5 Game Boy Games We Need In the Nintendo Classics Library, Ranked from Least to Most Essential

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A major benefit of Nintendo Switch Online is the ability to play classic games from older Nintendo consoles. While the newest retro games require the Expansion Pack, all Nintendo Switch Online members can enjoy titles from past generations. The selection of Game Boy and Game Boy Color games available is particularly strong, featuring many fan favorites – though not every classic is included.

The Nintendo Switch Online Classics Library is a great way to play classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games, including popular titles like Link’s Awakening and lesser-known favorites like Gargoyle’s Quest. However, some essential games are still missing – though Nintendo frequently updates the library, so there’s hope your picks might be added! While it mainly features Nintendo-made games, you can find some third-party titles there as well. Here are the 5 games I’d most like to see added, ranked from least to most important.

5) Harvest Moon GB (Game Boy)

It pains me to say this as a big fan of farming simulations, but the original Harvest Moon feels like the least important game in the Game Boy Classics collection. There are so many excellent farming games available now, including the newer Story of Seasons titles made by the same people who created Harvest Moon. However, many of us fondly remember starting our journey into cozy gaming with the early Harvest Moon games, and it’s important to have the opportunity to play them again.

As a long-time fan, I always remember Harvest Moon GB as the game that brought the farming fun to handhelds! It was only the second Harvest Moon game ever made, so it’s a really important piece of the series’ history. Released back in 1998, it successfully translated everything people loved about the original Harvest Moon into a portable format. They even released a brighter, updated version for the Game Boy Color, and honestly, I’d love to see both versions available on the Nintendo Switch Online – that would be amazing!

4) Metal Gear: Ghost Babel (Game Boy Color)

Released in 2000, this Metal Gear game marked the series’ debut on Nintendo consoles. While it received great reviews when it came out, it’s become a bit forgotten over time because it hasn’t been updated for newer systems. Fortunately, it’s coming to the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 as part of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2, which is why it isn’t higher on this list. Even with its renewed accessibility, it would still be a worthy addition to a collection of classic games.

Initially planned as a handheld version of Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear: Ghost Babel ultimately became its own unique story – and many fans actually prefer it that way. The game captures the exciting stealth action the series is known for, but it’s been hard for players to experience it recently. While it’s getting a re-release in an upcoming collection, Ghost Babel’s quality deserves recognition beyond that – it would be a great addition to the Nintendo Switch Online Classics Library, as one of the best Game Boy Color titles ever made.

3) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Game Boy Color)

I’ve always been amazed by how good the Harry Potter games were on Game Boy. While Chamber of Secrets is my personal favorite, I think Philosopher’s Stone would be the perfect first game to add to the Game Boy Classics Library on Nintendo Switch Online. I really hope they add all of the Harry Potter Game Boy games eventually!

The game launched on PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, and Game Boy Color all at once, but I think the handheld version is the best way to play it – especially for its great pixel art. It’s a role-playing game based on the Harry Potter books, not the movies, which gives fans a detailed and authentic experience of the Wizarding World. While newer Harry Potter games are available, these older titles still have a unique appeal and are worth checking out through the Classics Library.

2) Final Fantasy Adventure (Game Boy)

Released in 1991, this game is special because it’s both a spin-off from the Final Fantasy series and the very first game in the Mana series. That makes it an important part of JRPG history, and a great addition to the Game Boy Classics collection on NSO. While it’s been remade a few times – including Sword of Mana on the GBA in 2003 and Adventures of Mana on mobile in 2016 – the original game is still worth playing as a piece of gaming history and a fun, classic action RPG.

Many players compare the gameplay of Final Fantasy Adventure to the original The Legend of Zelda, as both games feature a mix of exploring dungeons and solving puzzles. In Final Fantasy Adventure, you play as the Hero, who escapes captivity and sets out to defeat the Dark Lord. It’s widely considered one of the best games for the Game Boy and is still enjoyable to play today. While The Legend of Final Fantasy sold more copies in the West, Adventure has held up better over time, making it a great choice to add to the Nintendo Switch Online Classics Library.

1) Pokemon Crystal (Game Boy Color)

With the recent re-releases of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, players are getting a feel for classic Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch, and they’re eager for more. While the Kanto remakes allow a visit to the Johto region, that doesn’t mean we can overlook the Generation 2 games. Pokemon Crystal is especially important, as it was the first game to feature a playable female character and introduced the Battle Tower. While Gold and Silver would be great to have, Crystal is the preferred choice if only one Gen 2 title is made available.

Following up on Pokemon Gold and Silver, Pokemon Crystal made several improvements to the original Johto games. It introduced the option to play as a female character, added animated sprites for Pokemon during battles, expanded the story, and included the Battle Tower. While it wasn’t a huge commercial success when it first came out, Pokemon Crystal was well-received by critics and remains fondly remembered by players. Many would love to see it re-released as part of a classic Game Boy collection, though a standalone remake for HeartGold and SoulSilver seems more probable.

If you could add any Game Boy or Game Boy Color game to the Nintendo Switch Online library of classic games, which one would it be? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-20 16:14