The Nintendo Game Boy, introduced in 1989, revolutionized portable gaming and maintained its dominance for nearly a decade until the Game Boy Color's release in 1998. Its iconic 2.6-inch black-and-white screen became a gateway to mobile gaming for a generation, setting the stage for the success of the Nintendo Switch. With a staggering total of 118.69 million units sold, the Game Boy ranks fourth among the best-selling consoles of all time.

A significant factor in the Game Boy's enduring popularity was its robust library of games, which introduced legendary franchises such as Pokémon, Kirby, and Wario. IGN's editors have meticulously compiled a list of the 16 best Game Boy games, focusing exclusively on titles released for the original Game Boy, to highlight those that have stood the test of time or launched iconic gaming series.

16 Best Game Boy Games

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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

Final Fantasy Legend 2, part of Square's SaGa series, introduced more complex turn-based RPG systems to the Game Boy. Although branded under the Final Fantasy name in North America, it provided an enhanced gaming experience with richer graphics and a compelling narrative.

15. Donkey Kong Game Boy

The Game Boy version of Donkey Kong significantly expanded upon the original arcade game, adding 97 new levels that ventured into varied environments like jungles and arctic regions. Players enjoyed a mix of platforming and puzzle-solving, with Mario gaining new abilities such as picking up and throwing items.

14. 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, refined the series' turn-based RPG mechanics and introduced a captivating time-travel narrative. The game's design echoed elements found in the acclaimed Chrono Trigger, with player actions in the past affecting the future.

13. 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 hero, created by Masahiro Sakurai. This side-scrolling platformer introduced key characters like King Dedede and foundational gameplay mechanics, such as Kirby's ability to inflate and fly.

12. Donkey Kong Land 2

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

Donkey Kong Land 2 adapted the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy, featuring Diddy and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong. The game offered engaging platforming and puzzles tailored to the Game Boy's hardware, released on a distinctive banana-yellow cartridge.

11. Kirby's Dream Land 2

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

Kirby's Dream Land 2 expanded on the original by introducing animal friends that altered Kirby's abilities, along with his classic power-absorbing feature. The sequel offered a significantly larger game world, providing three times the content of its predecessor.

10. Wario Land 2

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: 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, showcased Wario's unique gameplay style, emphasizing his robust charge attack and immortality. The game's 50+ levels were filled with diverse boss battles and hidden secrets, adding depth and replayability.

9. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marked a shift from Mario to Wario, introducing new gameplay elements like exploration and power-inducing hats. It served as a bridge between the Super Mario Land series and the emerging Wario-led spin-offs.

8. Super Mario Land

Image credit: NintendoDeveloper: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: April 21, 1989 (JP) | Review: IGN's Super Mario Land review

Super Mario Land, one of the Game Boy's launch titles, brought Mario's platforming adventures to the handheld realm. Adapted for the smaller screen, it featured unique elements like exploding Koopa shells and introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario universe.

7. Dr. Mario

Dr. Mario, a puzzle game inspired by Tetris, challenged players to eliminate viruses by matching colors. Its addictive gameplay and the novelty of Mario as a doctor made it a memorable title on the Game Boy.

6. 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 enhanced the original with smoother gameplay and larger sprites. It introduced backtracking, a world map, and the iconic Fire Flower and Bunny Mario, with Wario making his debut as the main antagonist.

5. Tetris

Tetris, bundled with the Game Boy at launch in North America and Europe, became synonymous with the console. Its timeless puzzle mechanics perfectly suited the handheld format, and it remains the best-selling single Game Boy title.

4. Metroid 2: Return of Samus

Metroid 2: Return of Samus brought the series' signature exploration and isolation to the handheld, introducing key weapons and abilities like the Plasma Beam and Spider Ball. It also set the stage for the narrative of its sequel, Super Metroid.

3. 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 ignited a global phenomenon, introducing players to the world of creature collection and battling. These games laid the foundation for a franchise that has since become the highest-grossing media series ever.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Link's Awakening brought the Zelda series to the handheld with a unique story set on Koholint Island. Its blend of exploration, combat, and puzzles, along with its surreal narrative inspired by Twin Peaks, was later remade for the Switch, keeping its legacy alive.

1. Pokémon Yellow

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

Pokémon Yellow redefined the Game Boy experience with an enhanced version of the original Pokémon games, featuring a companion Pikachu that followed the player. It closely aligned with the Pokémon anime, boosting its appeal and sales, and remains part of the best-selling first generation of Pokémon games.

For more Game Boy nostalgia, explore former IGNpocket Editor Craig Harris' list of 25 favorite Game Boy and Game Boy Color games on IGN Playlist. You can also customize the 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 with its own charm.

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