5 Great Game Boy Classics On Nintendo Switch Online That Are Actually Worth Revisiting

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The Nintendo Game Boy, released in 1989, is a landmark device in the world of portable gaming. It was the first handheld system to become a global success. While many long-time fans still own the original Game Boy, others enjoy classic games through emulators. Now, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can easily play 45 Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles directly on their Nintendo Switch, and this library is included with a standard subscription – no additional purchase required.

If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can play a growing collection of classic retro games. This includes a great selection of Game Boy titles from Nintendo and some of their partners. New games are added often, which is fantastic, but can make it hard to choose! If you’re looking for a good Game Boy game to replay from the Nintendo Switch Online Classics library, here are 5 of the best. This list focuses on games originally released for the original Game Boy, not the Game Boy Color – I’ll cover those another time, including Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons.

Metroid 2: Return of Samus

The Metroid series is a vital part of Nintendo’s legacy, and Metroid 2 was particularly important. It was the first Metroid game released on a portable console (the original Metroid was on the NES), and it introduced key features that would become staples of the series, like the Space Jump, Spazer Beam, and Spider Ball.

If you’re a fan of Metroid or enjoy classic retro action-adventure games, Metroid II is worth checking out. While it was well-received when it first came out, it doesn’t quite stand the test of time as well as some other Game Boy favorites. The game can be visually dark, and it’s easy to get lost without a clear map. However, the gameplay is still fun, particularly for those interested in seeing the origins of the Metroid series. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, it’s definitely worth playing.

Tetris

You can seriously play Tetris everywhere now, even inside other games like Starsand Island which is kinda wild. But honestly, there’s just something special about playing it on a real handheld. I recently fired up the Game Boy version through Nintendo Switch Online, and it still holds up – definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan!

Tetris was incredibly popular on the original Game Boy, becoming one of its best-selling games ever. You can still enjoy the classic black and white version, or the updated Tetris DX, through Nintendo Switch Online. Whenever you’re looking for a great puzzle game, remember that Tetris is available to play.

Donkey Kong Land

I have a lot of great memories playing the original Donkey Kong on Game Boy. This version, which came out in 1995, was a portable update of the classic NES Donkey Kong Country. For a handheld side-scrolling game, it’s really well-made. You can play as either Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong, and each has different abilities. Plus, swinging from vines and ropes is just fun, even in a 2D game!

While not the very first Donkey Kong on Game Boy, Donkey Kong Land and its sequels are definitely the most enjoyable to play today. The graphics were impressive for their time, and the game features catchy, upbeat music. It offers a diverse range of levels, though it can become quite difficult as you progress. If you’re looking for a challenging platformer or want to experience a classic Donkey Kong game, this is a great choice from the Nintendo Switch Online library.

Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters

I still think about Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters for the original Game Boy – it’s seriously one of the best games on that system! It’s a classic side-scrolling platformer, and it plays a lot like the first Kid Icarus game on the NES. You play as Pit, a young angel, and basically have to fight your way up from the depths of the underworld to the sky. It’s a really fun adventure!

The game Kid Icarus draws inspiration from Greek mythology, both in its story and the design of its levels, which are filled with classic Greek architecture like statues and columns. The game is based on the myth of Icarus, and players will meet several Greek Gods during their adventure. While many other Nintendo games have received sequels and updates, Kid Icarus hasn’t had a new version in a long time. Despite this, it remains a distinctive and enjoyable platformer that’s worth playing.

Kirby’s Dream Land

As a huge Kirby fan, it’s amazing to think back to where it all began! Unlike most Nintendo heroes who were already established, Kirby’s Dream Land was actually the very first game to introduce us to Kirby and his world. It really set the stage for everything we love about the series – like floating around by inhaling air and, of course, swallowing enemies! Even though the original game is pretty short with only five levels, it’s still a ton of fun to play and see how it all started.

Kirby’s Dream Land is a standout title from the original Game Boy. It’s easy to pick up and play, making it great for beginners, but still offers a challenge for experienced gamers. While later Kirby games expanded on the series’ ideas, Dream Land was the first – and remains a fantastic choice for Nintendo fans looking for a classic side-scrolling platformer on Nintendo Switch Online.

Enjoy playing classic games on Nintendo Switch Online? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-16 01:11