Top 16 All-Time Best Game Boy Games Revealed

The Nintendo Game Boy, first released in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and remained a dominant force for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color hit the market in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, it captured the hearts of a generation, paving the way for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. By the end of its run, the Game Boy achieved sales of 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

A major draw of the Game Boy was its impressive library of games, which introduced the world to enduring franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. These titles not only captivated players but also set the stage for some of the most beloved series in gaming history. IGN's editors have curated a definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles from the original Game Boy and not including Game Boy Color exclusives. Here are the standout games that have stood the test of time and shaped gaming culture.

16 Best Game Boy Games

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16. Final Fantasy Legend 2

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

Although it carries the Final Fantasy name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square’s SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The game was renamed in North America to leverage the Final Fantasy brand, as explained by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the first RPGs on the Game Boy, it introduced enhanced gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative compared to 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 the Game Boy significantly expanded upon the original arcade game, featuring all four original levels plus an additional 97 stages that venture into new environments like jungles and the Arctic. The game introduced new gameplay elements, including Mario's ability to throw items, similar to Super Mario Bros. 2, blending platforming with puzzle-solving challenges.

14. Final Fantasy Legend 3

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 upon the series' turn-based RPG foundation with a richer, more engaging story centered around time travel. The game's narrative mechanics, where past actions influence the future, draw comparisons to the acclaimed RPG Chrono Trigger, as noted in IGN's review.

13. Kirby's Dream Land

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, designed by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements such as King Dedede and Dream Land, along with Kirby's iconic abilities like inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. The game, though short, is a delightful and enduring classic.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 brings the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 to the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. With modified levels and puzzles to suit the handheld's capabilities, it offers a unique yet faithful experience, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 takes the series closer to its modern form, introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with animal friends. The sequel offers significantly more content than its predecessor, with three times the gameplay, as reported by How Long to Beat.

10. Wario Land 2

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, showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including his powerful charge attack and immortality. The game features over 50 levels with diverse boss battles and intricate paths, offering a rich and engaging experience.

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 marks a bold shift from Mario to Wario, introducing new gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant special abilities. It blends the familiar platforming structure of Super Mario Land with fresh exploration mechanics.

8. Super Mario Land

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 handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. While retaining the essence of Super Mario Bros., it adapts to the smaller screen with unique features like exploding Koopa shells and 'Superballs.' It also introduced Princess Daisy.

7. Dr. Mario

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

Dr. Mario is a captivating puzzle game inspired by Tetris, where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its engaging gameplay and the charm of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable and beloved title on the Game Boy, despite its black-and-white palette.

6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

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

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins vastly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, a Super Mario World-inspired overworld, and the beloved Fire Flower and Bunny Mario transformations. Wario makes his debut as the main antagonist.

5. Tetris

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

Tetris, while fifth on our list, is arguably the most significant Game Boy game, bundled with the console at launch in North America and Europe. Its perfect fit for portable play and multiplayer capabilities via the Game Link Cable boosted Game Boy sales. With 35 million units sold, it remains the best-selling single Game Boy game.

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 captures the essence of the Metroid series with its focus on exploration and isolation. It introduces key elements like the Plasma Beam and Baby Metroid, setting the stage for Super Metroid. A 2017 remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, further cements its legacy.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

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 spawned a media empire, including over 100 sequels, a trading card game, movies, and 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

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was the first handheld entry in the Zelda series, setting Link on a mysterious adventure on Koholint Island. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, coupled with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, makes it a standout title. A 2019 Switch remake keeps its legacy alive.

1. Pokémon Yellow

Developer: 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. It aligns closely with the first season of the Pokémon anime, introducing characters like Jessie and James. With 47 million copies sold across its generation, Pokémon remains a juggernaut in gaming, with recent titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet continuing its success.

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 YellowSomething else (let us know in the comments)