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The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized the gaming world with its portable design. For nine years, it reigned supreme in the handheld market until the introduction of the Game Boy Color in 1998. Its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming and set the stage for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering 118.69 million units sold, it ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.
The Game Boy's success was largely due to its impressive lineup of games, which introduced players to legendary Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing on those that have stood the test of time and helped shape gaming history. These selections are exclusively from the original Game Boy, excluding any titles exclusive to the Game Boy Color.
Without further ado, let's dive into the list of the top 16 Game Boy games of all time.
16 Best Game Boy Games
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16. Final Fantasy Legend 2
Final Fantasy Legend 2, though named similarly, is part of Square’s SaGa series. It brought advanced turn-based RPG mechanics to the Game Boy, boasting improved graphics and a more engaging storyline than its predecessor. The game was marketed under the Final Fantasy brand in North America to leverage the series' popularity.
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 expanded significantly on the arcade original, offering 101 levels that ventured into new environments like jungles and arctic regions. This version introduced puzzle-solving elements and allowed Mario to pick up and throw items, enhancing the gameplay experience.
14. Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, deepened the series’ RPG mechanics with a complex time-travel narrative. Its storytelling parallels that of Chrono Trigger, another acclaimed Square title, making it a standout in the Game Boy library.
13. Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of the beloved pink puffball, designed by Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to fly and swallow enemies, setting the stage for future Kirby adventures.
12. Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. With adjusted level designs for the Game Boy's hardware, it remains a compelling platformer released on a memorable banana-yellow cartridge.
11. Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolved the series by introducing Kirby's ability to mix powers with animal friends, adding depth to the gameplay. With significantly more content than its predecessor, it showcased the potential of the Game Boy platform.
10. Wario Land 2
Wario Land 2, released shortly before the Game Boy Color, offered a robust platforming experience with Wario’s unique, aggressive moveset and immortality. Its expansive level design, hidden paths, and multiple endings made 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 shift from Mario to Wario, introducing innovative gameplay mechanics like power-inducing hats. It bridged the gap between the Super Mario Land series and the Wario-led spinoffs, offering a fresh take on the platforming genre.
8. Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land, a launch title for the Game Boy, adapted the Mario formula for handheld play with unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and shooting levels. It also introduced Princess Daisy, expanding the Mario universe.
7. 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, challenged players to match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its engaging gameplay and Mario-themed charm made it a beloved addition to the Game Boy catalog, despite the monochrome display.
6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins enhanced the original with improved gameplay and larger sprites. It introduced backtracking, an overworld map, and the iconic Fire Flower, while debuting Wario as the main antagonist, paving the way for his future games.
5. Tetris
**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 14, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Tetris review
Tetris, a pack-in game for the Game Boy's launch, became synonymous with the console. Its simple yet addictive gameplay and multiplayer capabilities helped drive Game Boy sales, making it one of the best-selling games on the platform.
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 brought the series' signature isolation and exploration to the Game Boy, introducing key abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump. Its narrative set the stage for the acclaimed Super Metroid, and it was later remade for the 3DS.
3. Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue launched the global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of Pokémon with its creature collection and battling mechanics. These games laid the foundation for a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise ever.
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 series to handhelds with a unique narrative set on Koholint Island. Its blend of traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal storyline inspired by Twin Peaks has been celebrated, and it was remade for the Switch in 2019.
1. Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow enhanced the original Pokémon experience by allowing players to have Pikachu as a companion in the overworld. With elements inspired by the Pokémon anime, it became the definitive Game Boy Pokémon game, contributing to the franchise's massive success.
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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