Top 20 Best Game Boy Games of All Time

Honestly, handheld gaming wasn’t always a given. But the moment the first Game Boy landed, everything changed. 

It wasn’t just a toy; it was a revolution, a pocket-sized portal to fantastical worlds that we could take anywhere. 

Here, we’ve pored over data, sales figures, and, most importantly, our own cherished memories to create a definitive list of the best Game Boy games.

This isn't just about the nostalgia factor, though we'll admit, it's a big part of it.

We’ll review the true Game Boy classics that everyone in the RetroFam still loves to talk about.

Ranking of the 20 Best Game Boy Games 

20. The Final Fantasy Legend III (1991)

The third entry in the Final Fantasy Legend series stands out from its predecessors. 

It moved away from the more experimental gameplay and embraced a more traditional turn-based RPG system. 

Why it's on the list:

• A surprisingly deep, time-traveling story.

• Traditional RPG gameplay that was perfected for the Game Boy.

• A must-play for fans of the genre.

19. Kirby's Pinball Land (1993)

Who knew a pink puffball and a pinball machine could be so much fun? Kirby's Pinball Land is a pinball game with a twist, featuring three different themed tables and a boss fight at the end of each.

Why it's on the list:

• It's a fun, quirky pinball game.

• Cleverly combines the Kirby universe with classic arcade action.

• Provides endless replay value in a tiny package.

18. DuckTales (1990)

Based on the beloved Disney cartoon, DuckTales for the Game Boy is a fantastic platformer. 

You play as Scrooge McDuck, bouncing off enemies with your cane and exploring vibrant levels to find hidden treasure.

Why it's Among the Top Game Boy Titles:

• A great platformer based on a beloved cartoon.

• Masterful level design and controls.

• A charming and fun adventure.

17. Dr. Mario (1990)

What do you get when you combine Mario with a puzzle game? An absolute classic. 

Dr. Mario has you matching colored capsules to eliminate viruses, and it’s a brilliant, addictive game that has stood the test of time.

• Why it's on the list:

• A simple concept with addictive gameplay.

• A fun, iconic puzzle game.

• The Game Boy version is a timeless classic you can play anywhere.

16. Kirby's Dream Land (1992)

While the sequel perfected the formula, the original game deserves a spot on this list for starting it all. 

Why Kirby’s Dream Land is on the list:

• The first game to feature Nintendo’s iconic pink puffball.

• A charming and foundational platformer.

15. The Final Fantasy Legend II (1990)

The second game in the series continued to innovate on the handheld. 

While The Final Fantasy Legend II kept the quirky character progression of the first game, it added new abilities and a more refined battle system.

Why it's on the list:

• It significantly improved on the first game’s systems.

• Offers a deep, compelling RPG adventure.

• A classic that holds up for RPG fans.

14. Mole Mania (1996)

One of the lesser-known Shigeru Miyamoto titles, Mole Mania features Muddy Mole trying to rescue his family from the evil farmer Jinbe.

Why it's on the list:

• An innovative puzzle-action game.

• Designed by a master of the genre.

• A true hidden gem that deserves more love.

13. Wario Land II (1998)

This is an interesting one. 

Released right before the Game Boy Color, it was still a groundbreaking title. 

Wario Land II is a non-linear platformer where Wario can't die, which completely changes the gameplay loop.

Why it's on the list:

• Innovative non-linear platforming.

• A "Wario can't die" game changer.

• Incredibly creative puzzles.

12. Final Fantasy Adventure (1991)

If you picked this up expecting a turn-based JRPG like its console counterparts, you were in for a pleasant surprise. 

Final Fantasy Adventure is an action-RPG that plays much more like a Zelda title with its top-down exploration and combat.

Why it's on the list:

• Great story for an early title.

• Massive, detailed world.

• Laid the groundwork for the Mana series.

11. Tetris (1989)

You can’t have a list of Game Boy classics without Tetris. 

The original version was a pack-in game and sold over 35 million copies, basically single-handedly making the Game Boy a success. 

Why it's on the list:

• Ultimate pick-up-and-play gameplay.

• Timeless, addictive design.

• An essential puzzle classic.

