10. Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble GBC

Released in 2000 in Japan and the following year in North America, this GBC spin-off never came to PAL shores, at least not until it was added to Nintendo Switch Online in June 2023. The cartridge included a tilting sensor which enabled you to control Kirby by rolling him around levels, guiding him to the goal.

Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble isn't ground-breaking, but it's a fun Kirby curio and worth playing if you can track it down. Make sure you're playing it in a regular GBC or GBA, though — the accelerometer doesn't like being held upside down in a GBA SP, and you won't get very far plugging it into a Game Boy Player, either. Thankfully, the version on Switch uses that console's gyro sensors.

9. Bionic Commando: Elite Forces GBC

A Capcom series this may be, but Nintendo licensed it as the debut project for Nintendo Software Technology, its US-based team.

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces wasn't a bad little game, either. It has some problems (a few dull boss battles, forgettable music, and it could use a few more of the well-put-together sniper sections), but for the most part it's an entertaining, challenging title with enough swinging action to keep you busy for some time.

Once cleared it may be a while before you feel the urge to go back to it, but it's a decent entry in Capcom's series and a good choice for people who consider jumping overrated. Not a bad start for NST.

8. Crystalis GBC

Developed by SNK before it became the fighting game factory of the 1990s, Crystalis made quite an impression on the NES when it was released in 1990, and this Game Boy Color remake — coded by Nintendo Software Technology, no less — is viewed by many fans as a step backwards. Sweeping plot changes are involved, and there's a whole new soundtrack. The visuals are also a little cramped due to the Game Boy Color's smaller display.

Even so, it's still one of the best RPGs on Nintendo's handheld, and if you're approaching it having never played the NES original (which is on the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection on Switch, by the way, and also features in the Nintendo Switch Online subscription lineup), then you'll find plenty to enjoy.

7. Game & Watch Gallery 3 GBC

Co-developed between TOSE and Nintendo, Game & Watch Gallery 3 mostly sticks to the formula of its predecessors, and it does a fine job of offering up some simple handheld gaming classics in a more convenient form, with a large number of games and a good, varied selection to boot.

There are a lot of things to unlock for those willing to put the time in, and if you manage to get everything, you can always revisit any of the titles to improve your scores. Definitely worth a look for G&W fans.

6. Game & Watch Gallery 2 GBC

As with the first game on Game Boy, Game & Watch Gallery 2 features a collection of several highly addictive score-based games. There's a lot to do, and with both faithful ports and remakes being included in the same package, you're sure to be entertained for a while as you attempt to earn all the stars available.

And after that, maybe you can go in for seconds with the super hard difficulties.

5. Tetris DX GBC

It's Tetris, in colour — what's not to like? The colour helped differentiate the pieces and a couple of new modes were added, plus a save feature, but this was really just the original Game Boy entry with added hues.

In any other case that might feel like a disappointment, but a quick bash on Tetris DX is enough to make you forget you've played it for hundreds of hours before in black and white green.

4. Wario Land 3 GBC

Like Wario Land II before it, Wario Land 3 is, in some ways, more of a puzzle game than an action game and it's essential to know going in that this is very different from a standard Mario platformer.

The Wario concept was refined further in this third entry, with a ton of stages and different paths making it easily the biggest Wario Land in terms of scope. If you enjoyed the previous adventure, then this generously expanded outing is likely to please you even more. If this is your first Wario Land, you absolutely must try it.

And if the previous one wasn't your cup of tea? Waaaaaaaaaaaaah!

3. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe GBC

At the time, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe felt like something a bit special. This handheld port offered not only a great version of the original game, but also packed in The Lost Levels, plus bespoke red coin collecting challenges and minigames to enjoy which almost made up for the reduced view of the Mushroom Kingdom on the Game Boy Color's diminutive screen.

For some reason, one thing that sticks in our memories is the Calendar. The ability to look into the dim and distant future — or look back and see the exact day of the week we were born — felt like witchcraft back in those pre-millennium days.

Or it did to us! Perhaps we'd melted our brain a bit by playing too much Super Mario Bros. in the back of the car.

2. Wario Land II GBC

Released in both monotone and 'Color' versions, big fans of the first game might lament Wario Land II's sudden and significant change in gameplay, but it'll surely grow on you if you give it a try.

Its unique new features and approach to platforming turn the series in a wildly different direction from the Mario games — Wario forges ahead and creates his own bespoke platforming path that's equally entertaining in its own way.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX GBC

Link's Awakening is a game of contrasts: sadness and joy, bleakness and whimsy, dream and reality, confusion and comfort. Its success lies in its ability to balance these contradictory elements with tight, compelling gameplay and a timeless presentation.

The extra dungeon and other features of this DX version don't add up a huge amount over the original monochromatic release, but it's still a mighty fine game enhanced by the upgraded console's colour palette.

Grezzo's Switch remake might have prettified Koholint Island, but the joyous, quirky characters, melancholy, and beauty of Link's first portable adventure were there right from the very beginning. If you own a Game Boy Color or have any other way to access it — like, say, a Nintendo Switch — this game is essential.