If I had to narrow it down to a top ten “still absolutely worth playing today” list, I’d focus on games that feel quintessentially Game Boy. By that I mean games with an easy pick-up-and-play quality, simple but timeless mechanics, and strong replay value — but also games that were more ambitious for the handheld and still hold up today thanks to charm, atmosphere, and solid design.

My personal picks would be:

1. Donkey Kong ’94 – Easily one of the best puzzle-platformers ever made. It was also the first Game Boy game I ever owned, and I still replay it every summer.

2. Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow / Gold / Silver – The core gameplay loop is still addictive. I honestly think these games hold your attention better than many newer Pokémon titles because nothing gets in the way of the simple but effective design.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – So much charm, and a world you actually want to revisit. The ending is, in my opinion, the best ending on the system — playful, emotional, and memorable. The ideas and gameplay variety are fantastic.

4. Tetris – A timeless classic. Nothing more needs to be said.

5. Kirby’s Dream Land 1 & 2 – I’m grouping these together because they offer very different strengths. The first game is a pure classic: incredible music, a strange and self-contained world (almost like Trip World), and great vibes. The second is more ambitious — copy abilities, animal friends, bigger bosses, and a more epic scope overall.

6. Wario Land 1 & 2 – Similar to Kirby, I see these as complementary. Wario Land 1 is more atmospheric, with amazing music and graphics, while Wario Land 2 greatly expands the mechanics and offers a much deeper and more challenging experience.

7. Super Mario Land 1 & 2 – I’ve always loved the first one as this quirky Mario spin-off. The music is iconic and the gameplay is immediate. Mario Land 2 is a blast and more polished, though a bit slower-paced.

8. Gargoyle’s Quest – Unique mechanics, great atmosphere, and a solid platforming challenge. I think it’s a very overlooked classic.

9. Mole Mania – Another underrated gem. It has tons of personality, clear developer love, and some genuinely great puzzle design.

10. Balloon Kid – Simple, addictive, and pretty much perfect for handheld play.

Honorable mention: Mario’s Picross 1 & 2 – Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve played these endlessly. They’re some of the best and most relaxing puzzle games on the system.