Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked
Author: Audrey
May 17,2025
The Nintendo Game Boy, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, revolutionized portable gaming when it was released in 1989. This groundbreaking device dominated the handheld market for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color's debut in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy served as a gateway to mobile gaming for an entire generation, ultimately paving the way for the success of the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering total of 118.69 million units sold, the Game Boy ranks as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its robust library of exceptional games, which introduced the world to iconic Nintendo franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. But which of these games truly stand out as the best?
IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the top 16 Game Boy games that have withstood the test of time or launched some of gaming's most beloved franchises. To qualify, each game must have been released on the original Game Boy, excluding any Game Boy Color exclusives. Here is our definitive list of the 16 best Game Boy games of all time.
16 Best Game Boy Games
16 Images
16. Final Fantasy Legend 2
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: Square | Publisher: Square | Release Date: December 14, 1990 (JP) | Review: IGN's Final Fantasy Legend 2 review
Despite carrying the Final Fantasy moniker, Legend 2 is actually the second installment in Square's SaGa series, known for its intricate turn-based RPG mechanics. The use of the Final Fantasy name in North America was a strategic move by Square to associate their brand with the popular series. As one of the earliest RPGs on the Game Boy, Final Fantasy Legend 2 distinguishes itself with enhanced gameplay, better graphics, and a more compelling narrative than its predecessor.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong is a significant expansion of the original 1981 arcade game, featuring not only the classic four levels but also an impressive 97 additional stages. These new levels venture beyond the iconic construction site into diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions, offering a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving challenges. Mario's ability to pick up and throw items adds a layer of depth reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Image credit: Square EnixDeveloper: 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, builds upon the solid turn-based RPG foundation of its predecessors but introduces a richer, more engaging story. The game's time-travel narrative intertwines past, present, and future, echoing the innovative storytelling seen in Square's other acclaimed RPG, Chrono Trigger.
Kirby's Dream Land
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 puffball and was the first game directed by Masahiro Sakurai, later known for the Super Smash Bros. series. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key elements of the Kirby universe, such as King Dedede and Dream Land. Kirby's signature abilities to inflate and swallow enemies are showcased here, although without the ability to copy powers, he instead spits them out as projectiles.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Rare | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 23, 1996 (NA)
Donkey Kong Land 2 brings the beloved SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2 to the Game Boy, featuring the same protagonists, Diddy and Dixie Kong, on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K.Rool. Although the level designs are adapted for the Game Boy's less powerful hardware, it remains a fantastic platformer, complete with a unique banana-yellow cartridge.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: HAL Laboratory | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 21, 1995
Kirby's Dream Land 2 expands upon the original with the introduction of Kirby's ability to mix and match powers through animal friends, a hallmark of later Kirby games. This sequel is significantly larger than its predecessor, offering three times the content, as noted by IGN's sister site How Long to Beat.
Wario Land 2
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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 introduces a more robust Wario, who can't die and boasts aggressive moves like a powerful charge attack. The game's 50+ levels offer diverse boss battles and a complex network of hidden exits, secret paths, and multiple endings.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 represents Nintendo's experimental shift by featuring Wario as the protagonist. This game blends the platforming style of Super Mario Land with unique mechanics such as garlic power-ups and special hats that grant abilities like ground pounding and fire breathing.
Super Mario Land
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review
One of the Game Boy's launch titles, Super Mario Land was Nintendo's first handheld-exclusive Mario platformer. Adapted for the Game Boy's smaller screen, it features unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and 'Superballs' instead of fireballs. It also introduced Princess Daisy as a new character.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario combines the addictive gameplay of Tetris with a medical theme, where players match colored pills to eliminate viruses. Despite the Game Boy's monochrome display, the game remains one of the most beloved titles on the platform.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: October 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land 2 review
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improves upon its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. The game introduces backtracking, a Super Mario World-style overworld, and six inventive zones. It replaces the Superball Flower with the classic Fire Flower and introduces Bunny Mario, while also featuring Wario as the main antagonist.
Tetris
While ranked fifth, Tetris is arguably the most iconic Game Boy game, bundled with the console at launch in North America and Europe. Its simple yet addictive gameplay perfectly suits portable play, and its inclusion helped drive Game Boy sales. The game features three modes and was the first to utilize the Game Link Cable for multiplayer.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus encapsulates the series' signature elements of isolation and exploration on the Game Boy. It introduces key weapons like the Plasma Beam and the Spider Ball, and its narrative sets the stage for the acclaimed Super Metroid. A remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, was released for the 3DS in 2017.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: February 27, 1996 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Red review
Pokémon Red and Blue launched the Pokémon phenomenon, offering players a journey to become the Kanto Champion through creature collection and battles. Inspired by creator Satoshi Tajiri's love of insect collecting, these games sparked a global franchise with extensive media, merchandise, and games.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brings the franchise to handheld for the first time. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link must collect instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. The game balances combat, exploration, and puzzles with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks. A charming remake was released for the Switch in 2019.
Pokémon Yellow
Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Game Freak | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: September 12, 1998 (JP) | Review: IGN's Pokémon Yellow review
Pokémon Yellow offers the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, with a companion Pikachu following the player. It aligns closely with the Pokémon anime, featuring characters like Jessie and James from Team Rocket. The first generation of Pokémon games remains among the best-selling ever, with the franchise continuing to thrive with titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
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 wiSee 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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