The complete guide to Game Boy games on Nintendo Switch Online
The news that Nintendo would be adding Game Boy games to the Nintendo Switch Online service was very welcome. Although widely beloved back at the time of its original release, Nintendo’s chunky handheld tends to go somewhat underappreciated these days — and that’s a real shame, because it plays host to some of Nintendo’s finest games.
Don’t let the low-res visuals put you off — many Game Boy games are supremely playable and enormously compelling, so if you’re yet to explore its library, the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy app is a great means of doing so.
Don’t forget to also check out our guides to the NES, SNES, N64 and Mega Drive games available on the Nintendo Switch Online service!
Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
Ambitious Game Boy Colour port of one of the many reboots of the classic survival horror franchise. Surprisingly solid.
BurgerTime Deluxe
Reimagining of the classic Data East arcade game. Cute, accessible and highly playable, this is a great example of how arcade ports to Game Boy were often handled.
Game & Watch Gallery 3
Compilation of minigames based on Nintendo’s range of classic standalone LCD handhelds. Great for quick play sessions and score chasing.
Gargoyle’s Quest
Ghosts ‘n Goblins spinoff from Capcom in which you play Firebrand the demon. Features both platformer and top-down RPG-style sequences.
Kirby’s Dream Land
The first ever Kirby game, and a charming platformer in its own right. While it lacks some features of later Kirby games, it still offers a fun, substantial challenge.
Kirby’s Dream Land 2
The third Kirby game, featuring the ability to copy abilities from certain enemies plus some animal friends to help you out on some stages!
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
Game Boy Colour port of the fan-favourite 2D Zelda that was remade for Switch in 2019. An essential.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
Prequel to the classic Super Metroid. Solid exploratory platforming that introduced many Metroid series staples such as Space Jump and Spazer Beam.
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
One of the best, most underappreciated 2D Mario games, and the origin point of Wario. An essential play for Mario fans.
Tetris
The game that sold a bajillion Game Boys. This is the classic puzzler in its purest form, without modern additions such as piece holding, T-spins, combos and suchlike.
Wario Land 3
Puzzle platformer in which Mario’s great rival can obtain abilities not only from power-ups, but also from taking “damage” from enemies.
The Game Boy app for Nintendo Switch Online is available for free to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service.
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