Top 16 Game Boy Classics: All-Time Favorites

Nintendo's groundbreaking Game Boy, released in 1989, transformed the world of portable gaming and remained a market leader for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color's debut in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 118.69 million units and ranking fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time. It introduced fans to legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario, cementing its place in gaming history.

IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released for the original system, to celebrate its enduring legacy. These games have either stood the test of time or marked the debut of some of gaming's most iconic series. Here's a look at the cream of the crop:

16 Best Game Boy Games

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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

Though it bears the Final Fantasy name, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The game was rebranded for North American audiences to leverage the Final Fantasy brand, aiming to simplify Square's identity in the West. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 enhanced its predecessor with richer gameplay, improved graphics, and a more 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

The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expands on the classic arcade game, adding 97 new levels that venture beyond the original construction site into diverse settings like jungles and arctic landscapes. Players enjoy a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw objects, 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, continues the series' tradition of turn-based RPG gameplay while introducing a more intricate time-travel narrative where past actions influence the present and future. This game shares similarities with Square's acclaimed Chrono Trigger, noted for its engaging storyline and dynamic gameplay mechanics.

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 the world to Nintendo's beloved pink hero, crafted by the renowned Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer brought fans King Dedede and the whimsical world of Dream Land, featuring Kirby's iconic abilities such as inflating to fly and swallowing enemies to spit them out as projectiles. The game, though short, offers a delightful experience that can be completed in under an hour.

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 title, Donkey Kong Country 2, for the Game Boy, maintaining its core gameplay with Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. The game features unique level designs tailored to the Game Boy's hardware and was released on 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 elevates the series with the introduction of animal friends that alter Kirby's abilities, offering a deeper gameplay experience. Packed with three times the content of its predecessor, this sequel showcases Kirby's ability to absorb and mix powers, providing more variety and engagement.

10. Wario Land 2

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

Released just before the Game Boy Color's launch, Wario Land 2 features Wario, who boasts a robust moveset including a powerful charge attack and the unique trait of being unkillable. With over 50 levels, this game offers diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden exits and alternate endings, showcasing impressive depth.

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

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a shift in focus from Mario to Wario, introducing new gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and special hats that grant unique abilities. This game laid the foundation for the Wario-led spinoff series while maintaining the core platforming structure of its predecessor.

8. Super Mario Land

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

A launch title for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Despite its smaller screen, the game retained the essence of Super Mario Bros. with unique twists like exploding Koopa shells and the introduction of Princess Daisy, offering a fresh take on the Mario formula.

7. Dr. Mario

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

Dr. Mario brings Tetris-like puzzle action to the Game Boy, challenging players to eliminate viruses by matching pill capsules. The game's addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable title, despite the monochrome display'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 significantly improved upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. This sequel introduced backtracking, an overworld, and the Fire Flower, replacing the Superball Flower. It also marked Wario's debut as the game's antagonist, setting the stage for future titles.

5. Tetris

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

Tetris, included as a pack-in game with the Game Boy in North America and Europe, was instrumental in the console's success. Its timeless puzzle gameplay was perfectly suited for portable play, featuring multiple modes and multiplayer via the Game Link Cable. With 35 million units sold, it remains 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

Metroid 2: Return of Samus brought the franchise's signature sense of isolation and exploration to the handheld platform. Introducing key weapons like the Plasma Beam and the Spider Ball, along with the narrative element of the Baby Metroid, it set the stage for the acclaimed 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, introducing players to the rich world of Pokémon. The games' journey to become Kanto's Champion through creature collecting, training, and battling captured the hearts of millions, spawning a franchise that became the highest-grossing media empire ever, with countless sequels, spinoffs, 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

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the iconic series to the handheld for the first time, featuring Link's adventure on Koholint Island. This game masterfully blended combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its enduring appeal was reaffirmed with a 2019 remake for the Switch.

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 offered the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu that followed the player in the overworld. Aligning with the anime, it included characters like Jessie and James and adjusted gym leader teams. With over 47 million copies sold across the first generation, Pokémon remains a cultural juggernaut, with the latest entries, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, among Nintendo's fastest-selling games.

What is the best Game Boy game of all time?

Final Fantasy Legend 2Donkey Kong Game BoyFinal Fantasy Legend 3Kirby's Dream LandDonkey Kong Land 2Kirby's Dream Land 2Wario Land 2Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3Super Mario LandDr. MarioSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsTetrisMetroid 2: Return of SamusPokémon Red and BlueThe Legend of Zelda: Link's AwakeningPokémon Yellow Something else (let us know in the comments)

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 with its own set of classics.

1Mario GolfCamelot2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD3ShantaeWayForward4Tetris DXNintendo R&D15Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D26Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)7Pokemon PinballJupiter8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1