The 10 Best Game Boy Games

Congratulations on your purchase of the Nintendo Game Boy (TM) portable entertainment system! You're about to embark on the first of many great adventures, and the only passport you need fits in the palm of your hand. Completely portable and battery-powered, the Game Boy (TM) can deliver limitless new experiences anywhere you go, one Game Pak (TM) at a time.

If you're wondering which games you should play, look no further. Do you like chess with friends? How about fishing, solitaire, golf, or high-stakes poker? All of that and more can be found in the large library of available Game Boy (TM) Game Paks (TM). But some of you might be eager to explore mysterious adventures that only a video game can deliver. Below, we'll guide you through each of the system's absolute best games, without question. These are the ones you are going to want to play the most.

If you're a Nintendo Game Master and you already own a large library of Game Boy (TM) Game Paks (TM), you may see some of your favorite games missing from the list. Don't worry! It's only because all of your favorite games aren't good enough to make the cut. Paper isn't cheap, and we only have room for the absolute cream of the crop. These games will not let you down.

Kirby's Dream Land 2 (1995)

Marshmallow Alert! Loveable pink fluff ball Kirby returns to Game Boy (TM) in a delightfully fun candyland adventure where you gleefully gobble down enemies and absorb their powers. Kirby first debuted on Nintendo's handheld in 1992, providing an easy-to-learn platform experience with playful graphics crafted for the Game Boy's (TM) high-resolution dot matrix screen. This sequel improves upon the first, with new ride-on animal sidekicks and even more playful worlds to explore!

Motocross Maniacs (1990)

Motorbike Excitement! Experience the thrill of driving a realistic tiny motorcycle over 360-degree upside-down loops. To make large jumps, you'll have to collect and use plenty of Nitro canisters. Simple yet deep gameplay will keep you coming back for more in this timeless motorsports title. Like many of the best Game Boy games, the action doesn't overwhelm the screen. Is Motocross Maniacs more exciting than Excitebike on the NES? Our excited experts say "yes"!

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992)

The Biggest Game Boy Adventure Yet! Just when you thought you knew everything about Mario Land, along comes Six Golden Coins. The dastardly villain Wario (in his first video game appearance) has scattered the coins across Mario Land, and Mario must recover them to defeat Wario and free Mario's Castle. To do so, he will travel through six zones, battling giant ants, ghosts, and much more along the way. You'll encounter a new power up, Bunny Mario, which lets Mario fly through the air just like a bunny!

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

Hoot hoot! Wise old owl here. Welcome to uncharted Koholint Island! I'm afraid you may find it a trifle difficult to leave the island while the Wind Fish naps. Link! It's your quest to explore this island and find the Instruments of the Sirens. Only then can you wake the Wind Fish and return to Hyrule. You'll traverse a rich adventure world similar to your last quest, A Link to the Past on Super NES (TM). Good luck on your journey!

Dr. Mario (1990)

Dr. Mario's coming and he's got the cure! Addictive puzzle action is only a housecall away thanks to Mario's new profession. Fans of Tetris will love exterminating evil virii that have taken up residence in a giant pill bottle! Instead of tetrominoes, you control duo-colored medicine caplets as they fall onto similarly colored virii. If you land four or more of the same color in a row (in any direction), all the blocks of that color disappear—hopefully taking a virus with it. Somebody call the health department!

Pokemon Red Version / Blue Version (1998)

Gotta catch 'em all! Did you know there are over 150 different pokémon lurking out there in the wilderness, and they all need capturing to be happy! That's your task as a 10-year-old pokémon trainer who must explore the world to defeat and capture pokémon. The loveable monsters then join you in the fight against other trainers. Soon you'll become the greatest pokémon trainer in the world! The Red and Blue versions contain nearly identical gameplay, although each includes a handful of pokémon exclusive to each version. To catch 'em all, trade with your friends over a Game Boy Link Cable (TM)!

Wario Land II (1998)

"Arrgh! Wario here! Captain Syrup and the Black Sugar Gang have stolen my precious treasures! I'll get them back if it's the last thing I do!" That's right, Wario, and we're going to help you on your quest. In Wario Land II, you'll explore Wario's castle, the bottom of the sea, and a mysterious factory while collecting shiny, wonderful loot. Unlike Super Mario games, Wario cannot be defeated by touching an enemy. Instead, some enemies change Wario's appearance in a way that might help or hinder his progress. Sometimes greed does pay off!

Donkey Kong (1994)

The big ape is at it again! Donkey Kong has kidnapped Mario's girlfriend, Pauline, and carried her to the construction site. Mario must climb ladders and jump his way to the top to secure her rescue. But wait! Unlike the classic arcade title, Donkey Kong has more tricks up his sleeve. He's set complex traps and puzzles for Mario to conquer. Every door needs a key, and Mario must find it. Over the course of 10 worlds, this gonzo gorilla will lead Mario through the big city, the jungle, and even an airplane. Even better, plug this cartridge into the Super Game Boy (TM) on your Super NES (TM) system to see it in explosive color!

Gargoyle's Quest (1990)

Spooky flying fun! In this spin-off of Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins, you'll play as Firebrand, a powerful gargoyle whose destiny is to become the Red Blaze by defeating King Breager in the Ghoul Realm. You'll jump, shoot, fly, and climb walls in your quest through graphically detailed worlds accompanied by an incredible musical score. Watch out for the Mesa Ghouls and Twin Marrs who want to take down Firebrand at every turn! It's all part of one of Game Boy's (TM) most overlooked platformers.

Tetris (1989)

From Russia with Fun! Blocks keep falling, and it's your Cold War job to put them in line. Rotate the tetrominoes as they descend, and if you fill up a line, it disappears and your score increases. Just like the Berlin Wall! Tetris serves up addictive and challenging gameplay on the go for all ages—even Woz loves it! Link up with a friend and face off in a cascade of tumbling fun. Game Boy (TM) would not feel like Game Boy (TM) without this challenging Game Pak (TM), which comes included with every Game Boy (TM) system. Power on, my friends. Happy playing!

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