Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized the gaming industry with its portable design and impressive lineup of games. This groundbreaking handheld console dominated the market for nearly a decade until the arrival of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a beloved companion for gamers on the go and laid the foundation for future handheld successes like the Nintendo Switch. Over its lifespan, it sold an astounding 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its extensive library of exceptional games. These titles not only provided hours of entertainment but also introduced fans to legendary Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. In this article, we delve into the cream of the crop—IGN's curated list of the 16 best Game Boy games that have stood the test of time. To qualify for this list, each game must have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.
So, without further ado, let's explore the 16 best Game Boy games of all time, each celebrated for their innovation, gameplay, and lasting impact on the gaming world.
16 Best Game Boy Games
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Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite its Final Fantasy moniker, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square’s SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The inclusion of the Final Fantasy name in North America was a strategic move by Square to capitalize on the brand's popularity, as noted by SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands on the original arcade game, offering not just the classic four levels but an additional 97 stages. These new levels take players from the familiar construction site to exotic locales like the jungle and the arctic. The gameplay blends platforming with puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw objects, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, maintains the series' signature turn-based RPG gameplay while introducing a richer and more engaging story. This installment explores time travel, where actions in the past directly impact the present and future, drawing comparisons to Square's renowned RPG, Chrono Trigger, for its narrative depth.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land introduced the world to Nintendo's beloved pink puffball, designed by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling action-platformer brought us the iconic King Dedede and the whimsical world of Dream Land. Kirby's signature abilities, such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as star-shaped projectiles, were first showcased here. Despite its short length, the game remains a delightful classic.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the acclaimed SNES game, Donkey Kong Country 2. While it maintains the core characters and storyline—rescuing Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool—the level design and puzzles are tailored to the Game Boy's capabilities. This game stands out as an excellent platformer and was released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 elevates the series by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers through his animal friends, a feature that has become a staple of the franchise. The game offers significantly more content than its predecessor, making it a more comprehensive Kirby experience.
Wario Land 2
Released just months before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including a powerful charge attack and his inability to die. The game's 50+ levels offer diverse boss battles and a complex web of hidden paths and multiple endings, making it a standout title.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a bold departure from Mario-centric games, focusing instead on the mischievous Wario. This game introduced innovative gameplay elements such as garlic power-ups and unique hats that granted special abilities like ground pounding and fire breathing, setting the stage for Wario's own series.
Super Mario Land
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Despite the limitations of the Game Boy's screen, the game retained the essence of Super Mario Bros. while introducing unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs. It also marked the debut of Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario is a captivating puzzle game that challenges players to clear viruses by matching the colors of falling pill capsules. Its addictive gameplay, combined with the novelty of Mario as a doctor, cemented its place as a beloved Game Boy title. On the Game Boy, the game used shades of gray to represent colors.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improved upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduced backtracking, an overworld similar to Super Mario World, and six inventive zones. The game replaced the Superball Flower with the iconic Fire Flower and introduced Bunny Mario, who could jump higher and glide. Wario made his first appearance as a villain here.
Tetris
Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy's North American and European launches, became synonymous with the console. Its timeless puzzle gameplay perfectly suited portable play and played a crucial role in boosting Game Boy sales. With three distinct modes and the introduction of multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, Tetris remains the best-selling single Game Boy game, with 35 million units sold.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captured the essence of the Metroid series with its focus on isolation, exploration, and challenging level design. It introduced key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and set the stage for the narrative of its SNES sequel, Super Metroid, by introducing the Baby Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, becoming essential Game Boy titles. These games introduced players to the enchanting world of Pokémon, where they collected and battled creatures to become the Kanto region's Champion. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love of insect collecting, these games spawned a media franchise that has grown to include numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.
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, this game offered a unique Zelda experience with its surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Players explored the island, solved puzzles, and collected instruments to awaken the Wind Fish. The game's charm and innovation were revisited with a remake for the Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many, serving as the definitive Pokémon game on the console. It enhanced the original Red and Blue by allowing players to have Pikachu as a companion that followed them in the overworld. Additional changes aligned the game more closely with the Pokémon anime, including the inclusion of Team Rocket's Jessie and James. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with 47 million copies sold, and the franchise continues to thrive with recent hits like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
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