Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked
Celebrating over three decades since its launch in 1989, Nintendo's pioneering handheld console, the Game Boy, transformed the landscape of portable gaming. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, it became a gateway to mobile entertainment and set the stage for the success of later systems like the Switch. By the end of its run, the Game Boy had sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
The Game Boy's enduring legacy is largely due to its rich library of exceptional games, many of which introduced the world to now-iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out as the best of the best? IGN's editors have compiled a list of the 16 greatest Game Boy games, focusing exclusively on titles released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives.
So, let's dive into the top 16 Game Boy games that have left an indelible mark on gaming history:
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
Final Fantasy Legend 2
Despite its name, Final Fantasy Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, featuring more intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. Square aimed to create a "Square = Final Fantasy" formula in the West, which explains the naming strategy. As one of the Game Boy's earliest RPGs, Final Fantasy Legend 2 improved upon its predecessor with enhanced gameplay systems, graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong greatly expanded on the arcade original by including all four classic levels and adding an astonishing 97 new stages. These new levels take Mario through various environments, from jungles to arctic regions, and incorporate both platforming and puzzle-solving elements, enhanced by Mario's ability to throw items, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, upholds the series' tradition of solid turn-based RPG gameplay while offering a more engaging and intricate story centered around time travel. The narrative cleverly weaves how past actions affect the present and future, drawing parallels with another Square classic, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink protagonist, created by Masahiro Sakurai, the future director of Super Smash Bros. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to inflate and fly, and his unique method of dealing with enemies by swallowing them and spitting out star-shaped projectiles. Despite its brevity, with just five levels, it's a charming entry into the Kirby series.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 brings the beloved SNES platformer, Donkey Kong Country 2, to the handheld format, featuring the same characters, Diddy and Dixie Kong, and the mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. Adapted to the Game Boy's capabilities, it offers a unique set of levels and puzzles, all packed onto a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on its predecessor by introducing Kirby's animal friends, which enable him to mix and match powers, a feature that has become a hallmark of the series. With three times the content of the original, as noted by How Long to Beat, this sequel is a fuller Kirby experience.
Wario Land 2
Just before the launch of the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 showcased Wario's unique, aggressive gameplay style, characterized by his powerful charge attack and his inability to die. With over 50 levels, diverse boss battles, and a complex network of hidden paths and alternate endings, this game is a standout in the Wario series.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a bold move for Nintendo, featuring the villainous Wario as the protagonist. It retained the platforming structure of Super Mario Land but introduced new elements like garlic instead of mushrooms, and unique power-ups such as the Bull Cap, Dragon Cap, and Jet Cap, which allowed for varied gameplay and exploration.
Super Mario Land
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land brought Mario to the handheld scene with a unique twist on the classic Super Mario Bros. formula. Adapted to the Game Boy's smaller screen, it featured innovative elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, alongside shooting levels reminiscent of Gradius. It also introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario is a beloved puzzle game that emulates the addictive gameplay of Tetris, tasking players with eliminating viruses using color-coordinated pill capsules. Its engaging mechanics, paired with the novelty of Mario as a doctor, make it a memorable Game Boy title, despite the system's monochrome display.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is considered the pinnacle of the Mario/Wario Game Boy platformers. It improved upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay, larger sprites, and innovative features like backtracking and an overworld map similar to Super Mario World. It replaced the Superball Flower with the iconic Fire Flower and introduced Bunny Mario, while also debuting Wario as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris, though fifth on our list, is arguably the most significant game for the Game Boy, having been bundled with the system at launch in North America and Europe. Its perfect fit for portable play helped drive Game Boy sales, and with three distinct modes, including multiplayer via the Game Link Cable, it became the best-selling single Game Boy release ever.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captured the essence of the series with its solitary, atmospheric exploration and challenging level design. It introduced key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, and its narrative laid the groundwork for future entries, notably introducing the Baby Metroid and setting up the events of Super Metroid. A remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released for the 3DS in 2017.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon, introducing the world to the enchanting universe of Pokémon. Players embarked on a journey to become the Kanto region's Champion, capturing, training, and battling Pokémon. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love for insect collecting, these games launched a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise ever.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the iconic series to handheld consoles for the first time. Set on the mysterious Koholint Island, players navigate dungeons and puzzles to collect instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. Its unique blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, coupled with a surreal, Twin Peaks-inspired narrative, has made it one of Nintendo's most enduring titles, remade for the Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Pokémon experience on the Game Boy by allowing players to have Pikachu as a companion that follows them in the overworld. It aligned closely with the Pokémon anime, incorporating characters like Jessie and James and adjusting the gym leaders' teams to match the show. As part of the first generation of Pokémon games, Yellow contributed to the franchise's record-breaking sales, with the series continuing to thrive with titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
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. You can even remix and rerank the games to create your personalized list.
Best Game Boy games
This selection represents what I believe to be the finest the Game Boy has to offer, focusing on both Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, as the latter was an enhanced version of the original. If you're interested in Game Boy Advance games, that's a different story altogether.
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