When it was launched by Nintendo in 1989, the Game Boy revolutionized the video game industry, becoming a pop culture icon and a fundamental part of the childhood of many people around the world. Check out the 25 greatest Game Boy games of all time.
With its portable design, the Game Boy has provided hours of entertainment for millions of players, from epic adventures to addictive puzzle challenges.
Its nostalgic appeal goes beyond its modest technical specifications, evoking memories of car journeys, lazy afternoons and playing games with friends. That’s why it’s worth reminiscing with us in this list.
Participate in our free WhatsApp community and receive daily tips, news and trivia from over 50 sports! Click here to join.
Greatest Game Boy games of all time
1 – Tetris (1989)
One of the greatest Game Boy games of all time is certainly Tetris, a puzzle game developed by Alexey Pajitnov that became a global phenomenon. The aim is to fit together blocks that descend from the top of the screen to create complete lines, which are then eliminated.
2 – The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993)
Here, players take on the role of Link, who is shipwrecked on a mysterious island called Koholint. To escape, Link must awaken the Wind Fish, a task that leads him to explore dungeons, solve puzzles and fight enemies.
3 – Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992)
In this classic platform game, Mario embarks on a journey to defeat his evil rival, Wario, and reclaim his castle. To do so, he must collect six gold coins spread across six different zones in the game. With new power-ups, such as Carrot Mario, which transforms Mario into a flying rabbit version, and a variety of creative levels, Super Mario Land 2 is a memorable addition to the Mario series.
4 – Donkey Kong (1994)
In this remake of the arcade classic, players control Mario as he tries to rescue Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. The game features four different levels, each with its own set of challenges and obstacles. Donkey Kong on Game Boy offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the arcade classic.
5 – Kirby’s Dream Land (1992)
Kirby’s Dream Land marks the debut of the adorable pink character, Kirby. In this platform game, players control Kirby as he travels through Dream Land to defeat King Dedede, who has stolen Kirby’s food. With the unique ability to copy the powers of his enemies, Kirby can throw projectiles, fly and face challenges in unique ways.
6 – Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow (1998)
These games marked the beginning of the Pokémon franchise, where players take on the role of a Pokémon trainer on their journey to become the best trainer in the world. In their quest, players capture and train Pokémon to battle other trainers and challenge Gym Leaders.
7 – Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991)
In this action-adventure game, players take on the role of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran, who is sent to planet SR388 to exterminate the Metroids, a dangerous alien race. Players explore deep caves, face enemies and hone Samus’ skills as they progress through the mission. The game has a dark atmosphere and an immersive soundtrack.
8 – Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994)
This platform game puts players in control of the anti-hero Wario in his quest for riches. After losing his castle to his rival, Wario embarks on a journey to find a new home and amass a fortune along the way. It certainly deserves a place on the list of the greatest Game Boy games of all time.
9 – Mega Man V (1994)
In this action-platformer, players take on the role of the cyborg hero Mega Man in his battle against the Stardroids. With eight new robot bosses to defeat and a variety of weapons and skills to acquire, players must traverse a series of challenging stages and face powerful bosses.
10 – Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge (1991)
In this action-platformer, players take on the role of Christopher Belmont, descendant of the legendary vampire hunter Simon Belmont. Christopher sets out on a journey to defeat the evil Dracula, who has kidnapped his son and cursed the land. It’s an acclaimed title that captures the essence of the Castlevania series.
11 – Final Fantasy Adventure (1991)
The action RPG follows the journey of a young hero on his mission to save the world from imminent destruction. With a gripping narrative and gameplay mechanics inspired by Zelda, players explore a vast land, face enemies in real-time combat and solve challenging puzzles.
12 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan (1990)
In this action game based on the popular comic and cartoon franchise, players take control of the Ninja Turtles on their mission to defeat the evil. Players face hordes of enemies, rescue their captured allies and take on formidable bosses in a series of challenging levels.
13 – Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (1991)
Sequel to the NES classic, Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters puts players in control of the warrior angel Pit on his mission to save Angel Land from a new threat. Ancient temples, enemies and powerful bosses mark the journey as Pit’s abilities are upgraded.
