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The Nintendo Game Boy, first released in 1989, revolutionized handheld gaming and dominated the market for nearly a decade until the introduction of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a beloved portal for on-the-go gaming, paving the way for future successes like the Nintendo Switch. Its impressive sales of 118.69 million units have secured its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time.
A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring appeal was its extensive library of exceptional games, introducing players to iconic franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. Here, IGN’s editors have curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games that have stood the test of time and helped launch some of gaming's most beloved series. Note that only games released on the original Game Boy are eligible for this list.
16 Best Game Boy Games
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Final Fantasy Legend 2
Final Fantasy Legend 2, part of Square's SaGa series, brought more intricate gameplay systems and a richer narrative to the Game Boy. Despite its name, it's actually the second game in the SaGa series, rebranded for Western audiences to leverage the Final Fantasy brand. Its enhanced features and storytelling set it apart from its predecessor, making it a standout RPG on the platform.
Donkey Kong Game Boy
Donkey Kong Game Boy expanded on the classic arcade game, introducing 97 additional stages that take Mario beyond the familiar construction site into diverse environments like jungles and arctic regions. The game's blend of platforming and puzzle-solving, enhanced by Mario's ability to pick up and throw items, adds depth and variety to the experience.
Final Fantasy Legend 3
Final Fantasy Legend 3, known as SaGa 3 in Japan, continued to refine the series' turn-based RPG mechanics while introducing a deeper, more engaging time-travel narrative. Its innovative storytelling, reminiscent of Square's Chrono Trigger, and robust gameplay systems make it a compelling entry in the Game Boy's RPG lineup.
Kirby's Dream Land
Kirby's Dream Land marked the debut of Nintendo's beloved pink puffball, designed by the renowned Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduced iconic elements like King Dedede and Dream Land, along with Kirby's core abilities of flying by inflating and spitting out enemies as projectiles. Despite its brevity, the game left a lasting impact on the franchise.
Donkey Kong Land 2
Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES platformer, Donkey Kong Country 2, for the Game Boy. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong, the game retains the original's charm and challenge while adapting levels and puzzles to the handheld's limitations. Its unique banana-yellow cartridge added to its appeal.
Kirby's Dream Land 2
Kirby's Dream Land 2 evolved the series with the introduction of animal friends that allow Kirby to mix and match powers. This sequel boasts significantly more content than its predecessor, providing a more comprehensive Kirby experience that aligns closely with the series' modern identity.
Wario Land 2
Wario Land 2, released just before the Game Boy Color's debut, showcased Wario's robust gameplay with his charge attack and immortality. The game's 50+ levels offer a variety of boss battles and hidden paths, making it a standout title for its depth and replay value.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a bold shift from Mario to Wario, introducing new gameplay mechanics like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant abilities like ground pounding and fire breathing. This game set the stage for the Wario-led spinoff series.
Super Mario Land
Super Mario Land, a launch title for the Game Boy, adapted the classic Mario platforming experience to the handheld's smaller screen. It introduced unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and the Superball Flower, along with Princess Daisy, providing a fresh take on the Mario formula.
Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario, a Tetris-inspired puzzle game, challenged players to clear viruses by matching colored pills. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable and enduring Game Boy title, despite the platform's black-and-white display.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly improved on its predecessor with smoother gameplay and larger, more detailed sprites. It introduced backtracking, a Super Mario World-style overworld, and the Fire Flower, along with Bunny Mario's enhanced jumping abilities. Wario made his debut as the main villain, setting the stage for future games.
Tetris
Tetris, bundled with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, became synonymous with the console. Its perfect fit for on-the-go play and the inclusion of multiplayer via the Game Link Cable helped drive Game Boy sales. With 35 million units sold, it remains the best-selling single Game Boy release.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
Metroid 2: Return of Samus captured the essence of the series with its sense of isolation and challenging level design. It introduced key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Space Jump, along with the narrative element of the Baby Metroid, setting up the story for Super Metroid. Its 2017 remake, Metroid: Samus Returns, kept its legacy alive.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue ignited a global phenomenon with their creature-collecting and battling mechanics. Inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's love of insect collecting, these games introduced the rich world of Pokémon, spawning a media franchise with over 100 sequels, a popular trading card game, movies, TV series, and extensive merchandise.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the iconic series to handhelds for the first time. Stranded on Koholint Island, Link embarks on a quest to collect instruments and awaken the Wind Fish. Its blend of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, coupled with a surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, made it a standout. A 2019 Switch remake ensured its continued relevance.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience for many players, featuring a companion Pikachu that followed the player in the overworld. Aligning with the Pokémon anime, it introduced characters like Jessie and James and modified gym leader teams. With over 47 million copies sold across the first generation, Pokémon remains a powerhouse franchise, with recent releases like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet among Nintendo's fastest-selling games.
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
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