Top 16 Game Boy Games Ever Ranked

Nintendo's iconic Game Boy, launched in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and remained a dominant force in the market for nearly a decade until the introduction of the Game Boy Color in 1998. With its 2.6-inch black-and-white screen, the Game Boy became a beloved gateway to mobile entertainment, ultimately selling 118.69 million units and securing its place as the fourth best-selling console of all time. Its legacy continues to influence modern gaming, notably paving the way for the wildly successful Nintendo Switch.

A key factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its robust library of games, which introduced players to iconic franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have meticulously curated a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing solely on titles released for the original Game Boy to celebrate its timeless classics and the birth of gaming giants. Here, we present the definitive ranking of the best Game Boy games of all time.

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, brought enhanced RPG systems, improved graphics, and a compelling narrative to the Game Boy. Though it carried the Final Fantasy name in North America, it stands out as an early and influential RPG on the platform.

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 significantly expands on the arcade classic, offering 101 stages that venture into new environments like jungles and arctic regions. Mario's ability to throw items adds a new layer of strategic gameplay to this timeless platformer.

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, deepens the series' RPG mechanics with a time-travel narrative that mirrors the innovative storytelling found in Chrono Trigger. Its intricate plot and engaging gameplay solidify its place among the best RPGs on the Game Boy.

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 introduced the beloved pink puffball and his whimsical world. Designed by Masahiro Sakurai, this game set the stage for Kirby's unique abilities, including flying and spitting enemies as star-shaped projectiles, in a compact yet enjoyable adventure.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 adapts the beloved SNES title to the Game Boy, maintaining the essence of the original while adjusting levels and puzzles for the handheld's capabilities. Featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong, it delivers a robust platforming experience.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 builds on its predecessor by introducing animal friends that modify Kirby's abilities, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. With significantly more content, it stands as a more comprehensive Kirby experience on the Game Boy.

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's debut, Wario Land 2 showcases Wario's unique abilities and invincibility. Its diverse levels, challenging boss fights, and secret-filled world make it a standout title in the Game Boy library.

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 marked the shift from Mario to Wario, introducing fresh gameplay elements like garlic power-ups and unique hats that grant special abilities. It's a testament to Nintendo's willingness to innovate within its established 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 a launch title for the Game Boy, Super Mario Land brought Mario's platforming adventures to the handheld world. Despite its smaller screen and unique gameplay adjustments, it remains a quirky and enjoyable entry in the Mario series, introducing Princess Daisy to gamers.

7. Dr. Mario

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

Dr. Mario adapts the addictive gameplay of Tetris into a puzzle game where players match pills to eliminate viruses. Its engaging mechanics and the novelty of seeing Mario as a doctor have made it a cherished Game Boy title.

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

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins significantly enhances the original with improved graphics, fluid gameplay, and the introduction of Bunny Mario. With Wario as the main antagonist, it's a standout platformer that offers players greater freedom and exploration.

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, became synonymous with the console in the West. Its timeless puzzle gameplay perfectly complemented the handheld's portability, contributing significantly to the Game Boy's success and legacy.

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 captures the essence of the series with its isolating atmosphere and intricate level design. Introducing key weapons and the narrative involving the Baby Metroid, it laid the groundwork for future entries 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 ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of Pokémon. With its engaging storyline and creature-collecting mechanics, it became a cultural milestone, spawning an expansive franchise across multiple media.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

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

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought the series to handhelds for the first time, offering a unique adventure on Koholint Island. Its blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, combined with a surreal narrative, has cemented its status as a classic, further revitalized by 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 offered the definitive Pokémon experience on the Game Boy, featuring a companion Pikachu and elements inspired by the anime. As part of the first generation of Pokémon games, it remains a cornerstone of the franchise, with enduring sales and cultural impact.

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 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 All1Mario GolfCamelot2Donkey Kong [GB]Nintendo EAD3ShantaeWayForward4Tetris DXNintendo R&D15Kirby Tilt 'n' TumbleNintendo R&D26Metal Gear Solid [2000]Konami OSA (KCEO)7Pokemon PinballJupiter8The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening [1993]Nintendo EAD9Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu EditionNintendo10Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsNintendo R&D1