The Best Game Boy Color Games of All Time

Released in 1998, the Game Boy Color (GBC) was the first handheld gaming console to feature a color screen rather than monochrome. Combined with the original, the Game Boy Color sold a whopping 118.60 million units worldwide. Here is our list of the 10 best Game Boy Color games.

Be sure to also check out our game rankings for the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS handheld systems!

Dive into the enchanting world of Sequin Land with Shantae, a magical platforming adventure starring the half-genie, half-human heroine. Embark on a quest to defeat the wicked Risky Boots and save Sequin Land from destruction. Shantae’s unique abilities, including her iconic hair whip attack and transformative dances, add depth and variety to the gameplay.

The game’s stunning visuals, catchy music, and engaging level design have earned it a dedicated fanbase. Shantae’s debut on the GameBoy Color showcases the system’s potential for captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and platforming excellence.

Step into the mischievous shoes of Wario in Wario Land 3 and embark on a hilarious and unpredictable platforming adventure. As Wario, you explore a vast, interconnected world of secrets and treasures. Each level presents unique challenges and puzzles that require Wario’s distinct abilities.

The game’s non-linear structure encourages exploration, and the quirky humor woven throughout adds to the overall enjoyment. Wario Land 3’s clever level design, diverse power-ups, and charismatic anti-hero protagonist make it a standout title that showcases the GameBoy Color’s capabilities and offers hours of entertaining gameplay.

10. Mario Tennis

Serve, volley, and smash your way to victory in the lively and fun-filled Mario Tennis. Join Mario and an array of colorful characters from the Mushroom Kingdom as you compete in thrilling tennis matches across various courts. The game offers different modes, including singles, doubles, and a story-driven RPG mode.

With its accessible gameplay, intuitive controls, and charming visuals, Mario Tennis captures the spirit of the sport while injecting it with a delightful Mario twist. Gather your friends for multiplayer matches or take on challenging tournaments solo – Mario Tennis guarantees a smashing good time.

Join Donkey Kong and his trusty sidekick, Diddy Kong, on an unforgettable platforming adventure in Donkey Kong Country for the GameBoy Color. Explore vibrant levels, defeat enemies, and collect bananas as you strive to reclaim your stolen banana hoard from the wicked King K. Rool. The game boasts impressive visuals and smooth animations that push the limits of the GameBoy Color’s capabilities.

With its tight controls, challenging levels, and memorable characters, Donkey Kong Country stands as a testament to the platforming excellence that Rareware was known for. Brace yourself for a wild and exciting journey through Donkey Kong’s world’s lush jungles and treacherous obstacles.

8. Pokémon Puzzle Challenge

Pokémon Puzzle Challenge offers a delightful twist to the traditional puzzle genre, combining it with the beloved world of Pokémon. Solve challenging puzzles in various modes, including Puzzle and engrossing Challenge modes. As you progress, you’ll encounter iconic Pokémon characters and trainers, adding an extra layer of excitement.

The game’s addictive gameplay, colorful visuals, and catchy music make it a joy to play. Whether you’re a fan of Pokémon or enjoy puzzle games, Pokémon Puzzle Challenge provides hours of entertainment and brain-teasing fun.

Get ready for stealthy action and intense espionage in Metal Gear Solid for the GameBoy Color. As Solid Snake, you are tasked with infiltrating enemy territories and uncovering a sinister plot. Use stealth tactics, gadgets, and thrilling boss battles to complete your missions.

Despite the limitations of the hardware, Metal Gear Solid captures the essence of the acclaimed franchise, offering a compelling storyline, strategic gameplay, and memorable characters. While it may not possess the same graphical fidelity as its console counterparts, Metal Gear Solid on the GameBoy Color showcases the system’s ability to deliver a satisfying stealth experience on the go.

Prepare for a grand adventure on the mysterious Koholint Island in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX. As Link, you awaken on the island and must find a way to escape by reviving the Wind Fish. Navigate through dungeons, solve puzzles, and engage in thrilling battles as you uncover the island’s secrets.

This enhanced version of the classic GameBoy game features color graphics, additional content, and new challenges. The game’s charming characters, immersive world, and the sense of discovery it evokes have endeared it to players for decades.

Link’s Awakening DX is a captivating and whimsical entry in the Zelda series that showcases the GameBoy Color’s capabilities and delivers an unforgettable gaming experience.

Experience the excitement and strategy of the Pokémon Trading Card Game on your GameBoy Color with Pokémon Trading Card Game. Step into the shoes of a new trainer as you battle your way through opponents to become the Pokémon Trading Card Game Champion. Collect cards, build decks, and refine strategies to outwit your adversaries.

The game features an engaging single-player campaign where you can challenge eight club masters, each specializing in a specific type of Pokémon cards. Pokémon Trading Card Game successfully captures the essence of the physical card game while providing a convenient and accessible way to enjoy it on the go.

With its addictive gameplay, strategic depth, and the thrill of collecting rare cards, this game is a gem for Pokémon fans and card game enthusiasts.

4. Pokémon Gold/Silver

Embark on a thrilling Pokémon journey through the Johto region in Pokémon Gold/Silver, where your goal is to collect Gym Badges, defeat the Elite Four, and become the Pokémon Champion. These games expanded the Pokémon universe with new Pokémon species, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a captivating storyline. The day and night cycle adds a touch of realism and affects Pokémon encounters.

At the same time, the ability to travel to the original Kanto region after completing Johto provides an abundance of content. The introduction of breeding allows you to create your own Pokémon teams and adds a new layer of strategy.

Pokémon Gold/Silver received widespread acclaim for its immersive gameplay, captivating storytelling, and the joy of catching and training a diverse range of Pokémon.

Get ready to relive the classic adventures of everyone’s favorite plumber in Super Mario Bros. Deluxe. With improved graphics and exciting new features, this game brings the beloved Super Mario Bros. to the GameBoy Color in style.

Take control of Mario as he sets out to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the notorious Bowser. The game includes the original Super Mario Bros. and introduces the challenging Challenge mode, offering custom-designed levels to put your platforming skills to the test. The multiplayer modes enabled through the GameBoy Color’s link cable provide endless fun as you compete against friends.

Super Mario Bros. Deluxe is a must-play for fans of classic platforming, with its addictive gameplay, iconic power-ups, and the ability to create and save your own levels.

2. Pokémon Crystal

For trainers seeking a thrilling Pokémon adventure, Pokémon Crystal is the definitive choice. Set in the enchanting Johto region, your objective is to become the ultimate Pokémon Champion. This enhanced Pokémon Gold/Silver version introduces new features such as animated sprites, the option to play as a female character, and the iconic Battle Tower.

With the addition of a real-time clock, the game feels alive as events change based on the time of day. The deeper storyline involving the legendary Pokémon Suicune adds an extra layer of intrigue. Pokémon Crystal’s addictive gameplay, the joy of collecting and battling Pokémon, and the thrill of exploring a vast and immersive world make it a timeless favorite among trainers worldwide.

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through time with The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons. In Oracle of Ages, you’ll guide Link through puzzles and dungeons as he seeks to save the Oracle of Ages and defeat the wicked sorceress, Veran. In Oracle of Seasons, Link’s mission is to rescue the land of Holodrum from the clutches of the menacing General Onox.

Both games offer unique gameplay mechanics and a captivating storyline that will keep you hooked. The interconnected nature of the two games, with the ability to transfer passwords and unlock unique content, adds an extra layer of depth and excitement. With their challenging puzzles, epic quests, and enchanting worlds, Oracle of Ages/Seasons are true masterpieces that no GameBoy Color collection should be without.