Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and remained a market leader for nine years until the advent of the Game Boy Color in 1998. This pioneering handheld console, featuring a 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, was instrumental in shaping the gaming landscape, ultimately selling 118.69 million units and securing the fourth spot among the best-selling consoles of all time. Its success can largely be attributed to its extensive library of games, which introduced the world to legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. Here, we present IGN's curated list of the 16 best Game Boy games, each a testament to the enduring legacy and impact of the original Game Boy system.

16 Best Game Boy Games

16 Images

16. Final Fantasy Legend 2

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

Final Fantasy Legend 2, though bearing the Final Fantasy moniker, is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. In an effort to establish brand recognition in the West, Square used the Final Fantasy name for its North American release. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Legend 2 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay systems, better graphics, and a compelling narrative.

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/1998/10/27/donkey-kong-review)

Donkey Kong for Game Boy significantly expands upon the original arcade game, retaining its four classic levels while adding an impressive 97 new stages that venture into diverse environments like jungles and arctic landscapes. The game introduces new elements of platforming and puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. Final Fantasy Legend 3

Image credit: Square Enix
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, builds on the series' established turn-based RPG formula with a deeper, more engaging narrative centered around time travel. The game's innovative mechanics, where past actions influence the present and future, draw parallels to Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.

13. Kirby's Dream Land

Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 27, 1992 (JP) | Review: IGN's Kirby's Dream Land review

Kirby's Dream Land introduced gamers to the beloved pink puffball and was the first game designed by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of the Smash Bros. series. This side-scrolling platformer set the stage for Kirby's abilities, including his signature inflating technique for flight and the ability to swallow enemies and spit them out as star-shaped projectiles. The game can be completed in under an hour, offering a concise yet memorable experience.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: 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. Despite the hardware limitations, the game delivers engaging platforming and puzzle design, and comes packaged in a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolves the series by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers through his animal friends, a feature that has become a staple of the franchise. With three times the content of its predecessor, this sequel offers a richer gaming experience.

10. Wario Land 2

Image credit: Nintendo
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, features Wario as a robust character with an aggressive gameplay style, highlighted by his charge attack and invincibility. With over 50 levels, the game boasts varied boss battles, hidden exits, secret paths, and multiple endings, providing a complex and rewarding experience.

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/1998/10/27/wario-land-super-mario-land-3-review)

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks a bold shift from Mario to the antagonistic Wario, blending elements of the Super Mario Land series with new mechanics like exploration and unique power-ups, such as the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap, which introduce novel gameplay dynamics.

8. Super Mario Land

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

Super Mario Land, a Game Boy launch title, was Nintendo's first Mario platformer designed exclusively for handhelds. This game adapts the familiar 2D platforming of Super Mario Bros. to the Game Boy's smaller screen, introducing unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs. It also marked the debut of Princess Daisy.

7. Dr. Mario

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** July 27, 1990 | **Review:** [IGN's Dr. Mario review](https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/10/27/dr-mario-review)

Dr. Mario offers a Tetris-inspired puzzle experience where players eliminate viruses by matching colored pills. The addictive gameplay, combined with Mario's doctor persona, makes it a beloved classic on the Game Boy, despite the monochrome screen's limitations.

6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

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

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins enhances the original with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduces backtracking, a Super Mario World-inspired overworld, and six distinct zones. The game replaces the Superball Flower with the traditional Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, with Wario debuting as the main antagonist.

5. Tetris

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 14, 1989 (JP) | **Review:** [IGN's Tetris review](https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/10/27/tetris-review)

Tetris, included as a pack-in game for the Game Boy's launch, played a crucial role in the console's success. Its three modes — endless, speed-based, and multiplayer — made it an ideal portable game, selling 35 million units and becoming the best-selling single Game Boy title.

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/1998/10/27/metroid-2-return-of-samus-review)

Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the Metroid series with its isolated, challenging design. It introduces key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam, Space Jump, and Spider Ball, and sets the stage for the narrative of Super Metroid. The game was later remade for the 3DS as Metroid: Samus Returns.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

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

Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, offering players a rich world of creature collection and battling. These games laid the foundation for a franchise that has grown to include over 100 sequels, a trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise, becoming the highest-grossing media franchise of all time.

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/1998/10/27/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-review)

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the franchise to handhelds for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, players guide Link through dungeons to collect eight instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. The game's unique blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, combined with its surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, remains a standout. A charming remake was released for the Switch in 2019.

1. Pokémon Yellow

Image credit: Nintendo
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 and aligning with the first season of the Pokémon anime. Changes include the addition of Team Rocket members Jessie and James and modifications to the gym leaders' Pokémon. The first generation of Pokémon games remains the best-selling, with nearly 500 million copies sold across the franchise.

For more on the Game Boy's extensive library, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' top 25 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

Here's a curated selection of the finest titles the Game Boy and Game Boy Color have to offer, showcasing the diversity and quality of games available on these iconic platforms.

1. Mario Golf
Camelot

2. Donkey Kong [GB]
Nintendo EAD

3. Shantae
WayForward

4. Tetris DX
Nintendo R&D1

5. Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble
Nintendo R&D2

6. Metal Gear Solid [2000]
Konami OSA (KCEO)

7. Pokemon Pinball
Jupiter

8. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]
Nintendo EAD

9. Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition
Nintendo

10. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Nintendo R&D1