. With significantly more content, this sequel offers a richer experience, boasting three times the gameplay duration of the original.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 showcased Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including a powerful charge attack and immortality, allowing for more aggressive play. The game's 50+ levels are filled with diverse boss battles and a complex network of secret paths and alternate endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a bold shift from Mario to the villainous Wario, initiating a new spinoff series. The game retained Super Mario Land's platforming foundation but introduced unique elements like garlic consumption and power-inducing hats, offering fresh gameplay mechanics.
Super Mario Land
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land brought Mario's platforming to handhelds for the first time. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, the game introduced unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, as well as Princess Daisy as a new character.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a Tetris-inspired puzzle game, challenged players to clear viruses by matching colored pills. Its engaging gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable and beloved title on the Game Boy, despite its black-and-white display.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improved upon the original with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The game introduced Bunny Mario and Wario as the main antagonist, offering a rich and varied platforming experience.
Tetris
Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy's launch in North America and Europe, became synonymous with the console. Its perfect fit for portable play, along with multiple game modes including multiplayer, made it a critical success and the best-selling single Game Boy title.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captured the essence of the Metroid series with its solo adventure and eerie atmosphere. It introduced key weapons and abilities, like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and set the stage for future narratives with the introduction of the Baby Metroid.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue sparked a global phenomenon, introducing players to a world of creature collection and battling. These games laid the foundation for the expansive Pokémon universe, leading to numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, and a vast array of merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the series to handhelds with a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its engaging blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, combined with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, made it a standout title. A modern remake on the Switch has kept its legacy alive.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many, offering an enhanced version of the original Pokémon adventure with Pikachu as a constant companion. Its alignment with the Pokémon anime, including familiar characters and adjusted gameplay, made it the definitive Pokémon experience on the console. The first generation of Pokémon games remains one of the best-selling video game series, with the franchise continuing to thrive today.
For more Game Boy nostalgia, check out former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' curated list of the 25 best Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. You can remix his list, rerank the games, and make it your own.
Best Game Boy games
Here are some additional notable Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles:
- Mario Golf - Camelot
- Donkey Kong [GB] - Nintendo EAD
- Shantae - WayForward
- Tetris DX - Nintendo R&D1
- Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble - Nintendo R&D2
- Metal Gear Solid [2000] - Konami OSA (KCEO)
- Pokemon Pinball - Jupiter
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993] - Nintendo EAD
- Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition - Nintendo
- Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins - Nintendo R&D1
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