Pokémon Blue Version 1996
Why it still holds upThe loop of catching, training and battling is simple enough to pick up now, and the version differences make trading with friends part of the design.
Game Boy games that still hold up
First released on the Game Boy
Games
Pokémon Blue Version 1996
Why it still holds upThe loop of catching, training and battling is simple enough to pick up now, and the version differences make trading with friends part of the design.
Pokémon Red Version 1996
Why it still holds upA collecting goal, a route past eight gyms and the Elite Four, and a small Kanto map that leaves things to the imagination are the reason to play it now.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening 1993
Why it still holds upIts world still opens as you find items, with dungeons built around them, and that structure keeps it fresh today.
Donkey Kong 1994
Why it still holds upA key, a door and a clock turn every screen into a small puzzle, and Mario's acrobatics are still the tools you solve it with.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins 1992
Why it still holds upIts mix of short levels and a free choice of order suits a quick session now.
Mole Mania 1996
Why it still holds upPlanning where to dig on each screen still takes real thought today.
Super R.C. Pro-Am 1991
Why it still holds upFour players racing small cars on a handheld still make a short, lively game with friends.
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 1994
Why it still holds upA game built on smashing through things stays a fun way to spend a break now.
Tiny Toon Adventures: Babs' Big Break 1992
Why it still holds upThree characters with their own throws still give each level a choice of who to send.
Harvest Moon GB 1997
Why it still holds upA small farm and a simple daily routine still make a relaxed, short session.
Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru 1992
Why it still holds upBattles decided by your stats still make the gear in every chest the thing to look for.
Final Fantasy Adventure 1991
Also known as Mystic Quest
Why it still holds upFighting, shopping and solving dungeon puzzles, with a save at any point, still make a compact adventure.
Monster Max 1994
Why it still holds upRooms that can be reset by leaving and coming back still make each puzzle a matter of trying again.
Donkey Kong Land 2 1996
Why it still holds upThe quest to rescue Donkey Kong is still there to play today, with levels redesigned for the handheld.
Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters 1991
Why it still holds upLevels that scroll every way and doors hiding shops still give each level places to look today.
Final Fantasy Legend II 1990
Also known as SaGa 2
Why it still holds upA journal that records what you learn and a save anywhere outside combat still make it easy to pick up.
Donkey Kong Land III 1997
Why it still holds upTwo Kongs with different abilities and hidden bonuses give each stage reasons to look around today.
Wario Land II 1998
Why it still holds upWith no way to die and no clock, you can explore and work out what each form does at your own pace, even now.
In a bundle
Operation C 1991
Why it still holds upAlternating side and top views over five stages still makes a compact run and gun.
Kirby's Dream Land 2 1995
Why it still holds upStolen powers and three friends with their own abilities leave a lot to try in the stages even now.
Mario's Picross 1995
Why it still holds upRows and columns that confirm each other still turn every picture into a logic puzzle.
Kirby's Block Ball 1995
Why it still holds upA ball with Kirby's powers is easy to understand and still gives each round something to aim at.
Kirby's Dream Land 1992
Why it still holds upSimple controls and a short game still leave little to learn.
Mega Man III 1992
Why it still holds upTwo sets of four Robot Masters and E-Tanks to help with the hard parts still make a compact Mega Man game.
Super Mario Land 1989
Why it still holds upA Mario made for the Game Boy's small screen is still worth seeing.