If you’ve been a part of the Nintendo online ecosystem for any amount of time, you know just how dubious it has been. I’ve been a member of that world since the 3DS, and while the current system isn’t nearly as good as what we had with Miiverse and StreetPass, it’s in a pretty good place these days.
Nintendo Switch Online isn’t perfect, but for what it does offer, I think it’s got some pretty good benefits. And when it comes to vintage game offerings, NSO has some of Nintendo’s best legacy systems available.
The Game Boy is one of my favorite handheld systems of all time, and there are quite a few excellent selections to be found on NSO. These games are still worth checking out, and if you’ve got an NSO subscription, then mark them down and jump right in.
10 Wario Land 3
Have A Rotten Day!
I suspect that most people who have become a fan of video games would consider Mario to be a foundational franchise. While I love Mario with all my heart, I can’t help but find his supporting cast to be far more compelling.
That’s especially true in the case of Wario, who has starred in some excellent spin-off titles over the years. And as I wait impatiently for a GameCube NSO drop of Wario World, the next best thing is on Switch in the form of Wario Land 3.
Wario Land 3 is one of the best handheld 2D platformers I’ve ever played, and it’s inclusion on NSO continues to be the reason I’ve put so many hours into the Game Boy app. The sprite work, music, and hilarious rudeness of Wario is simply fabulous.
9 Mario Golf
Nice On!
Although it pains me to no end that Camelot has been relegated exclusively to Mario sports duty for over ten years, it’s hard to argue with how good those games are.
That is especially true in the Game Boy Color version of Mario Golf. Many of the home console versions are easily all-timers, but this was released alongside the N64 version and continues to be one of my favorites.
The prospect of a golfing RPG doesn’t seem that out of left field today, but this was a permanent fixture in my GBC during the early 2000s. The progression systems and freedom which you can explore the game with are still impressive, and it’s well worth booting this one up if you have an NSO subscription.
8 Castlevania Legends
What Is A Man? A Miserable Pile Of Secrets!
One of the key reasons I begged my parents to buy me a Game Boy back in the 1990s was Castlevania Legends. The Castlevania franchise has been one of my favorites for my entire life, and Legends is a great way to experience handheld horror.
It has some of the best music in the franchise, making that quaint Game Boy sound chip work overtime. Iconic tracks like Bloody Tears and Vampire Killer are present and accounted for.
The bite-sized nature of the game also makes it perfect to jump into for a little bit. Levels are not too long, and the pace of the game is brisk enough that you can finish it in a pretty short time.
7 The Legend Of Zelda: Oracle Of Ages
A Zelda Game For The Ages
When it comes to The Legend of Zelda, I’ve always found the handheld games to be excellent, but preferred the home console experiences.
That said, Oracle of Ages is one of my all-time favorite Zelda games. And if you have an NSO subscription, being able to access both this and Oracle of Seasons makes it well worth the price of admission.
It draws quite heavily from A Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening, which is nothing but a good thing. This is one of the best Zelda games you can play on the Switch right now, so be sure to jump into this masterpiece the next time you boot up the Game Boy app on NSO.
6 Metroid II: Return Of Samus
Not Quite Samus Returns, But We’ll Take It!
As strange as it seems, Metroid: Samus Returns is still not on Switch in any capacity. Bummer.
So, until Nintendo wises up, the original version of Metroid II: Return of Samus on Game Boy is the next best thing. The 2017 remake on 3DS may be great, but this is still one of the original Game Boy’s most outstanding titles.
I grew up being absolutely terrified of the dark, cold image of space presented in the older Metroid games. Return of Samus continues that trend, creating feelings of isolation and paranoia that rival some modern horror games.
It marked the beginning of something really special for the series. Samus would go on a generational run, and elements that were introduced in this game would carry over into the future of the franchise.
5 Donkey Kong Land 3
Peak DK Platforming
Nintendo’s iconic ape may have just had a big Switch 2 blowout in the form of Donkey Kong Bananza, but if you’re looking for some of that old Rare charm, look no further.
Donkey Kong Land 3 was a hard game for me to ignore as a kid. The banana-colored yellow cart and the promise of more DKC-style gameplay meant that it was a must-buy.
And revisiting the game today, it feels remarkable for a game of its age. It has that same sense of playfulness and whimsy that Rare is known for.
It really is one of the best 2D platformers you can find on the platform. The level design and music are some of the best in the series.
4 Mega Man V
Jump And Shoot, Man!
The distinction between the classic Mega Man games and the later iterations has always been fascinating to me. There’s a very clear delineation between the old school, appropriately titled ‘jump ‘n shoot’ era and the modern games.
And when it comes to the classic series, I’ve always appreciated the simple, hard-nosed edge of these games. Their design philosophy is simple, but conquering that is always a test of patience and skill.
Mega Man V is one of the most challenging games you can find on the original Game Boy. Enemies hit like trucks, and if you’ve played later Mega Man games that have advanced skills, it can be a bit hard to wrap your head around.
But if you’re looking for a difficult 2D platformer, this is one to look at. It’s well worth putting the time into.
3 Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
The Debut Of Wario
Mario’s expansive list of 3D platformers have become some of my most cherished games, but personally, his handheld adventures have always ranked far higher for me.
So, when Nintendo announced they were adding Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins to the Game Boy app on launch, I was a very happy girl.
This was one of my favorite games as a kid, and I was so pleased to see how well it had held up. Super Mario Land 2 also features the debut of Wario, who would become one of Nintendo’s most beloved anti-heroes.
If you haven’t played this one yet, I highly recommend diving into it. It features some of the franchise’s most outstanding music and the charming story remains one of my favorite Mario adventures.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX
The Greatest Handheld Zelda Game Of All Time
In terms of important Zelda games, it’s hard to argue that Link’s Awakening isn’t among the most influential in the entire series. I went on many road trips with my parents with this game locked and loaded.
And thankfully, Nintendo did the right thing by adding the DX version of Link’s Awakening. The original version is great, but the DX version introduces numerous improvements that make it a much better experience.
The Color Dungeon, photo album, and some new NPCs are just the tip of the iceberg. This is one of the Zelda franchise’s most brilliant entries, and even if you’ve played the incredible remake on Switch, the original version is still a marvelous game that I urge you to go check out.
1 Tetris DX
The Best Way To Play Tetris Today
Tetris is the most ported video game of all time, and is available on nearly every electronic device with a screen you’ve ever owned. And when it comes to the best version of the game’s many ports, I believe the best one is still Tetris DX.
The NES and Game Boy versions of the landmark puzzle game have become staples, even being the main focus of the Classic Tetris World Championship every year. And Tetris DX has a snappy feel to it that other console versions of the era just don’t have.
The way pieces click when you drop them feels better than even some modern versions of Tetris. There’s a certain weight to the pieces that makes the game feel far more playable.
If you have an NSO account and are looking for an addictive puzzle game, Tetris DX will sink its hooks into you immediately.
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Author: 360 Technology Group
