Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and held its ground as the top handheld console for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color's debut in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, eventually selling 118.69 million units and securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring success was its rich library of games, which introduced the world to iconic Nintendo 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 16 greatest Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives.

Here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time:

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 actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The game was rebranded in North America to leverage the Final Fantasy brand, as explained 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, 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, offering not only the classic four levels but an additional 97 stages. These new levels introduce diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions, blending platforming with puzzle-solving elements, enhanced by Mario's ability to throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.

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, maintains the series' robust turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a deeper, more engaging storyline centered around time travel. The game's narrative structure, where past actions influence the present and future, echoes the acclaimed 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 marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero, designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, and his iconic enemy-swallowing mechanic, setting the stage for future Kirby adventures.

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, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. The game maintains the essence of its console counterpart while adjusting level designs to fit the Game Boy's capabilities, all packaged in 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 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with his animal friends, a hallmark of the series. With significantly more content than the original, this sequel offers a richer Kirby experience.

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, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including his powerful charge attack and immortality. The game offers a diverse range of boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings across its 50+ levels.

11. 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 departure from Mario's traditional platforming, introducing Wario as the protagonist. The game retains the series' structure but adds unique elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant Wario new abilities.

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 was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, it features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, and introduces Princess Daisy.

9. Dr. Mario

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

   Dr. Mario, a puzzle game akin to Tetris, challenges players to clear viruses by matching pill colors. Its engaging gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a standout title on the Game Boy, despite the monochrome screen's limitations.

10. 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 enhances the original with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, and marks Wario's debut as the main antagonist.

11. Tetris

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

    Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, became synonymous with the console. Its perfect fit for portable play and the inclusion of multiplayer via the Game Link Cable helped drive Game Boy sales, making it the best-selling single Game Boy title.

12. 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 series with its focus on solo exploration and isolation. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and sets the stage for the narrative of Super Metroid.

13. 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 launched a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise ever.

14. 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 franchise to handhelds for the first time, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its blend of traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks has been celebrated, and its 2019 Switch remake keeps it relevant for modern audiences.

15. 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 for many, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player. Aligned with the Pokémon anime, it introduced changes like Team Rocket's appearances and gym leader party adjustments. The first generation of Pokémon games remains among the best-selling video games ever, with the franchise continuing to thrive today.

For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' curated list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist, where you can also remix and rerank the games to create your own personalized list.

Best Game Boy games

I was tasked with selecting the finest games the Game Boy has to offer, encompassing both the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color. Here are some highlights:

1. Mario Golf

   Camelot

2. Donkey Kong [GB]

   Nintendo EAD

3. Shantae

   WayForward

4. Tetris DX

   Nintendo R&D1

5. Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble

   Nintendo R&D2

6. Metal Gear Solid [2000]

   Konami OSA (KCEO)

7. Pokemon Pinball

   Jupiter

8. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]

   Nintendo EAD

9. Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition

   Nintendo

10. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

    Nintendo R&D1