10. The Final Fantasy Legend (1989)

The first RPG on the Game Boy, and it was a huge success. 

The Final Fantasy Legend offered a classic quest, but with a unique twist: instead of gaining levels, your characters grew by using items and killing monsters, which made for a very different progression system.

Why it's on the list:

• A foundational RPG for the handheld.

• Unique and engaging character progression.

• An epic quest in a small package.

09. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994)

The final game in the Super Mario Land trilogy, this one was a big shakeup. 

Instead of playing as Mario, you took control of his greedy, bulbous-nosed rival, Wario. 

And his goal? To shamelessly collect as many coins as possible.

What makes it stay on the list of top Game Boy titles:

• Changed the platforming formula.

• Unique and fresh moveset.

• Highly creative and replayable.

8. Donkey Kong (1994)

This game is a masterclass in game design. 

What starts as a simple, 4-stage remake of the original arcade classic quickly evolves into a brilliant, 100-plus-level puzzle platformer.

Why it's on the list:

• Ingenious puzzle platformer.

• Subverted expectations.

• Mario's fresh, modern moveset.

7. Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991)

The Game Boy's first and only Metroid title, and it was a masterpiece. 

Samus Aran's quest to exterminate the Metroids on Planet SR388 was a lonely, atmospheric journey. 

The game's one, massive, sprawling level made you feel completely lost in its underground labyrinth.

Why it's on the list:

• Perfectly translated the atmosphere.

• Faster, more fluid gameplay.

• A classic that still holds up.

6. Kirby's Dream Land 2 (1995)

While the original Kirby's Dream Land was a great start, the sequel perfected the formula. 

Kirby's ability to absorb powers from his enemies and use them for his own gain was refined here, but the real star of the show was the addition of animal buddies.

Why it's on the list:

• Pure, unadulterated joy.

• Simple but incredibly deep gameplay.

• A high point in the series.

5. Castlevania: The Adventure (1989)

An early entry in the Castlevania series, this game is known for its slow, deliberate pace and punishing difficulty. 

You play as Christopher Belmont, and even though it lacks the flair of later entries, it's an important part of the Game Boy's history.

Why it's on the list of best Game Boy games:

• A foundational title for the platform.

• A unique, challenging gameplay experience.

• An iconic series brought to a portable console.

4. Super Mario Land (1989)

Super Mario Land had a lot to prove, and it delivered. 

While it was short, it packed a ton of unique ideas into a small package.

Why it's on the list:

• Proved Mario could work on a handheld.

• Fresh and unique gameplay.

• A foundational Game Boy classic.

3. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992)

This game took everything that was great about the original Super Mario Land and turned it up to eleven. 

The sprites were bigger, the levels were more creative, and the power-ups were a lot of fun (who can forget the Bunny Ears?). 

The non-linear world map was a revelation, allowing you to tackle the six zones in any order.

Why it's on the list:

• Sense of freedom and exploration.

• Massive leap forward in design.

• A joy to play.

2. Pokémon Red / Blue (1996)

You can't talk about the Game Boy without talking about Pokémon. The Red/Blue didn’t just sell; they created a global phenomenon. 

Jointly selling over 31 million copies worldwide, these games were an obsession for an entire generation.

Why it's on the list:

• Easy to pick up, hard to put down.

• Addictive, engrossing gameplay.

• Defined the era's social experience.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993)

There can be only one, and for many, it's Link's Awakening. 

This game proves that you don't need color or a massive screen to create a beautiful, emotional, and captivating adventure. 

Why it's ranked 1st on the list top Game Boy classics:

• A masterpiece of game design.

• Brilliant blend of action and puzzles.

• One of the greatest games ever.

In Conclusion

The Game Boy was a cultural icon that put gaming in everyone’s pocket. 

Looking back, the library of best Game Boy games is proof that great design never goes out of style. 

These best 20 GB games still hold up today, reminding us that fun isn’t about graphics; it’s about creativity. 

Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments.

The joy of retro gaming is always finding a new gem. 

Explore RetroFam for original expertly refurbished consoles and authentic top Game Boy titles, backed by a 1-year functional warranty.