Nintendo's iconic handheld, the Game Boy, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, having been launched in 1989. For nearly a decade, it reigned supreme in the portable gaming world until the Game Boy Color hit the market in 1998. The Game Boy's 2.6-inch black-and-white screen became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming, setting the stage for future successes like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering total of 118.69 million units sold, it ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.
The Game Boy's success can be attributed in large part to its exceptional library of games, which introduced the world to now-iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly shine as the best Game Boy games ever? IGN’s editors have meticulously compiled a list of the top 16 Game Boy games that have either stood the test of time or launched some of gaming's most beloved series. To qualify for this list, a game must have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.
Without further ado, here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time:
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
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, part of Square’s SaGa series, brought enhanced gameplay and a compelling narrative to the Game Boy. Despite borrowing the Final Fantasy moniker for its North American release, it's a testament to the depth of RPGs available on the handheld.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong expanded significantly on the arcade classic, introducing 97 new stages that ventured into diverse environments beyond the original's construction site, blending platforming and puzzle-solving elements.
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, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, deepened the series' RPG mechanics with a time-travel narrative that intertwined past, present, and future, echoing the complexity of Chrono Trigger.
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, introducing core mechanics and characters that would become staples of the franchise, all within a compact, enjoyable package.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 offered a handheld take on the SNES classic, adapting the gameplay and level design to the Game Boy's capabilities while retaining the charm and challenge of the original.
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 with the introduction of animal friends and ability-altering powers, delivering a richer gameplay experience and paving the way for future Kirby titles.
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 showcased the unique gameplay of its protagonist, Wario, who cannot die, and offered a diverse array of levels and secrets that kept players engaged until the very end.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 was a bold move away from Mario, introducing Wario's unique mechanics and setting the stage for his own series of adventures.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review
As a Game Boy launch title, Super Mario Land brought Mario's platforming to handhelds for the first time, introducing new elements like Princess Daisy and unique gameplay mechanics suited for the smaller screen.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario combined the addictive nature of Tetris with Mario's charm, creating a memorable puzzle game that translated well to the Game Boy's monochrome display.
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 improved on its predecessor with enhanced gameplay, larger sprites, and a non-linear world map, introducing new power-ups and Wario as the villain.
Tetris
Tetris was not just a game but a phenomenon that came bundled with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, playing a crucial role in its widespread success and cultural impact.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captured the essence of the series with its isolated atmosphere and introduced key elements that would influence future Metroid games, including the iconic Baby Metroid.
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 the world to the concept of creature collecting and battling, laying the groundwork for one of the most successful media franchises in history.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the series to handhelds with a unique narrative and gameplay experience, blending traditional Zelda elements with a surrealist story, later remade for the Switch.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow enhanced the original Pokémon experience by allowing players to have Pikachu as a constant companion, closely aligning with the anime series and becoming the definitive Pokémon game for many.
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 All
1Mario GolfCamelot
2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD
3ShantaeWayForward
4Tetris DXNintendo R&D1
5Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D2
6Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)
7Pokemon PinballJupiter
8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD
9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo
10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1
