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 groundbreaking 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 foundation for the hugely popular Nintendo Switch. With a remarkable 118.69 million units sold, it secured a well-deserved 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 iconic Nintendo franchises like Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario to a global audience. But which Game Boy titles truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have compiled a list of the 16 most memorable Game Boy games, encompassing both timeless classics and groundbreaking entries that shaped gaming history. To qualify, each game had to be originally 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, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend II review

While bearing the Final Fantasy name, Legend II is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series. According to SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu, the Final Fantasy branding was used for the North American release as Square "was trying to create a very simple ‘Square = Final Fantasy’ formula" in the West. This early Game Boy RPG boasts expanded gameplay, enhanced graphics, and a compelling narrative, surpassing 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 adaptation significantly expands upon the original arcade game, featuring all four levels from the 1981 classic 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, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2, adds a new dimension to the platforming and puzzle-solving challenges.

14. Final Fantasy Legend III

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

Final Fantasy Legend III (SaGa III in Japan) maintains the series' engaging turn-based RPG mechanics while presenting a deeper, more immersive storyline than its predecessors. The time-travel narrative cleverly interweaves past, present, and future actions, creating a compelling experience reminiscent of Square's acclaimed 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

Marking the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink puffball, Kirby's Dream Land was also the first game designed by Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduces King Dedede and the whimsical world of Dream Land, along with Kirby's signature abilities: self-inflation for flight and enemy inhalation (though ability copying wasn't yet a feature).

12. Donkey Kong Land II

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

A handheld adaptation of the popular 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 the level and puzzle design are adjusted for the Game Boy's hardware limitations, it remains a strong platformer in its own right, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land II

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

Dream Land II expands upon its predecessor, offering a more refined Kirby experience. The ability to mix and match powers through animal companions and ability absorption makes this a more complete Kirby game. According to IGN sister site How Long to Beat, it boasts three times the content of the original.

10. Wario Land II

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

Released shortly before the Game Boy Color's launch, Wario Land II showcases Wario's unique strengths. His powerful charge attack and invincibility (Wario cannot die) allow for aggressive gameplay. The game's 50+ levels offer diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden exits and paths, leading to multiple 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

An experimental title for Nintendo, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 replaces Mario with Wario, introducing a new set of power-ups (Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap) and gameplay mechanics. It retains the core platforming structure of Super Mario Land but adds more exploration and unique challenges.

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. The game adapts the core 2D platforming to the Game Boy's smaller screen, introducing unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs.

7. Dr. Mario

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

A Tetris-inspired puzzle game, Dr. Mario tasks players with clearing viruses by matching colored capsules. The addictive gameplay combined with the novelty of Mario as a doctor makes it a memorable Game Boy classic. The Game Boy version used white, black, and shaded pills/viruses due to the screen's monochrome nature.

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, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins features improved gameplay, larger sprites, and a non-linear level progression. It introduces the Fire Flower, backtracking, and the ability to choose which of six zones to tackle first.

5. Tetris

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

While ranked fifth, Tetris is arguably the most significant Game Boy title. Bundled with the console at launch, it became synonymous with the handheld and contributed significantly to its success. Its three modes (A-Type, B-Type, and 2-Player) offered diverse gameplay options.

4. Metroid II: Return of Samus

Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: November 1991 | Review: IGN's Metroid II review

The second Metroid game and the first on a handheld, Metroid II: Return of Samus delivers a powerful solo adventure with a sense of isolation enhanced by its challenging level design. It introduced key weapons and abilities, including the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, and established narrative elements that would influence future installments.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

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

The games that launched the Pokémon phenomenon, Pokémon Red and Blue introduced the world to the franchise's unique blend of creature collection, training, and battling. These games laid the foundation for one of the most successful media franchises in history.

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 first Zelda game on a handheld, Link's Awakening takes place on the mysterious Koholint Island. The game balances combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, with a surreal storyline that has earned it lasting appeal. A remake was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2019.

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, updates aligning with the anime series, and remains a best-selling title in the franchise.

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 All1