The 16 Best Game Boy Games of All Time
Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and maintained its dominance for nine years until the Game Boy Color arrived in 1998. With its modest 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, setting the stage for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. It concluded its impressive run with 118.69 million units sold, securing the fourth spot on the list of all-time best-selling consoles.
The Game Boy's success was significantly driven by its exceptional library of games, which introduced the world to legendary Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. These titles not only captivated players but also became timeless classics. IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, to highlight the cream of the crop.
So, 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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Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite its Final Fantasy branding, Legend 2 is part of Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The game, released as Final Fantasy Legend in North America to capitalize on the Final Fantasy name, introduced enhanced gameplay systems, better graphics, and a more engaging narrative than its predecessor, making it one of the earliest and most influential RPGs on the Game Boy.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
This Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands on the original arcade game, offering four classic levels plus an astonishing 97 additional stages. The game takes players from construction sites to exotic locales like jungles and the Arctic, blending platforming with puzzle-solving and introducing Mario's ability to throw items, a nod to Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, builds on the series' solid turn-based RPG mechanics with a richer narrative involving time travel, where players' actions in the past influence the present and future. Its storytelling parallels the acclaimed RPG Chrono Trigger, making it a standout title in the Game Boy's RPG catalog.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marks the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero, designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduces Kirby's iconic abilities like self-inflation for flight and enemy swallowing, setting the stage for future Kirby adventures. With five levels, it's a compact yet charming introduction to the series.
Donkey Kong Land 2
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 from Kaptain K.Rool. With adjusted level designs to fit the Game Boy's capabilities, it remains a stellar platformer, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on the original with the introduction of animal friends that alter Kirby's abilities, alongside his signature power-absorbing skill. This sequel offers three times the content of its predecessor, according to How Long to Beat, providing a more comprehensive Kirby experience.
Wario Land 2
Released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique abilities, such as his powerful charge attack and immortality, allowing for aggressive gameplay. With over 50 levels, varied boss battles, and hidden paths, it offers a rich and engaging platforming experience.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks Nintendo's experimental shift, featuring Wario in a platformer that retains the structure of Super Mario Land but introduces new elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats with special abilities. This game launched the Wario Land series, offering a fresh twist on traditional Mario gameplay.
Super Mario Land
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. It adapts the Super Mario Bros. formula to the Game Boy's smaller screen, introducing unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, along with the character Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario combines the addictive gameplay of Tetris with a unique twist, challenging players to eliminate viruses by matching colored pill capsules. The Game Boy version adapts the colors to monochrome, yet retains the engaging gameplay that made it a beloved puzzle game.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly enhances the original with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces a Super Mario World-like overworld and six zones players can explore in any order, along with new power-ups like the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario. Wario makes his debut as the antagonist, setting the stage for future games.
Tetris
Tetris, included with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, became synonymous with the console. Its perfect fit for portable play, along with three distinct modes and multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, helped drive Game Boy sales. With 35 million units sold, it's the best-selling single Game Boy game ever.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the series' essence with its isolated, challenging gameplay. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and its narrative sets up the events of Super Metroid. The game was later remade as Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS in 2017.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue launched the Pokémon phenomenon, introducing players to the world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games sparked a global franchise that includes over 100 sequels and spinoffs, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brings the franchise to handheld for the first time, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its gameplay blends combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. The game's legacy continues with a charming remake for the Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow, the definitive Game Boy Pokémon experience, enhances the original adventure with a companion Pikachu following the player. It aligns with the anime's first season, introducing characters like Jessie and James and adjusting the gym leaders' teams. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with the franchise still thriving today.
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 asked to curate what I think is the absolute finest the Game Boy has to offer. This, to me, includes both Game Boy AND Game Boy Color, because c'mon, the GBC was just a Game Boy with a little extra oomph.Looking for Game Boy Advance? That's a completely different beast wiSee All
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