Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

The iconic Nintendo Game Boy, first released in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming for an entire generation. With its simple yet effective 2.6-inch black-and-white display, the Game Boy not only captured the hearts of gamers worldwide but also paved the way for modern handhelds like the Nintendo Switch. It ended its run with an impressive 118.69 million units sold, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring success was its rich library of games, which introduced us to timeless Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these classics stand out as the cream of the crop? IGN’s editors have carefully curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing exclusively on titles released for the original monochrome system. These games have not only stood the test of time but also helped to launch some of the biggest names in gaming.

So, let's dive into the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.

16 Best Game Boy Games

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16. Final Fantasy Legend 2

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

Final Fantasy Legend 2, part of Square's SaGa series, is a sophisticated turn-based RPG that was marketed with the Final Fantasy name in North America to capitalize on the franchise's popularity. As one of the first RPGs on the Game Boy, it brought enhanced gameplay systems, improved graphics, and a more compelling story than its predecessor, making it a standout title.

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](https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/01/01/donkey-kong-review)

Donkey Kong for Game Boy is a vast expansion of the classic arcade game, offering not only the original four levels but also an additional 97 stages that take Mario through diverse environments like jungles and arctic landscapes. The game blends platforming with puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. Final Fantasy Legend 3

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

Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, continues the series' tradition of solid turn-based RPG gameplay, enhanced by a deeper and more engaging narrative centered around time travel. The game's story structure, where actions in the past affect the present and future, shares similarities with Square's renowned RPG, 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

Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink protagonist and was the first game designed by Masahiro Sakurai, later known for directing the Super Smash Bros. series. This action-platformer introduces key elements like Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, as well as his signature move of swallowing enemies and spitting them out as projectiles.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2, a handheld adaptation of the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2, features the same characters and storyline but with modified level and puzzle designs to suit the Game Boy's hardware. This engaging platformer, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge, offers a unique yet familiar experience.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 builds on the original by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with his animal friends, a mechanic that has become a hallmark of the series. The game is significantly larger than its predecessor, offering a richer and more varied experience.

10. Wario Land 2

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

Wario Land 2, released just before the Game Boy Color, offers a unique twist on platforming with Wario's robust moveset and his inability to die, allowing for more aggressive gameplay. The game's extensive levels, varied boss battles, and complex hidden paths make 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](https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/01/01/wario-land-super-mario-land-3-review)

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks an experimental shift for Nintendo, focusing on Wario as the protagonist. The game retains the platforming structure of Super Mario Land but introduces new elements like garlic instead of mushrooms and unique power hats, providing fresh gameplay dynamics.

8. Super Mario Land

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

Super Mario Land, a launch title for the Game Boy, was the first Mario platformer designed exclusively for a handheld. While it retains the basic premise of Super Mario Bros., it adapts to the smaller screen with unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, introducing Princess Daisy as a new character.

7. Dr. Mario

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** July 27, 1990 | **Review:** [IGN's Dr. Mario review](https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/01/01/dr-mario-review)

Dr. Mario, a puzzle game reminiscent of Tetris, challenges players to clear viruses by matching colors of pill capsules. Its engaging gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor make it one of the most memorable Game Boy titles, despite the monochrome display.

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

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering more fluid gameplay and larger, detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, an overworld map, and new abilities like the Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, with Wario making his debut as the antagonist.

5. Tetris

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 14, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** [IGN's Tetris review](https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/01/01/tetris-review)

Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, is arguably the most iconic title on the console. Its perfect fit for on-the-go gaming and the introduction of multiplayer via the Game Link Cable helped drive Game Boy sales, making it the best-selling single Game Boy release ever.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** November, 1991| **Review:** [IGN's Metroid 2 review](https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/01/01/metroid-ii-return-of-samus-review)

Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' essence with its focus on solo exploration and challenging level design. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and sets the stage for future Metroid games, including the introduction of the Baby Metroid.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

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

Pokémon Red and Blue launched the global phenomenon that is Pokémon, offering players a rich world of creature collecting and battling. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games have spawned a vast media franchise, including numerous sequels, a trading card game, movies, and 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](https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/01/01/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-review)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brings the franchise to handhelds for the first time, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving is elevated by a surreal, Twin Peaks-inspired story. A charming remake for the Switch keeps this classic alive for modern audiences.

1. Pokémon Yellow

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

Pokémon Yellow is the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu that follows the player in the overworld. Aligned with the first season of the Pokémon anime, it includes new characters and adjusted gym leader teams, contributing to the franchise's enduring success with over 47 million copies sold across its first generation.

For more on the Game Boy legacy, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' curated list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist, where you can remix and rerank the games to create your personalized list.

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 its own amazing titles.

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