The iconic Game Boy, Nintendo's pioneering handheld console, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019. Launched in 1989, this groundbreaking device captivated gamers for nearly a decade, until the arrival of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its distinctive 2.6-inch monochrome screen, the Game Boy became a cultural phenomenon and a precursor to modern portable gaming, eventually paving the way for the wildly successful Nintendo Switch. It concluded its impressive run with 118.69 million units sold, securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its extensive library of exceptional games. These titles not only entertained but also introduced gamers to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these classics are considered the cream of the crop?
IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, celebrating those that have stood the test of time or launched major gaming series. To qualify for this list, a game must have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding Game Boy Color exclusives. Here's the definitive lineup of the 16 best Game Boy games ever made:
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Final Fantasy Legend 2, despite its namesake, is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. Initially released in North America under the Final Fantasy moniker to leverage the brand's popularity, this game was a trailblazer as one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy. It distinguishes itself from its predecessor with enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong for Game Boy significantly expanded upon the classic arcade game, offering not just the original four levels but an additional 97 stages. These new levels introduced players to diverse environments such as jungles and arctic regions, mixing platforming with puzzle-solving and utilizing Mario's ability to throw objects, reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3, or SaGa 3 in Japan, upholds the series' renowned turn-based RPG gameplay while introducing a more intricate and engaging storyline centered around time travel. The narrative intricately weaves the consequences of past actions into the present and future, drawing comparisons to Square's acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink protagonist, created by the renowned Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements like King Dedede, the whimsical Dream Land setting, and Kirby's iconic abilities to inflate and swallow enemies. Though compact, with only five levels, it's a charming and memorable entry in the Kirby series.
Donkey Kong Land 2 is a handheld adaptation of the beloved SNES game, Donkey Kong Country 2. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong, this game maintains the core premise of rescuing Donkey Kong while adapting the level design for the Game Boy's hardware. Its unique banana-yellow cartridge adds to its charm as a standout platformer.
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on the original by introducing Kirby's ability to mix and match powers with his animal friends, a hallmark of the series. With significantly more content than its predecessor, this sequel solidifies Kirby's place in the gaming world.
Released just before the Game Boy Color, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's robust character design with a powerful charge attack and invincibility. The game's 50+ levels offer diverse boss battles and a complex network of secret paths and alternate endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks a bold departure from the Mario formula, focusing on the mischievous Wario. This game blends familiar platforming with innovative elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant special abilities, setting the stage for future Wario adventures.
As one of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land brought Mario to handheld gaming with a unique twist. Adapted for the Game Boy's smaller screen, this game introduced quirky elements like exploding Koopa shells and Superballs, alongside the debut of Princess Daisy.
Dr. Mario is a beloved puzzle game inspired by Tetris, where players match colors to eliminate viruses. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario in a medical role made it a staple in the Game Boy library, despite the black-and-white screen's limitations.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a significant leap forward from the original, featuring smoother gameplay and enhanced graphics. It introduces backtracking, a world map, and the iconic Fire Flower, alongside the debut of Bunny Mario and Wario as the main antagonist.
Tetris, included with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, became synonymous with the console. Its timeless puzzle gameplay and multiplayer mode via the Game Link Cable contributed to its status as the best-selling single Game Boy title.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captures the essence of the Metroid series with its isolated, non-linear exploration. Introducing key abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball, this game set the stage for future entries, including its 3DS remake, Metroid: Samus Returns.
Pokémon Red and Blue sparked a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of Pokémon. These games, inspired by insect collecting, launched a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media franchise ever, encompassing games, a trading card game, movies, and more.
Link's Awakening brought the Zelda series to handhelds for the first time. Set on Koholint Island, this game blends traditional Zelda gameplay with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. Its 2019 remake for the Switch keeps this classic alive for new generations.
Pokémon Yellow refined the original Pokémon experience by integrating elements from the anime, including a companion Pikachu that follows the player. With significant sales and lasting popularity, the Pokémon franchise continues to thrive, with recent entries like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet among Nintendo's fastest-selling games.
For those craving more Game Boy nostalgia, former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris curated a list of his 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, available on IGN Playlist. Feel free to remix and personalize his selection to suit your taste.
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