Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

The Nintendo Game Boy, first launched in 1989, marked a revolution in portable gaming, maintaining dominance in the market until the introduction of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, it became a beloved gateway to gaming for a whole generation. Over its lifespan, the Game Boy sold an impressive 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, which introduced players to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have curated a definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing on titles that have stood the test of time or launched major gaming franchises. Importantly, this list is exclusive to games released on the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives.

Here's a closer look at the 16 best Game Boy games that have left an indelible mark on gaming history:

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

Despite its Final Fantasy moniker, Legend 2 is part of Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The game was rebranded for the North American market to leverage the Final Fantasy brand's popularity. 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.

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

The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands upon the original arcade game, featuring not only the classic four levels but an additional 97 stages. These new levels venture into diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions, incorporating both platforming and puzzle-solving elements. Mario's ability to throw items, inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2, adds a fresh twist to the gameplay.

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, or SaGa 3 in Japan, enhances the series' turn-based RPG mechanics with a richer, more engaging story involving time travel. The game's narrative, where actions in the past influence the present and future, echoes the storytelling prowess of Square's other classic RPG, Chrono Trigger.

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 introduced the world to Nintendo's pink hero, designed by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer features King Dedede and the whimsical Dream Land, showcasing Kirby's signature abilities like self-inflation for flight and swallowing enemies to spit out as star-shaped projectiles. Though compact with only five levels, it offers a complete experience within an hour.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

    

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy, retaining the same characters and storyline. Despite adjustments to fit the Game Boy's hardware, it remains a standout platformer, notably 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 evolves the original game by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with animal friends, a key feature of modern Kirby games. It contains significantly more content, offering three times the gameplay of its predecessor according to 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

Released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land 2 showcases the robust and aggressive gameplay of its protagonist, Wario. With over 50 levels, the game offers diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings, making it a standout title.

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 breaks from tradition by featuring Wario instead of Mario, marking the start of Wario's own game series. It retains the platforming essence of Super Mario Land but introduces unique elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant abilities such as ground pounding and fire breathing.

8. Super Mario Land

   

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

As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land brought Mario's adventures to handhelds for the first time. The game adapts the core mechanics of Super Mario Bros. to the Game Boy's smaller screen, introducing unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, alongside Princess Daisy as a new character.

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 colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and Mario's doctor persona made it a memorable Game Boy title, even with the monochrome screen's limitations.

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 significantly improves on the original with enhanced gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld similar to Super Mario World, and the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario abilities. Notably, Wario makes his debut as the game's antagonist.

5. Tetris

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

Tetris is not only one of the most important Game Boy games but also the system's best-selling single title, with 35 million units sold. Included as a pack-in game at launch, it played a crucial role in the Game Boy's success with its perfect fit for portable play and multiple game modes.

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 isolated, challenging exploration. It introduces key elements like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and sets up the narrative for its SNES sequel, Super Metroid. A 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released in 2017.

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 kickstarted the global Pokémon phenomenon, offering a rich world of creature collection and battling. These games laid the foundation for the highest-grossing media franchise, inspiring numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive 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

Link's Awakening brought the Zelda series to handhelds, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its surreal storyline and balanced gameplay have earned it a lasting legacy, further cemented by a 2019 Switch remake.

1. Pokémon Yellow

   

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

Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience with its Pikachu companion and enhancements inspired by the Pokémon anime. It remains part of the franchise's best-selling first generation, with Pokémon continuing to thrive decades later.

For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore IGN's curated list of the top 25 Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist, where you can customize and rerank your favorites:

Best Game Boy games

Here's a glimpse into some of the finest titles across both the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color, as selected by former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris:

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