Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever

Nintendo's pioneering handheld, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, this iconic device dominated the portable gaming scene for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color hit the market in 1998. With its simple yet effective 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, setting the stage for the success of the Nintendo Switch. Its impressive sales of 118.69 million units secured its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its rich library of games, which introduced legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these classics are considered the cream of the crop? IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the top 16 Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original Game Boy.

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

Despite bearing the Final Fantasy moniker, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square’s SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The game was rebranded for its North American release as part of Square's strategy to associate their games with the Final Fantasy brand. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a more engaging narrative.

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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/01/donkey-kong-game-boy-review)

Donkey Kong for Game Boy significantly expanded upon the original arcade game, offering all four levels from the 1981 classic and adding a whopping 97 new stages set in diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions. The game introduced new gameplay elements, such as Mario's ability to throw objects, blending platforming with puzzle-solving challenges.

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, also known as SaGa 3 in Japan, refined the series' turn-based RPG gameplay while introducing a deeper, more engaging time-travel narrative. This game's story mechanics, where actions in the past affect the present and future, share similarities with the acclaimed RPG Chrono Trigger, as noted in our review.

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 beloved pink hero and was the first game directed by Masahiro Sakurai, creator of the Super Smash Bros. series. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements of the Kirby franchise, including King Dedede and Kirby's ability to inflate and fly. The game, though short, set a high standard for future Kirby adventures.

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 in a quest to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game cleverly adapted the level and puzzle designs to fit the Game Boy's capabilities, and it was released on a distinctive 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 the original with the introduction of Kirby's animal friends and his ability to mix and match powers. This sequel offered a richer gameplay experience and significantly more content than its predecessor, as highlighted by 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

Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 featured Wario as a robust protagonist with a unique moveset and an inability to die, leading to aggressive gameplay. The game's 50+ levels showcased diverse boss battles and a complex web of hidden paths and alternate 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](https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/01/wario-land-super-mario-land-3-review)

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a shift from Mario to Wario as the protagonist, introducing new gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that granted special abilities. This game set the stage for the Wario Land series while maintaining the core platforming experience.

8. 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 launch titles for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario game. It featured a scaled-down version of the Super Mario Bros. formula, complete with unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs. The game also introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.

7. Dr. Mario

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** July 27, 1990 | **Review:** [IGN's Dr. Mario review](https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/01/dr-mario-review)

Dr. Mario combined the addictive gameplay of Tetris with a novel medical theme, challenging players to eliminate viruses by matching pill colors. Its engaging gameplay and Mario's doctor persona made it a standout title on the Game Boy, despite the monochrome screen's limitations.

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 enhanced the original with improved gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. The sequel introduced a Super Mario World-inspired overworld and new power-ups like the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, alongside Wario as the main antagonist.

5. Tetris

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 14, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** [IGN's Tetris review](https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/01/tetris-review)

Tetris, bundled with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, played a pivotal role in the console's success. Its timeless puzzle gameplay was perfect for handheld play, and its 35 million sales made it the best-selling single Game Boy game ever.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** November, 1991 | **Review:** [IGN's Metroid 2 review](https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/01/metroid-ii-return-of-samus-review)

Metroid 2: Return of Samus captured the essence of the series with its focus on isolation and exploration. The game introduced key abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative set the stage for Super Metroid. A 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released in 2017.

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 ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has since grown to become the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with countless sequels, a trading card game, and extensive merchandise.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 6, 1993 | **Review:** [IGN's Link's Awakening review](https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/01/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-review)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the series to handheld for the first time, stranding Link on Koholint Island. The game blended classic Zelda gameplay with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its enduring appeal led to a charming remake for the 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 offered the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu that followed the player. Inspired by the Pokémon anime, it introduced characters like Jessie and James and adjusted gym leaders' teams. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with the franchise continuing to thrive today.

For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' 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.

Best Game Boy games

I was tasked with curating what I consider to be the finest offerings from the Game Boy, encompassing both the original and Game Boy Color titles. For Game Boy Advance enthusiasts, that's a different category altogether. Here are some highlights:

1. Mario Golf - Camelot
2. Donkey Kong [GB] - Nintendo EAD
3. Shantae - WayForward
4. Tetris DX - Nintendo R&D1
5. Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble - Nintendo R&D2
6. Metal Gear Solid [2000] - Konami OSA (KCEO)
7. Pokemon Pinball - Jupiter
8. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993] - Nintendo EAD
9. Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition - Nintendo
10. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins - Nintendo R&D1