Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked
Author: Savannah
May 25,2025
The iconic Nintendo Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming for nearly a decade until the advent of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its distinctive 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a cultural phenomenon, selling an impressive 118.69 million units and securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time. Its success paved the way for future innovations like the Nintendo Switch.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring legacy was its rich library of games, which introduced beloved franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing exclusively on titles released for the original system. These games have not only stood the test of time but have also laid the foundation for some of the most iconic series in gaming history.
Without further delay, let's explore the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
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, part of Square's SaGa series, is a turn-based RPG that stands out with its intricate gameplay systems, graphical enhancements, and a compelling narrative. Originally released under the Final Fantasy name to leverage the series' popularity in North America, it remains one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy and a significant entry in the SaGa franchise.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong expands on the classic arcade game, featuring the original four levels plus an additional 97 stages. These stages take Mario through diverse environments, from construction sites to jungles and arctic regions, blending platforming with puzzle-solving elements.
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, offers a refined turn-based RPG experience with a deeper narrative involving time travel. Its mechanics and storytelling are reminiscent of Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger, making it a standout title on the Game Boy.
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 marked the debut of the beloved pink puffball, created by Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling action-platformer introduced key elements like Kirby's ability to fly and swallow enemies, setting the stage for the franchise's future development.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. With altered level designs to suit the Game Boy's capabilities, it remains a compelling handheld platformer.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 enhances the original with the introduction of ability-altering animal friends and Kirby's signature power-absorption mechanic. With significantly more content than its predecessor, it offers a more comprehensive Kirby experience.
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 showcases Wario's unique gameplay mechanics, including his invincibility and powerful charge attack. The game's 50+ levels feature diverse boss battles and a complex structure of hidden paths and alternate endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 introduces Wario as a playable character, replacing Mario with new gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant special abilities. It marks the beginning of the Wario-led spin-off series.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land offers a compact yet innovative take on Mario's platforming adventures. It introduces Princess Daisy and features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and forced-scrolling shooting levels.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario is a beloved puzzle game where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor have cemented its place among the most memorable Game Boy titles.
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 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, featuring larger sprites, more fluid gameplay, and the ability to backtrack. It introduces Bunny Mario and sets the stage for Wario's debut as the main antagonist.
Tetris
Tetris is not only a cornerstone of Game Boy's success but also a cultural phenomenon. Included as a pack-in game with the console's launch, it sold over 35 million units and remains the best-selling single Game Boy title.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the series with its isolated, non-linear exploration. It introduces crucial elements like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, setting the stage for the narrative of Super Metroid.
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 sparked a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of Pokémon and the journey to become Kanto's Champion. These games laid the foundation for one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brings the iconic series to the handheld format with a unique story set on Koholint Island. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, along with its surreal narrative, has earned it a remake for the Nintendo Switch.
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 elements from the anime. As part of the first generation of Pokémon games, it remains one of the best-selling video games of all time, continuing to influence the franchise's ongoing success.
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 amazing library.
See All!
1Mario GolfCamelot
2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD
3ShantaeWayForward
4Tetris DXNintendo R&D1
5Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D2
6Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)
7Pokemon PinballJupiter
8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD
9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo
10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1
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