Two editors battle each other for Switch’s top Game Boy games.
With the latest Nintendo Direct safely in your rearview mirror, I wanted to share some thoughts on the new consoles that have been added to the NSO service.riffon Skip and Shannon: UNDISPUTEDThe popular sports debate show Neal Ronaghan and Jordan Rudek line up to share the top five Gameboy games currently available, honorable mentions, and two anticipated titles. criticized, and Jordan would return the same to Neil. *Nintendo Switch Click*
Jordan Rudek Top 5
5. Gargoyle’s Quest
Neal’s Take: I fiddled with putting this before Link’s Awakening, to be honest, mainly because Gargoyle’s Quest is really great.
4. Metroid II: Return of Samus
Neal’s take: I respect this. This is mostly because after talking to true blue Metroid II superfan Justin Berube about the game a few years ago, I came to appreciate the game again. It’s a janky old Gameboy game, but it’s impressive what it tries to do, even if it’s a little off thanks to the same environments and lack of maps. is a different feel, but it carries a detached tone, especially in the grim silence that hits you in Endgame.
3. Tetris
Neil’s take: I find it very difficult to go back to Game Boy Tetris on a system that has a better version of Tetris on hand. Why play the first Tetris when you can play the best Tetris in Tetris Effect I unlocked some core memory that launches this game but this his 1989 wizard The era of is over.
2. Super Mario Land 2
Neal’s Take: This was the first Gameboy I personally owned. I played it before and after this dozens of times when I was a kid, and every time it’s re-released or I come across a Game Boy copy, I rush to replay it.
1. Link’s Awakening DX
Neal’s Take: I’m worried you don’t have Wario Land 3. Link’s Awakening as a Game Boy game is far more impressive than Link’s Awakening as a Switch game. For me, the glory of this game is how it takes the Game Boy’s limited controls and visuals and makes it sing to the level of the house. Console Zelda game. The story is very good and makes good use of Game Boy’s button placement rules. And if it’s Game Boy graphics and not painterly toy visuals that run at inconsistent frame rates on the Switch, the simpler puzzle design is appealing and not limiting.
Honorable Mention: Game & Watch Gallery 3
Most Anticipated (Announced): Oracle of Ages
Most Anticipated (Unannounced): Pokemon Crystal
Neal Ronahan Top 5
5. Kirby’s Dreamland
Jordan’s take: The reason I didn’t put KDL in my top 5 is because I love the series as a whole. I worked on it being on my list, so I can admit that the charm and simplicity still hold up today, but it just isn’t good enough for me.
4. Gargoyle’s Quest
Jordan’s take: We’re pretty much unanimous on this point, and I’m actually happy that Gargoyle’s Quest got higher ratings than I gave it. The combination of a Zelda II-esque overworld with action platforming and random battles makes for a very enjoyable experience.
3. Link’s Awakening DX
Jordan’s Opinion: I’m baffled that what is considered the best 2D Zelda game isn’t in Neal’s top two. This is a must-see title in the current GB NSO service and will likely remain so for as long as the service exists. Make no mistake, Neil uses a Luigi-sized L here for a year.
2. Wario Land 3
Jordan’s opinion: The third Super Mario Land game was the first Wario Land game, but I still think it’s the best game. Don’t get bogged down in Metroidvania traps and unclear objectives. I was playing Wario Land 3 today and remembered that Wario simply doesn’t feel like bouncing objects that fly into it (guys). Wario’s best impression is, “This game stinks, and so does the top five.”
1. Super Mario Land 2
Jordan’s take: Super Mario Land 2 is a huge improvement over the first game. That alone might be enough to award the crown for this first batch of Game Boy games on Switch. It feels like a home console, a quality few Game Boy games have. I wish there were a few more worlds to explore, but I can’t fault anyone for putting this one in the top spot.
Honorable Mention: Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
Most Anticipated (Announced): The Pokémon Trading Card Game
Most Anticipated (Unannounced): Catrap
Whose Top 5 list is like yours? Check out these Game Boy titles on Switch now and let us know what your list looks like in the comments below!
