The 16 Best Game Boy Games of All Time

The Game Boy, Nintendo's pioneering handheld console, celebrated its 30th birthday in 2019. Launched in 1989, this innovative device reigned supreme in the portable gaming market for an impressive nine years, until the arrival of its successor, the Game Boy Color, in 1998. Its modest 2.6-inch black-and-white screen opened up a world of on-the-go gaming for a generation, laying the groundwork for the hugely popular Switch. Boasting sales of 118.69 million units, it secured a remarkable fourth place on the list of all-time best-selling consoles.

A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring appeal was its stellar game library, introducing the world to iconic Nintendo franchises like Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which Game Boy titles truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have compiled a list of the 16 finest Game Boy games—titles that have withstood the test of time or launched some of gaming's most beloved franchises. To qualify, games had to be released on the original Game Boy (no Game Boy Color exclusives).

Here are IGN's picks for the 16 best Game Boy games of all time:

16 Best Game Boy Games

16. Final Fantasy Legend II

**Developer:** Square | **Publisher:** Square | **Release Date:** December 14, 1990 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 2 review

While bearing the Final Fantasy name, Legend II is actually the second entry in Square's SaGa series. According to SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu, Square adopted the "Final Fantasy" branding for Western releases to simplify marketing. This early Game Boy RPG boasts enhanced gameplay, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.

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

This Game Boy iteration significantly expands upon the original arcade game, featuring all four original levels plus an additional 97 stages. The gameplay expands beyond the original's construction site setting, venturing into jungles, arctic regions, and more. Mario's ability to pick up and throw items adds a new layer of strategy to the classic platforming and puzzle-solving.

14. Final Fantasy Legend III

**Developer:** Square | **Publisher:** Square | **Release Date:** December 13, 1991 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 3 review

Final Fantasy Legend III (SaGa III in Japan) maintains the series' strong turn-based RPG mechanics while delivering a richer, more engaging story. Its time-travel narrative allows past actions to influence the present, creating a compelling cause-and-effect dynamic reminiscent of Square's 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

This debut title introduced Nintendo's iconic pink puffball and marked the first game designed by Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai. The side-scrolling platformer features King Dedede and the whimsical world of Dream Land, establishing core Kirby mechanics like self-inflation for flight and enemy inhalation (though ability copying wasn't yet introduced).

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

A handheld adaptation of the beloved SNES title, Donkey Kong Country 2, this Game Boy version features Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K. Rool. While adapted for the Game Boy's hardware limitations, it retains the spirit of the original with adjusted level and puzzle design.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Dream Land 2 significantly expands upon its predecessor, incorporating Kirby's ability-altering animal companions and his signature ability absorption. According to How Long to Beat, it boasts three times the content of the original game.

10. Wario Land II

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** March 9, 1998 (NA) | **Review:** IGN's Wario Land 2 review

Released shortly before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land II features Wario's unique resilience (he cannot die) and a powerful charge attack, enabling a more aggressive playstyle. Its 50+ levels offer diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings.

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

This experimental title marked a departure for Nintendo, replacing Mario with Wario. It serves as both the third Super Mario Land game and the first in the Wario spin-off series. The platforming retains elements of Super Mario Land, but introduces garlic instead of mushrooms and new power-up hats.

8. Super Mario Land

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** April 21, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Super Mario Land review

One of two Game Boy launch titles on this list, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Adapted for the Game Boy's smaller screen, it features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and "Superballs" instead of fireballs.

7. Dr. Mario

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

This Tetris-inspired puzzle game features Mario as a doctor, tasked with destroying viruses by matching colored pills. The addictive gameplay loop and unique premise made it a memorable Game Boy title.

6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** October 21, 1992 | **Review:** IGN's Super Mario Land 2 review

Considered the best of Nintendo's Mario/Wario Game Boy platformers, this sequel boasts improved gameplay, larger sprites, and the ability to backtrack. It also introduces a Super Mario World-like overworld and six zones that can be tackled in any order.

5. Tetris

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

While fifth on this list, Tetris holds immense significance as a Game Boy launch title and a key driver of the system's success. Its timeless gameplay loop made it a perfect fit for portable gaming.

4. Metroid II: Return of Samus

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** November, 1991 | **Review:** IGN's Metroid 2 review

The franchise's second game and first handheld entry, Metroid II captures the series' essence: a powerful solo quest with a sense of isolation enhanced by challenging level design. It introduced key weapons and abilities, and its narrative laid the groundwork for future installments.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

**Developer:** Game Freak | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** February 27, 1996 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Pokémon Red review

These games ignited the Pokémon phenomenon, introducing the world to creature collecting and battling. Their impact extended far beyond gaming, spawning a massive media franchise encompassing numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, and countless merchandise.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 6, 1993 | **Review:** IGN's Link's Awakening review

Marking Zelda's handheld debut, Link's Awakening features a unique storyline set on Koholint Island. The gameplay blends combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, enhanced by a surrealist narrative.

1. Pokémon Yellow

**Developer:** Game Freak | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** September 12, 1998 (JP) | **Review:** IGN's Pokémon Yellow review

For many, the Game Boy was synonymous with Pokémon, and Pokémon Yellow is considered the definitive Game Boy Pokémon experience. This enhanced version features a companion Pikachu and other additions inspired by the anime series.

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 with a completely different list. Here's what I came up with:

Camelot Nintendo EAD WayForward Nintendo R&D1 Nintendo R&D2 Konami OSA (KCEO) Jupiter Nintendo EAD Nintendo Nintendo R&D1