Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

The Nintendo Game Boy, which debuted in 1989, revolutionized the gaming industry with its pioneering handheld design. For nine years, it reigned supreme in the portable gaming market until the Game Boy Color emerged in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a beloved gateway to mobile gaming and laid the groundwork for the success of the Nintendo Switch. Over its lifespan, it sold an impressive 118.69 million units, securing its spot as the fourth best-selling console of all time.

A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its rich library of games, which introduced players to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these games truly stand out? IGN's editors have compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives. Here's a rundown of these timeless classics:

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

Final Fantasy Legend 2, part of Square's SaGa series, introduced gamers to a more complex turn-based RPG experience. Despite its Final Fantasy branding in North America, it offered enhanced gameplay, improved graphics, and a compelling narrative, distinguishing it from its predecessor.

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

This version of Donkey Kong expanded significantly on the original arcade game, introducing 97 new levels beyond the classic construction site. Players could enjoy a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to 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, deepened the series' RPG mechanics with a captivating time-travel narrative. Its innovative gameplay, where past actions influence the present and future, drew comparisons to the acclaimed 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 marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero. This action-platformer introduced key elements like self-inflation for flight and enemy-swallowing, setting the stage for Kirby's future adventures.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

A handheld adaptation of the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2, Donkey Kong Land 2 offered a unique take with Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to save Donkey Kong. Its yellow cartridge and inventive level design made it a standout Game Boy title.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Building on the original, Kirby's Dream Land 2 introduced the ability to mix and match powers with animal friends, expanding the gameplay and content threefold, according to How Long to Beat.

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, Wario Land 2 showcased Wario's aggressive gameplay style and immortality. With over 50 levels, varied boss battles, and intricate paths, it offered a rich gaming 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

Wario Land marked a bold shift from Mario to Wario, introducing unique gameplay elements like power-inducing hats and garlic power-ups, setting the stage for Wario's own series.

8. 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 brought Mario's platforming adventures to the handheld world. Its unique features, like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, along with the introduction of Princess Daisy, made it a memorable entry.

7. Dr. Mario

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

Dr. Mario offered a Tetris-like puzzle experience, where players matched colored pills to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and Mario's doctor persona made it a classic.

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

A significant upgrade from the original, Super Mario Land 2 introduced more fluid gameplay, larger sprites, and new abilities like Bunny Mario. It also marked Wario's villainous debut.

5. Tetris

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

Tetris, bundled with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, became synonymous with the console. Its perfect fit for portable play and multiplayer feature helped boost Game Boy sales.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** November, 1991 | **Review:** IGN's Metroid 2 review

Metroid 2 brought the series' signature isolation and exploration to the handheld. Introducing new weapons and setting up the narrative for Super Metroid, it remains a pivotal entry in the franchise.

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 launched the global phenomenon of Pokémon, offering a journey to become Kanto's Champion. Their impact led to a media franchise that remains one of the highest-grossing ever.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

**Developer:** Nintendo | **Publisher:** Nintendo | **Release Date:** June 6, 1993 | **Review:** IGN's Link's Awakening review

Link's Awakening brought Zelda's adventure to the handheld, offering a unique story inspired by Twin Peaks. Its charm and depth were revived in a 2019 Switch remake.

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 refined the original Pokémon experience, introducing a Pikachu companion and aligning with the anime series. As part of the first generation, it remains one of the best-selling video games ever.

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)