10 classic Game Boy games we really, really want to see on Nintendo Switch Online
Will we be seeing this absolute corker of a Game Boy game head to Switch? (eBay/Nintendo)
We could be seeing Game Boy and Game Boy Colour titles on Nintendo Switch Online, if the rumours are true.
The service has been going for three years but so far only NES and SNES games have been added, with players hoping for more systems to join the party.
It looks like the Game Boy could be next, according to Nintendo Life sources.
It stems from a 2019 datamine that revealed four emulators inside the NES app, likely pertaining to other Nintendo consoles.
With that in mind, then, which Game Boy and Game Boy Colour titles are we most excited to play? Here’s a list of nostalgic classics we miss.
Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins
Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. (Nintendo)
While the first Super Mario Land launched with the Game Boy in 1989, its far superior follow-up was released in 1992. Featuring chunky sprites and six memorable worlds, it still stands up as an exceptional and challenging platformer. What’s more, it introduced the world to Wario, Mario’s rival, as its main antagonist. Speaking of whom…
Wario Land 3
Wario Land 3. (Nintendo)
It was on the Game Boy consoles that Wario really hit his stride with the Wario Land series. Playing as Mario’s burlier rival means a more aggressive style of play: shunting into enemies, throwing them, and smashing bricks with a shoulder charge. Levels are slower paced and take a more puzzle-focused approach, with the greedy anti-hero seeking as many coins as possible. Wario Land 3, released on the Game Boy Colour in 2000, is considered the pinnacle of the series.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages / Seasons
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages. (Nintendo)
It’s practically a given that Link’s Awakening will appear on Nintendo Online, least of all as an opportunity to experience the original version of the game before its Switch remake in 2019. But it’s the Capcom developed Oracle of Ages and Seasons that deserve the spotlight: two clever and underappreciated Zelda games that connect together Pokémon style to see everything they have to offer.
Pokémon Red / Blue
Pokémon Red. (Nintendo)
As for the Pokémon series, a return to the original Red and Blue games would certainly be a nostalgia hit and a chance for younger gamers to experience the origins of the series. Perhaps Nintendo could also throw in Yellow so we can have a Pikachu following us around? Either way, having these titles on Switch would certainly make nuzlockes easier to stream.
Tetris DX
Tetris DX. (Nintendo)
For many, the Game Boy is synonymous with Tetris. The quintessential puzzle game, Tetris has been released across dozens of consoles in dozens of iterations, but it’s the Game Boy launch title that is remembered so fondly. To this day it remains in the top ten best selling games in history. Tetris on Nintendo Online, especially it’s colourful Tetris DX edition on Game Boy Colour, is a no-brainer.
Metroid II: Return of Samus
Metroid II: Return of Samus. (Nintendo)
Metroid Dread, arriving in a month’s time on Switch, is the first original 2D Metroid game in 19 years. It follows a string of remakes, including Metroid: Samus Returns – a 3DS remake of the Game Boy sequel. The first handheld Metroid game, Metroid II: Return of Samus was ahead of its time and tricky to play on a small screen. A Switch release would further underline support for the series that’s currently at an all-time high.
Super Mario Bros Deluxe
Super Mario Bros Deluxe. (Nintendo)
A new console means a whole host of new Mario games. Adding the Game Boy consoles to Nintendo Online is no exception, so expect to see Super Mario Bros Deluxe as a key addition. And with good reason: an enhanced re-release of the original NES game, it showed off the bright colors of the new Game Boy Colour system and brought a number of tweaks to make this the definitive way to experience Mario’s first adventure.
Mario Tennis
Mario Tennis. (Nintendo)
Of course, Mario games means more than just platformers. And after the disappointing Mario Tennis and Mario Golf games on Switch, this innovative little handheld sports title deserves the spotlight. That’s largely for its single player RPG mode that sees players levelling up to eventually beat the top player in the land: Mario, naturally.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid. (Konami)
This little known gem proves the Metal Gear series is more than just the PlayStation greats. Harking back to the top-down origins of the series, it’s a standalone game that adds elements from the PS1 classic to a typical tale of Solid Snake infiltrating an enemy base and dispatching a host of quirky bosses. It’s not considered canon to the series, so beyond its original release it stands to be lost to history despite being one of the Game Boy Colour’s most critically acclaimed titles.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong. (Nintendo)
We’re all aware of the original Donkey Kong arcade game in which Mario, known as Jumpman, saved Pauline from the titular skyscraper-climbing ape. Yet the 1994 Game Boy release expanded the initial concept to 101 stages with enhanced gameplay that took the arcade original in wild new directions. To this day, it remains a one of a kind experience.
For more gaming news, follow Gaymeo on Facebook and Twitter. You can also email us with any news or tips on [email protected]
