Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

Celebrating over 30 years since its debut in 1989, Nintendo's groundbreaking Game Boy has left an indelible mark on the gaming world. This iconic handheld console, with its distinctive 2.6-inch black-and-white display, captivated gamers on the go for nearly a decade until the arrival of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With a staggering 118.69 million units sold, it ranks as the fourth best-selling console of all time. A key to its enduring success was an impressive library of games that introduced the world to legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which titles truly stand out? IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on those released on the original monochrome system.

So, without further ado, let's explore the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.

16 Best Game Boy Games

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16. Final Fantasy Legend 2

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, brought an innovative twist to turn-based RPGs on the Game Boy. Although branded with the Final Fantasy name in North America to capitalize on the series' fame, it is the second entry in the SaGa saga. Offering enhanced gameplay systems, improved graphics, and a more engaging narrative, it stands as a notable early RPG for the console.

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 not only includes the original four levels but expands the adventure with 97 new stages. This version diversifies the gameplay with a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario’s ability to throw items, a feature borrowed from Super Mario Bros. 2.

14. Final Fantasy Legend 3

Developer: Square | Publisher: Square | Release Date: December 13, 1991 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 3 review

Final Fantasy Legend 3, also known as SaGa 3 in Japan, deepens the series' RPG mechanics with a compelling time-travel story. Actions taken in the past ripple through the present and future, a concept reminiscent of Square's acclaimed Chrono Trigger.

13. Kirby's Dream Land

Developer: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 27, 1992 (JP) | Review: IGN's Kirby's Dream Land review

Kirby's Dream Land marks the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink hero, designed by Masahiro Sakurai. This compact action-platformer introduces Kirby's iconic abilities to inflate and fly, as well as his method of dealing with foes by swallowing and spitting them out as star-shaped projectiles.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 brings the charm of the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2 to the handheld format. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong, this game offers modified levels and puzzles tailored to the Game Boy's capabilities, all packaged in a nostalgic banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands on the original with the introduction of ability-altering animal friends and Kirby's signature power to absorb enemies' abilities. With significantly more content than its predecessor, this sequel offers a richer Kirby experience.

10. Wario Land 2

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

Wario Land 2, released just before the Game Boy Color, showcases Wario's unique attributes, including his charge attack and immortality. The game is lauded for its variety in boss battles and intricate level design, featuring hidden paths and alternate endings.

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 shifts the focus from Mario to the mischievous Wario, introducing new elements like garlic and power-inducing hats. This game marks the beginning of the Wario-led spinoff series while retaining the essence of the Super Mario Land platforming structure.

8. Super Mario Land

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 brings Mario’s iconic platforming to the handheld format. Adapted for the smaller screen, this game features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and introduces Princess Daisy.

7. Dr. Mario

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

Dr. Mario combines the addictive gameplay of Tetris with the novelty of Mario in a doctor's role. Players match colored pills with viruses in this timeless puzzle game, which was adapted to the Game Boy's monochrome display with shaded pills and viruses.

6. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: October 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land 2 review

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins elevates the series with enhanced gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. Notable additions include backtracking, a world map, and the introduction of Bunny Mario, alongside Wario's first appearance as the game's antagonist.

5. Tetris

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

Tetris, a cornerstone of the Game Boy's success, was included as a pack-in game at launch in North America and Europe. This puzzle game's three modes and the innovative use of the Game Link Cable for multiplayer made it a phenomenal seller, second only to the collective sales of Pokémon games.

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 embodies the series' signature isolation and exploration. It introduces pivotal items like the Plasma Beam and sets up the narrative for Super Metroid, with the introduction of Baby Metroid.

3. Pokémon Red and Blue

Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review

Pokémon Red and Blue launched the iconic franchise, capturing the hearts of millions with its creature-collecting and battling mechanics. Inspired by insect collecting, these games sparked a global phenomenon, leading to a vast media empire.

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 brings the Zelda series to the handheld for the first time, offering a unique narrative on Koholint Island. Its engaging gameplay, combined with a surreal story, has been celebrated with a modern remake on the Switch.

1. Pokémon Yellow

Developer: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review

Pokémon Yellow enhances the original Pokémon adventure by featuring Pikachu as a constant companion. With changes aligning it closely with the anime, it remains one of the best-selling games of the franchise, contributing to its enduring legacy.

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 tasked with curating what I believe to be the finest selection of games the Game Boy has to offer. This list encompasses both Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles, as the latter is essentially an enhanced version of the original. For Game Boy Advance enthusiasts, that's an entirely different category. Here are some highlights:

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