Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever

The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized the gaming world with its portable design, becoming a beloved classic and dominating the market for nine years until the release of the Game Boy Color in 1998. Its 2.6-inch monochrome screen was the gateway to portable gaming for an entire generation, setting the stage for modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering 118.69 million units sold, it ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.

The Game Boy's enduring success can be largely attributed to its exceptional library of games, many of which introduced 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 Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. These games have either withstood the test of time or played a pivotal role in establishing some of gaming's most beloved series.

16 Best Game Boy Games

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16. 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

Final Fantasy Legend 2, despite its name, is part of Square’s SaGa series, which introduced more complex RPG mechanics. It was one of the first RPGs on the Game Boy, offering enhanced gameplay and a more engaging story than its predecessor.

15. Donkey Kong Game Boy

**Developer:** Nintendo/Pax Softnica | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Initial Release Year:** June 14, 1994 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Donkey Kong Game Boy review

Donkey Kong for Game Boy expanded on the classic arcade game by adding 97 new stages, introducing diverse environments and new gameplay elements like Mario’s ability to pick up and throw items, similar to Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. 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, or SaGa 3 in Japan, enhanced the series’ RPG gameplay with a captivating time-travel narrative where past actions influence the present and future, akin to the beloved RPG, Chrono Trigger.

13. 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 introduced key elements such as King Dedede and Kirby's unique abilities like inflating to fly and spitting out star-shaped projectiles. This compact game can be completed in under an hour.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)

Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the SNES hit, Donkey Kong Country 2, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. Its levels and puzzles were cleverly adjusted to suit the Game Boy’s hardware, and it was released on a unique banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995

Kirby's Dream Land 2 expanded on its predecessor by introducing Kirby’s animal friends and his ability-absorbing power, offering three times the content of the original game according to How Long to Beat.

10. Wario Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 9, 1998 (NA) | Review: IGN's Wario Land 2 review

Wario Land 2, released just before the Game Boy Color, introduced Wario as a robust protagonist with an aggressive moveset and immortality. It offers over 50 levels with varied boss battles and hidden paths leading to multiple endings.

9. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** January 21, 1994 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 review

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 was an experimental shift, featuring Wario as the protagonist instead of Mario. It retained the platforming structure but introduced unique elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that granted new abilities.

8. Super Mario Land

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review

Super Mario Land, a launch title for the Game Boy, was Nintendo’s first exclusive handheld Mario platformer. It featured a compact version of the Super Mario Bros. formula, introducing Princess Daisy and unique elements like Superballs and shooting levels.

7. Dr. Mario

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** July 27, 1990 | **Review:** IGN's Dr. Mario review

Dr. Mario is a Tetris-like puzzle game where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and Mario's doctor persona made it a memorable title, despite the Game Boy's monochrome display.

6. 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 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay, and the introduction of Bunny Mario. It also marked Wario's debut as the antagonist, setting the stage for future games.

5. Tetris

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 14, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Tetris review

Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, was instrumental in the console’s success. Its timeless puzzle gameplay and multiplayer mode via the Game Link Cable made it a must-have, selling 35 million units.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** November, 1991| **Review:** IGN's Metroid 2 review

Metroid 2: Return of Samus brought the series' signature isolation and exploration to the handheld. It introduced key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative set the stage for Super Metroid.

3. 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 kickstarted the global Pokémon phenomenon. These games introduced the concept of collecting and battling Pokémon, leading to a franchise that became the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with extensive sequels, a trading card game, and more.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 6, 1993 | **Review:** IGN's Link's Awakening review

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was the first Zelda game on a handheld. Its unique narrative, inspired by Twin Peaks, combined with classic Zelda gameplay, made it a standout title, later remade for the Nintendo Switch in 2019.

1. Pokémon Yellow

Image credit: Nintendo Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review

Pokémon Yellow, inspired by the Pokémon anime, offered an enhanced version of the original games with Pikachu as a constant companion. It remains one of the best-selling games in the franchise, with its legacy continuing through to modern hits like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

What is the best Game Boy game of all time? -------------------------------------------

Final Fantasy Legend 2Donkey Kong Game BoyFinal Fantasy Legend 3Kirby's Dream LandDonkey Kong Land 2Kirby's Dream Land 2Wario Land 2Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3Super Mario LandDr. MarioSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsTetrisMetroid 2: Return of SamusPokémon Red and BlueThe Legend of Zelda: Link's AwakeningPokémon Yellow Something else (let us know in the comments)

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 All1Mario GolfCamelot2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD3ShantaeWayForward4Tetris DXNintendo R&D15Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D26Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)7Pokemon PinballJupiter8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1