Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

The Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized the gaming world by introducing the first-ever handheld console. For nine years, it reigned supreme in the portable gaming market until the advent of its successor, the Game Boy Color, in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy opened up a new era of mobile gaming and laid the groundwork for future successes like the Nintendo Switch. By the end of its life cycle, it had sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

A major draw of the Game Boy was its extensive library of games, which introduced fans to now-iconic franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 greatest Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.

So, without further delay, here are the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.

16 Best Game Boy Games

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16. Final Fantasy Legend 2

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

Despite bearing the Final Fantasy name, Legend 2 is actually the second entry in Square’s SaGa series, known for its complex turn-based RPG mechanics. The use of the Final Fantasy name was a strategic move to market the game in North America, according to SaGa director Akitoshi Kawazu. As one of the first RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 expanded on its predecessor with enhanced gameplay systems, improved graphics, and a more compelling narrative.

15. Donkey Kong Game Boy

The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands upon the classic arcade game, offering all four original levels plus an additional 97 stages. This version takes players beyond the iconic construction site into diverse environments like the jungle and arctic. The new stages blend platforming with puzzle-solving and introduce Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. Final Fantasy Legend 3

Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: 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, maintains the series' hallmark turn-based RPG gameplay but introduces a deeper, more engaging storyline involving time travel. The game's narrative, where actions in the past influence the present and future, draws parallels to Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.

13. Kirby's Dream Land

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 hero and was the first game designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced King Dedede and the whimsical world of Dream Land, along with Kirby's iconic abilities to inflate and fly, and to swallow and spit out enemies as projectiles. The game is concise, with five levels that can be completed in under an hour.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)

Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong, players embark on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. The game's level and puzzle design were tailored to the Game Boy's hardware, yet it remains a standout platformer, uniquely packaged in a banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995

Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with his animal friends and his signature ability-absorbing power. The sequel contains significantly more content than the original, offering three times the gameplay according to How Long to Beat.

10. Wario Land 2

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

Released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, Wario Land 2 showcased Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including a powerful charge attack and his inability to die. The game spans over 50 levels and impresses with its variety of boss battles, hidden exits, secret paths, and multiple endings.

9. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a departure from the Mario-centric platformers, introducing Wario as a playable character. This game retained the platforming structure of Super Mario Land while introducing unique elements like garlic power-ups and new abilities through various hats, such as the Bull Cap for ground pounding and the Jet Cap for gliding.

8. Super Mario Land

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

Super Mario Land, one of the Game Boy's launch titles, was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, it featured unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and rubber-like Superballs. The game also introduced Princess Daisy as a new character.

7. Dr. Mario

Dr. Mario is a puzzle game reminiscent of Tetris, where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable title on the Game Boy, despite the monochrome display.

6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 upgrade from its predecessor, featuring smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduced backtracking, a Super Mario World-inspired overworld, and six zones for players to explore. The game swapped out the Superball Flower for the familiar Fire Flower and introduced Bunny Mario, with Wario debuting as the main antagonist.

5. Tetris

Tetris, though ranked fifth, played a crucial role in the Game Boy's success, being bundled with the console at launch in North America and Europe. With three modes of play and its perfect fit for on-the-go gaming, Tetris became the best-selling single Game Boy title, with 35 million units sold.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

Metroid 2: Return of Samus epitomizes the series' signature elements, offering a solo quest filled with isolation and challenging level design. It introduced enduring weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and set the stage for its SNES sequel, Super Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

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

Pokémon Red and Blue launched the global Pokémon phenomenon, becoming essential Game Boy titles. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games introduced the world to Pokémon battling and collecting, spawning a media franchise that has since become the highest-grossing ever.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening marked the franchise's handheld debut. Set on Koholint Island, the game offered a unique Zelda experience with its surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. A successful remake for the Switch in 2019 ensured its enduring legacy.

1. Pokémon Yellow

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

Pokémon Yellow provided the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu and aligning with the anime's first season. The first generation of Pokémon games, including Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green, remains the best-selling with over 47 million copies sold. The franchise continues to thrive, with recent releases like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet being among Nintendo's fastest-selling games.

For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' curated list of 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist, where you can also customize and rerank the games to suit your preferences.