The original Game Boy was one of the most popular video game consoles in the world for almost a decade. The Nintendo product debuted a multitude of titles, some of which are highly regarded for their significance in video game history. Although some of the titles for the original Game Boy received slight upgrades for future Game Boy devices or were featured through services on different consoles, very few have made their way to the Nintendo Switch.
Fans have long been clamoring for Nintendo to bolster their retro game catalog on the Nintendo Switch, and, should they eventually make original Game Boy titles available, these should be among the very first to debut on the system.
The Adventures of Star Saver
Released in Japan in 1991 and in Europe and North America shortly after, The Adventures of Star Saver is an exhilarating platformer that has not received any new treatment since the days of the Game Boy. This is despite its enjoyable gameplay features, which include a variety of mech power-ups and interesting enemies.
The game also features an incredible soundtrack as well as fun interstellar and sci-fi environments. The title would be an excellent addition to the Switch's retro catalogue, and it would please many fans who played the game decades ago and would like to again on a new console.
Kirby's Dream Land (1 & 2)
Now one of the most recognizable video game characters in the world, Kirby debuted in Kirby's Dream Land. This game and its sequel are still very playable today, featuring fun character models and similar features to the ones in recent Kirby games.
These two titles appeared on the 3DS Virtual Console along with several other games bearing the protagonist's name. Kirby is now a staple of Nintendo consoles, even being one of the best characters in Super Smash Bros. 64. With such a long history with the company, it is only fair that these two games are added to the Switch's library.
The Sword of Hope
The Sword of Hope is unlike many other Game Boy titles in its presentation. It is a first-person adventure that uses turn-based combat. The medieval setting lends itself well to the style of the game, making it feel similar to a tabletop RPG in many ways, and this presentation allows the game to feel fresh even 30 years after its release.
The focus of the game is more on the story than the visual elements. The Sword of Hope is slightly divisive among players; many admire its storytelling, while others consider it repetitive. Regardless, it is a classic game that deserves a place on the Switch.
Gargoyle's Quest: Ghosts 'n Goblins
At first glance, Gargoyle's Quest: Ghosts 'n Goblins appears to be similar to many other side-scrolling platformers on the Game Boy. However, it adds interesting elements that change up the format. For instance, the ability to fly for a period of time adds a fascinating feature to the gameplay.
The protagonist and enemies are well-designed, and additional power-ups for the main character make the title even more engrossing. The game has received additional attention in the past, but it has not yet been brought to the Switch.
Gradius: The Interstellar Assault
A non-stop assault of side-scrolling space shooter action, Gradius: The Interstellar Assault is an incredibly exciting title from the original Game Boy console. Flying a ship through space, the player must destroy a variety of enemies in a nearly constantly side-scrolling adventure.
While other titles in the series are available on the Switch, this Game Boy title is not. The consistent action is thrilling and necessitates that the player is fully focused on the task at hand. Although the graphics are not as advanced as those of other games in the series, this adds an element of charm to the intense game.
Super Mario Land (1 & 2)
The original Super Mario Bros. is considered one of the best Mario games in the franchise. Although the features of Super Mario Land are similar to this game, it marks the title character's first time on a handheld console.
With this came more limited graphics, but, while some may view this as less optimal than other classic Mario games, it can also be seen as an important milestone in the character's journey. Both games are incredibly charming and are still every bit as playable as they were in the early late 80s and early 90s. They are not yet on the Switch, but many Mario fans would be delighted to see these classic games pop up there.
Battle Unit Zeoth
A sci-fi game about saving the world from evil aliens, Battle Unit Zeoth is a great title that does not require a lot of time to master. There are multitudes of enemies that attack the mecha main character, but they are mostly easy to defeat. Its relative lack of difficulty results in a fairly short experience, but it is quite enjoyable, nonetheless.
With many power-ups located throughout the game, the mecha continues to get more powerful and defeat enemies more easily. It is an interesting look back into early games of this sort, and it would surely please many players to see it on the Switch.
Castlevania Legends
The long-running Castlevania series has several Game Boy entries. Castlevania Legends may not be the most beloved game of the series and may not canonically be a part of the universe of the other games, but it has its merits. In addition, the other Game Boy games Castlevania The Adventure and Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge were both included in the Switch's Castlevania Anniversary Collection, but Legends has been left behind.
With Castlevania being a multi-media franchise, there is a great opportunity to introduce or reintroduce a large audience to one of the earlier games in the series.
Pokémon (Red, Blue, & Yellow)
The Pokémon franchise is now one of the biggest in the world, but, back in 1996, the first games of the series were released in Japan, albeit under slightly different titles. Red & Blue were released first, with Yellow, perhaps the best Pokemon game from Generation I, being released soon after.
These games were available on the 3DS Virtual Console, but access through Nintendo's most current console would please many longtime fans. Although Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! are available on the Switch and both take place in the Kanto region, players would love to go back to where it all started.
Tail 'Gator
A more obscure title from the Game Boy, Tail 'Gator has largely been forgotten by time. Its gameplay, however, is undeniably enjoyable, and the main character is lovable. Tail 'Gator makes use of its environments wonderfully, with some interesting features coming from moving around in the water as opposed to land.
This game is less well known than many other titles from the original Game Boy, but its inclusion on the Switch would be a delight to the fans who remember and still love Tail 'Gator.