Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked
The Nintendo Game Boy, a pioneering handheld console released in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and held its dominance for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color's arrival in 1998. Its simple yet effective 2.6-inch black-and-white display became a gateway to gaming on the go, setting the stage for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering 118.69 million units sold, it secured its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
The Game Boy's success was largely driven by its exceptional lineup of games, which introduced iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. These games not only captured the imaginations of gamers worldwide but also left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the top 16 Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.
Without further ado, here is the definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games that have stood the test of time and shaped gaming history.
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
Final Fantasy Legend 2
Final Fantasy Legend 2, though bearing the Final Fantasy name, is actually part of Square's SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. This game was one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, offering enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands upon the classic arcade game, incorporating all original levels plus an impressive 97 new stages across various settings. It blends platforming with puzzle-solving, introducing Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3 (known as SaGa 3 in Japan) elevates the series with a more intricate story centered around time travel, where past actions influence the present and future. Its narrative depth and engaging gameplay draw comparisons to Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land introduced the world to Nintendo's beloved pink hero, created by Masahiro Sakurai. This charming side-scrolling platformer features iconic elements like King Dedede and Kirby's ability to inflate and spit out enemies as star-shaped projectiles. It's a compact adventure, easily completable in under an hour.
Donkey Kong Land 2
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. With altered level designs to suit the Game Boy's capabilities, it offers a unique and engaging platforming experience on a vibrant banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's animal friends, allowing for power combinations and significantly more content. This sequel offers three times the gameplay of the original, solidifying its place as a quintessential Kirby experience.
Wario Land 2
Wario Land 2, released just before the Game Boy Color, showcases Wario's robust gameplay style with his powerful charge attack and immortality. The game boasts over 50 levels filled with diverse boss battles, hidden paths, and multiple endings, making it a standout title.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a bold departure from traditional Mario games, focusing on Wario's unique abilities and introducing novel gameplay elements like power-inducing hats. It serves as both a sequel to Super Mario Land and the first entry in the Wario Land series.
Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land, one of the Game Boy's launch titles, adapted the iconic Super Mario Bros. formula for handheld play. Its smaller screen necessitated unique gameplay elements like exploding Koopa shells and rubber-like Superballs, while introducing Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a Tetris-inspired puzzle game, challenges players to match pill colors with virus sprites to clear them. Its addictive gameplay, combined with Mario's doctor persona, made it an enduring favorite on the Game Boy, despite its black-and-white display.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly enhances the original with improved gameplay, larger sprites, and the introduction of backtracking and an overworld map. It replaces the Superball Flower with the more iconic Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, while also featuring Wario as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, though ranked fifth, is arguably the Game Boy's most significant game, bundled with the console at launch. Its timeless puzzle gameplay, perfect for on-the-go play, helped drive Game Boy sales, with 35 million units sold, making it the best-selling single Game Boy title.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' essence with its isolated, challenging gameplay and introduction of key weapons like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball. It also introduces the Baby Metroid, setting the stage for Super Metroid, and was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing the world to creature collecting and battling. Inspired by insect collecting, these games spawned a media franchise that includes over 100 sequels, a popular trading card game, numerous movies and TV shows, and extensive merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the Zelda series to handhelds for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, this unique adventure blends traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. A beloved classic, it was remade for the Nintendo Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience by allowing players to journey with a companion Pikachu, closely aligning with the Pokémon anime. With changes to gym leader parties and the introduction of Team Rocket characters, it remains the best-selling Pokémon game, part of a franchise approaching 500 million copies sold.
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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