14 – Super Mario Land (1989)
This title marks Mario’s debut on the Game Boy, where he embarks on a journey to rescue Princess Daisy from the evil alien Tatanga. With gameplay similar to the Mario games on the NES, Super Mario Land features new power-ups, such as the Superball Flower, and unique levels inspired by real-world locations, such as Egypt.
15 – Kirby’s Dream Land 2 (1995)
Players once again control Kirby on his mission to defeat King Dedede and his evil ally, Dark Matter. Along with the ability to swallow enemies and copy their abilities, Kirby faces a variety of challenges on a journey through Dream Land. New animal friends who offer unique abilities and a variety of colorful levels make Kirby’s Dream Land 2 an enchanting sequel that further expands the world of Kirby on the Game Boy.
16 – DuckTales (1989)
Based on the popular Disney cartoon series, DuckTales is a platform game where players take on the role of Uncle Scrooge in his search for treasures around the world. The levels are creative and inspired by episodes from the series. Players jump, run and use Uncle Scrooge’s famous Pogo Stick to face enemies and solve puzzles
17 – Batman: The Video Game (1990)
Based on the Tim Burton film, the game sees players take on the role of the iconic Dark Knight in his mission to defeat the Joker and save Gotham City. Gameplay takes place through fights with hordes of criminal henchmen and formidable bosses as you progress through the story.
18 – Pokémon Trading Card Game (1998)
Based on the popular collectible card game, Pokémon Trading Card Game puts players in the role of a Pokémon trainer who competes against other trainers in card duels.
19 – Gargoyle’s Quest: Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1990)
In this action-adventure game, players meet Firebrand, a gargoyle-shaped demon, on his journey to defeat the Dark King and restore peace to his homeland, Ghoul Realm.
20 – Castlevania: The Adventure (1989)
The protagonist is Christopher Belmont, ancestor of Simon Belmont, on his mission to defeat the vampire Dracula. Players face deadly enemies and deadly traps as they explore the dark corridors of Dracula’s castle.
21 – Alleyway (1989)
Alleyway is a puzzle and action game in the style of Breakout, where players control a mobile platform to bounce a ball and destroy blocks at the top of the screen.
22 – Ninja Gaiden Shadow (1991)
The game stars ninja warrior Ryu Hayabusa on his mission to defeat a criminal organization known as “The Union Lizard”. The idea is to face hordes of enemies and platform challenges in a series of exciting levels.
23 – Double Dragon (1990)
Based on the classic arcade game, Double Dragon for Game Boy puts players in control of the Lee brothers on their mission to rescue Billy’s girlfriend Marian from the clutches of the Black Warriors gang.
24 – Dr. Mario (1990)
Dr. Mario is a puzzle game where players take on the role of Nintendo’s famous plumber, Mario, who becomes a doctor to fight viruses with medicine capsules.
25 – Adventure Island (1989)
In this platform game, players take control of Master Higgins on his journey to rescue his girlfriend Tina, who has been kidnapped by the evil demon.
List: the 25 greatest Game Boy games of all time
- Tetris
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
- Donkey Kong
- Kirby’s Dream Land
- Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow
- Metroid II: Return of Samus
- Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
- Mega Man V
- Castlevania II: Belmont’s Revenge
- Final Fantasy Adventure
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan
- Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters
- Super Mario Land
- Kirby’s Dream Land 2
- DuckTales
- Batman: The Video Game
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Gargoyle’s Quest: Ghosts ‘n Goblins
- Castlevania: The Adventure
- Alleyway
- Ninja Gaiden Shadow
- Double Dragon
- Dr. Mario
- Adventure Island
There’s nothing like remembering a good classic. And now that you’ve seen the greatest Game Boy games of all time, how about keeping up with our gaming content? Check it out!
- The 20 greatest Super Nintendo games of all time
- Top 100 best iPhone games in 2024 – Definitive guide
- Top 100 best Nintendo Switch games – Definitive list
- Top 100 best Xbox One games in 2024 – Definitive guide
