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These 10 Game Boy Color games are standout picks across adventure, platforming, puzzle, stealth and role-playing—not a claim that every game earned a perfect review score or that there is one definitive top 10. Some cartridges work on both original Game Boy and Game Boy Color hardware; check the specific game before buying or playing on original hardware.
10 classic Game Boy Color games to play
The selection below draws on editorial rankings and Nintendo’s catalog, but the order is a practical tour through the library rather than a universal consensus. Nintendo Life’s all-library ranking puts Link’s Awakening DX first and Pokémon Gold and Silver second; its separate first-party list is reader-ranked and may change.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
This color-enhanced edition of the Game Boy adventure retains the original’s compact exploration and distinctive setting, with an additional color dungeon. It is an enhancement of an already acclaimed game, not a wholly different Zelda adventure. Nintendo Life ranks it first in its all-library list, and Nintendo currently includes it in its Australian Switch Classics catalog.
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2. Pokémon Gold and Silver
These paired role-playing games are a natural choice if you want a substantial creature-collecting adventure. They are two versions of the same generation, not separate entries for this list’s purposes. Nintendo Life places them second in its all-library ranking.
#1 Best Overall
- New and high quality.
- Compatible for both US/EU/JAP versions console.
- RPG games can be saved by the battery inside,but Action games have no saving function.
- 108 in 1
- GBC games can't play on the GB game console
3. Wario Land II
For platforming that does not simply repeat the familiar Mario-style formula, Wario Land II offers a distinct approach to movement and challenge. Nintendo’s first-party guide highlights its difference from conventional platformers.
4. Wario Land 3
This platform-puzzle adventure is built around stages and paths that can be revisited. Its structure gives exploration and problem-solving a larger role than simply reaching the end of a level. Nintendo currently lists it in its Switch Classics catalog in Australia.
Rank #2
- New and high quality
- Compatible for both US/EU/JAP versions console.
- RPG games can be saved by the battery inside,but Action games have no saving function.
- 61 in 1
- GBC games can't play on the GB game console
5. Shantae
Developed by WayForward and published by Capcom, Shantae is a late Game Boy Color platform adventure. It adds a different flavor to a list otherwise anchored by Nintendo’s own familiar franchises.
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This handheld stealth game takes a different perspective from the PlayStation Metal Gear Solid. Treat it as its own portable entry rather than assuming it is the same game or making claims about its place in the series’ canon.
Rank #3
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
7. Tetris DX
Tetris DX brings the recognizable block-stacking puzzle to color, with additional modes and a save feature described by the cited coverage. It is a strong pick for short sessions, and Nintendo currently lists it in its Australian Switch Classics catalog.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
If you want another Zelda adventure in a different setting, Oracle of Seasons is a useful alternative to Link’s Awakening DX. Nintendo includes it in its current Australian Switch Classics catalog. The catalog also lists Oracle of Ages.
Rank #4
- New and high quality.
- Compatible for both US/EU/JAP versions console.
- RPG games can be saved by the battery inside,but Action games have no saving function.
- 30 in 1
- GBC games can't play on the GB game console
9. Pokémon Trading Card Game
This is the card-battle alternative to Pokémon’s creature-collecting RPGs. It appears in Nintendo Life’s all-library guide and Nintendo’s current Australian Switch Classics catalog, making it a good choice if you prefer building and using a deck to exploring an RPG world.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors10. Dragon Warrior III
The Game Boy Color version is an ambitious role-playing game with additions to earlier versions, as described by GameSpot. It rounds out the list with a traditional RPG option beyond Pokémon.
Which game fits the way you want to play?
| Game | Best fit | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|---|
| Link’s Awakening DX | Compact adventure | Color-enhanced Game Boy adventure with an added color dungeon |
| Pokémon Gold and Silver | Creature-collecting RPG | Two versions of one generation; listed as a pair here |
| Wario Land II | Unconventional platforming | A distinct alternative to conventional Mario-style play |
| Wario Land 3 | Platforming and puzzles | Stages with revisitable paths |
| Shantae | Platform adventure | Late GBC entry developed by WayForward and published by Capcom |
| Metal Gear Solid (GBC) | Stealth | Handheld entry with a different perspective from the PlayStation game |
| Tetris DX | Short puzzle sessions | Color, additional modes and a save feature |
| Oracle of Seasons | Zelda adventure | Another adventure option alongside Link’s Awakening DX |
| Pokémon Trading Card Game | Card battles | Deck-based play rather than a creature-collecting RPG |
| Dragon Warrior III | Traditional role-playing | Ambitious GBC RPG with additions to earlier versions |
How to play these games now
Nintendo Switch Online catalog
Nintendo Australia’s Game Boy Classics page lists selected Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles available through its Switch application and says a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required. Its current listing includes Link’s Awakening DX, Tetris DX, Wario Land 3, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons and Pokémon Trading Card Game, but not every game in this article. Catalog availability is regional and can change, so check the current page for your region: Nintendo Australia’s Game Boy Classics catalog.
Original cartridges
Original cartridges are a secondhand collecting option, but their condition and authenticity depend on the seller. Before purchasing, check the seller’s record, clear cartridge photos, region and stated condition; do not assume a listing is authentic based on its title alone. Confirm the game’s hardware compatibility as well: the library includes both dual-compatible cartridges and titles intended for Game Boy Color. Nintendo Life’s all-library guide and reader-ranked first-party list offer additional editorial perspectives, while GameSpot’s GBC feature discusses titles including Dragon Warrior III.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
