Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, the first-ever handheld console from the company, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, this groundbreaking device dominated the portable gaming landscape for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color took the stage in 1998. With its distinctive 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy served as a gateway to portable gaming for an entire generation and laid the groundwork for the immensely popular Nintendo Switch. It concluded its remarkable run with a staggering 118.69 million units sold, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

The allure of the Game Boy was significantly amplified by its extensive library of exceptional games. It introduced the world to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these games are considered the cream of the crop? IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing exclusively 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 launching some of gaming's most beloved series.

Without further ado, let's explore the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.

16 Best Game Boy Games

16 Images16. Final Fantasy Legend 2

Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Square | Release Date: December 14, 1990 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 2 review

Despite carrying the Final Fantasy name, Legend 2 is actually the second game in Square's SaGa series, which focuses on more complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The Final Fantasy name was used in North America to create a direct association with the brand, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 brought enhanced gameplay systems, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.

15. Donkey Kong Game Boy

The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong is a significant expansion on the classic arcade game, featuring all four original levels plus an additional 97 stages that venture into diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions. This version introduces new gameplay elements, including Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. Final Fantasy Legend 3

Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: 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, maintains the series' robust turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a deeper, more engaging storyline. The game's time-traveling plot, where past actions impact the present and future, echoes the narrative complexity of another Square classic, Chrono Trigger.

13. Kirby's Dream Land

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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, created by Masahiro Sakurai, later known for directing Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling action-platformer introduced key characters like King Dedede and showcased Kirby's abilities to inflate for flight and spit enemies as star-shaped projectiles. It's a compact game with five levels, perfect for quick play sessions.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the acclaimed SNES game, Donkey Kong Country 2. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool, this Game Boy version adjusts the level and puzzle design to fit the system's capabilities. It's a standout platformer, uniquely packaged in a banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor with the introduction of Kirby's animal friends, which alter his abilities, and his signature power to absorb enemies' abilities. This sequel offers significantly more content, boasting three times the gameplay of the original according to How Long to Beat.

10. Wario Land 2

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 offers aggressive gameplay with Wario's powerful charge attack and his unique trait of being immortal. The game's 50+ levels feature diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings.

9. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a departure from Mario-focused games, introducing Wario as the protagonist. This game retained the platforming structure of Super Mario Land but incorporated unique elements like garlic instead of mushrooms and new power-ups such as the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap.

8. Super Mario Land

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

Super Mario Land, one of the Game Boy's launch titles, was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Adapted for the Game Boy's small screen, this game introduced unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs instead of fireballs. It also debuted Princess Daisy as Mario's damsel in distress.

7. Dr. Mario

Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-like puzzle experience where players eliminate viruses by matching colors of falling pill capsules. Its addictive gameplay and Mario's novel role as a doctor make it a memorable and beloved Game Boy title.

6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: October 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land 2 review

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly enhances its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces a Super Mario World-style overworld and six zones players can navigate in any order. The game replaces the Superball Flower with the familiar Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, while Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist.

5. Tetris

Tetris, while ranked fifth, is arguably the most pivotal Game Boy title. Included as a pack-in game in North America and Europe, it played a crucial role in boosting Game Boy sales. With three modes and support for multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris remains the best-selling single Game Boy release, with 35 million units sold.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' hallmark elements of isolation and exploration within a handheld format. It introduces key weapons like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and its narrative sets the stage for Super Metroid. The game's legacy continued with a 2017 remake for the 3DS, Metroid: Samus Returns.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 captivating world of creature collection and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's childhood hobby of insect collecting, these games set the foundation for the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with over 100 sequels and spinoffs, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the franchise to handhelds for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, the game combines traditional Zelda elements of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surreal storyline inspired by Twin Peaks. A full remake in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch ensures its legacy continues.

1. Pokémon Yellow

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

Pokémon Yellow is the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player in the overworld, inspired by the Pokémon anime. Adjustments to align with the show, like Team Rocket's inclusion and gym leader party changes, enhance the experience. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with an estimated 47 million copies sold. The franchise's latest entries, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, continue to break sales records, pushing the total towards 500 million copies sold.

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