The 16 Best Game Boy Games of All Time

Nintendo's groundbreaking handheld console, the Game Boy, celebrated over 30 years since its launch in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming. This iconic device reigned supreme for nine years until the Game Boy Color hit the market in 1998. Its 2.6-inch monochrome screen became the gateway to mobile gaming for a generation, setting the stage for the immensely popular Nintendo Switch. With an impressive tally of 118.69 million units sold, the Game Boy ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.

A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring success was its rich library of games, introducing legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the top 16 Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives.

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

16 Best Game Boy Games

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16. 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 its name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is actually part of Square's SaGa series, offering more complex turn-based RPG mechanics. This game, one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more compelling 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

Donkey Kong on the Game Boy significantly expands upon the original arcade game, featuring the four classic levels plus an astounding 97 new stages. These stages introduce diverse environments and blend platforming with puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's new ability to pick up and throw items.

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, deepens the series' turn-based RPG mechanics with a rich, time-traveling narrative. Its innovative story, where past actions impact the present and future, mirrors the storytelling found in Square's acclaimed 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 introduced Nintendo's iconic pink hero to the world. This side-scrolling platformer, designed by Masahiro Sakurai, featured the debut of King Dedede and Dream Land. Kirby's unique abilities, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies, became staples of the franchise.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 brings the beloved SNES platformer to the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. This handheld version creatively adapts the original's levels and puzzles to fit the Game Boy's capabilities, all while maintaining its charm on 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 the original with more content and introduces Kirby's ability to mix and match powers through animal friends. This sequel marks a significant evolution in the Kirby series, offering a richer experience compared to its predecessor.

10. Wario Land 2

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 robust gameplay style. With over 50 levels, varied boss battles, and intricate hidden paths, this game highlights Wario's immortality and aggressive play mechanics.

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 is an experimental departure from Mario, introducing Wario as a playable character. This game retains the platforming structure of Super Mario Land but adds unique elements like garlic and special power-inducing hats.

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 to the smaller screen, it introduced unique gameplay elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, alongside Princess Daisy's debut.

7. Dr. Mario

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

Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-like puzzle experience where players match pill colors to eliminate viruses. Its engaging gameplay and Mario's doctor persona make it a memorable and beloved title on the Game Boy.

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 improves upon the original with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld, and the iconic Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, while Wario makes his villainous debut.

5. Tetris

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

Tetris, a pivotal game for the Game Boy, was bundled with the console at launch in North America and Europe. Its addictive puzzle gameplay perfectly suited portable play and helped drive Game Boy sales. With three modes and multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, it remains the best-selling single Game Boy title.

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 solitary, eerie exploration. Introducing key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, it also sets up the narrative for Super Metroid with the introduction of Baby Metroid.

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 with their creature-collecting and battling gameplay. These games introduced the world to Pokémon's rich universe, inspiring a franchise that has grown to become the highest-grossing media franchise ever.

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 brought the series to handhelds for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, this game combines combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its 2019 Switch remake keeps its legacy alive.

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. With changes aligning it to the anime, including Team Rocket characters and gym leader remixing, it remains part of the franchise's best-selling first generation.