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

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As a gamer, I’m loving the Nintendo Switch Online Classics Library – it’s awesome to replay games from when I was a kid! Now, getting access to the really good retro stuff, like Game Boy Advance and GameCube games, needs the Expansion Pass. But the Game Boy and Game Boy Color games? Those are included with the regular Nintendo Switch Online membership, which is fantastic. It means I can jump into the games that started some of my favorite series, and even rediscover some hidden gems I totally forgot about – all as part of my subscription.

The Game Boy was first released in 1989, and the Game Boy Color came out nearly a decade later. Both systems have many fantastic games that are still fun to play today. I’ve already shared a list of great Game Boy games, but I grew up playing the Game Boy Color more. So, I’m happy to share another list of my favorite games from that era. If you’re looking for the best Game Boy Color classics available on Nintendo Switch Online, here are 5 you shouldn’t miss.

5) Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble

It’s true that not everyone loves Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble, but a lot of people think it’s one of the best games for the Game Boy Color – and I’d have to agree! How could you resist an action puzzle game where you control adorable Kirby by tilting the system? This game really shows Nintendo’s fondness for motion controls, letting you move Kirby through levels by physically tilting your Game Boy Color (or Switch).

Whether you’ll love or hate Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble really depends on if you enjoy quick-thinking puzzles and using motion controls. It’s worth checking out in the Game Boy Classics collection just to decide for yourself what you think of this unique Kirby game.

4) Survival Kids

Survival games are really popular right now, but the idea isn’t new at all. Back in 1999, a game called Survival Kids came out for the Game Boy Color, and it tasked players with surviving on a deserted island. Made by Konami, Survival Kids included many of the features we now expect from survival games, like managing hunger, thirst, tiredness, and being able to craft items.

Originally released on Game Boy Color, Survival Kids was one of the first games to explore the survival genre. While it may not be as famous as other Nintendo classics, it’s important because it served as the basis for the Lost in Blue series and even inspired a new Survival Kids game coming to the Switch 2 in 2025. It’s definitely worth playing again!

3) Wario Land 3

The Wario Land series started as a spin-off of Super Mario Land in 1994. It quickly became its own series with the release of Wario Land on the Virtual Boy in 1995 (and will return for the 2026 console version). While fans debate which is the best game, Wario Land 3 is often considered a top pick, and it’s currently available to play with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

This time around, Wario lands in a quirky world inside a music box. Players will jump and explore through different levels, finding hidden treasures to unlock the way forward. What makes this game stand out is that Wario doesn’t lose health – you just keep playing until you figure out each level and advance. Combined with its fun and diverse gameplay, Wario Land 3 remains a fantastic game that’s worth playing again today.

2) Mario Tennis

A new Mario Tennis game, Mario Tennis Fever, is available now. But if you’re feeling nostalgic, the original Mario Tennis from Game Boy Color is also available through the Nintendo Switch Online Classics Library. You might not expect a tennis game to be great on a handheld system, but this version is surprisingly well-made, taking full advantage of the Game Boy Color’s features.

The Game Boy Color version of Mario Tennis offers a unique story mode, making it a great game to play on your own. Beyond that, it features a bunch of fun mini-games alongside classic tennis action. If you’re a fan of newer Mario Tennis games, this original version is definitely worth checking out. Many people consider it one of the best games ever made for the Game Boy Color.

1) The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages

I used to be scared of The Legend of Zelda games as a kid, but looking back, they’re some of the best on the Game Boy Color! Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were released around the same time and are connected – they have different gameplay, but share quests and a story that combine to create a larger narrative.

I used to think of these games like the original Pokemon Blue and Red – I only played Oracle of Seasons at first. It’s a faster-paced game, while Ages focuses more on solving puzzles. But both are great to revisit if you want to fully understand the early story of The Legend of Zelda as it originally appeared on the Game Boy Color.

What Game Boy Color game do you love the most? Share your pick in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-21 00:13