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 nine years until the Game Boy Color arrived in 1998. This iconic device, with its 2.6-inch monochrome screen, became a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation and paved the way for the success of the Nintendo Switch. With a total of 118.69 million units sold, the Game Boy ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.

The allure of the Game Boy was significantly boosted by its remarkable game library, which introduced the world to iconic franchises like Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these classics truly stand out? IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. Here, we delve into these timeless gems that have left an indelible mark on gaming culture.

16 Best Game Boy Games

16 Images

16. 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

Although it bears the Final Fantasy name, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, featuring more complex turn-based RPG mechanics. In North America, the Final Fantasy branding was used to establish a "Square = Final Fantasy" formula. As one of the first RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 significantly enhances its predecessor with expanded gameplay, 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 is a vast expansion of the original 1981 arcade game, featuring all four original levels plus an impressive 97 new stages. These additional levels blend platforming and puzzle-solving, with Mario gaining the ability to throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. 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, maintains the series' solid turn-based RPG mechanics while deepening the narrative through a time-travel plot where actions in the past influence the present and future. This game shares similarities with Square's acclaimed Chrono Trigger in its approach to storytelling and gameplay.

13. 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 introduced gamers to the now-iconic pink puffball, designed by Masahiro Sakurai of Super Smash Bros. fame. This action-platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, and his signature move of swallowing enemies to spit them out as star-shaped projectiles. Though compact, with five levels, it's a memorable entry in the Kirby series.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. The game's levels and puzzles are tailored to the Game Boy's capabilities, and it was released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995

Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing animal friends that modify Kirby's abilities, along with his signature power-copying mechanic. With three times the content of the original, according to How Long to Beat, this sequel offers a richer Kirby experience.

10. 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, released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, showcases Wario's unique abilities, including a powerful charge attack and immortality. The game boasts over 50 levels, diverse boss battles, and a complex network of hidden exits 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 marked a bold shift by focusing on Wario, introducing new gameplay elements like exploration and unique power-ups such as the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap. This game is both the third in the Super Mario Land series and the first in the Wario-led spinoff series.

8. Super Mario Land

Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: 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 Mario platformer designed exclusively for handhelds. It retains the essence of Super Mario Bros. but adapts to the smaller screen with unique features like exploding Koopa shells and rubber-like Superballs. The game also introduced Princess Daisy.

7. Dr. Mario

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

Dr. Mario, a Tetris-inspired puzzle game, challenges players to eliminate viruses by matching pill capsules to virus colors. Despite the Game Boy's monochrome display, the game remains engaging and is one of the most memorable titles on the platform.

6. 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 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces a Super Mario World-like overworld and six zones for players to explore, replacing the Superball Flower with the Fire Flower and introducing Bunny Mario.

5. Tetris

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

Tetris, while fifth on our list, is arguably the Game Boy's most significant title. Included as a pack-in game at launch in North America and Europe, it helped drive the console's success. With three modes and 35 million units sold, it remains the best-selling single Game Boy release.

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 series with its isolated atmosphere and challenging level design. It introduced iconic weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and set the stage for the narrative of Super Metroid.

3. 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 sparked a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of creature collection and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games became the foundation for the highest-grossing media franchise ever, with over 100 sequels and spinoffs.

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 beloved series to handhelds for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, it blends traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal, Twin Peaks-inspired narrative. Its 2019 Switch remake ensures its legacy continues to thrive.

1. Pokémon Yellow

Image credit: Nintendo
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 Pikachu companion that follows the player. Aligned with the Pokémon anime, it made significant changes to the original Red and Blue games, cementing its place as the best-selling Pokémon title with over 47 million copies sold.

What is the best Game Boy game of all time? -------------------------------------------

Final Fantasy Legend 2Donkey Kong Game BoyFinal Fantasy Legend 3Kirby's Dream LandDonkey Kong Land 2Kirby's Dream Land 2Wario Land 2Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3Super Mario LandDr. MarioSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsTetrisMetroid 2: Return of SamusPokémon Red and BlueThe Legend of Zelda: Link's AwakeningPokémon Yellow Something else (let us know in the comments)

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 tasked with curating what I consider to be the absolute finest offerings on the Game Boy. This list encompasses both Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, as the latter was essentially an enhanced version of the original. For those interested in Game Boy Advance, that's a different category altogether. Here's a selection of top picks:

1Mario GolfCamelot2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD3ShantaeWayForward4Tetris DXNintendo R&D15Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D26Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)7Pokemon PinballJupiter8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1