Highlights of the Game Boy Virtual Console Games

The Game Boy had a lot - a lot - of good games over the decade that it was on general sale. Perhaps you’re reading these pages and wondering where you can find some of these classics today, to relive some of your past glories? Well, good news, it’s not all second-hand shops and eBay; you can buy them directly onto your Nintendo device!

There’s a big selection of Game Boy and Color titles on the Nintendo 3DS, with 77 games - at least in the West. There are probably more in Japan because there were simply more games released in Japan.

If you still have your Wii U, you can currently purchase 40 Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles on the Virtual Console. There are also 73 Game Boy Advance titles, a platform that is more difficult to bring to the 3DS, so if those were some of your favourites you’ll need Nintendo’s previous home console.

What exactly is contained within the eShop? I could list the games, but that would take far too long, so I’ll just give the highlights.

There are three Pokémon titles - Crystal, Gold and Silver (as well as the Trading Card Game and Puzzle Challenge). All three Donkey Kong Lands are represented. Seven Mega Man titles, numerous sports games and even Metroid II - Return of Samus.

If you want Mario, then you have two Lands, three sports, a doctor and a Deluxe. Want Wario instead? Then lucky you, all three games are on there too!

As for the Wii U’s Game Boy Advance titles, there are all six of the Mega Man Battle Network games, a couple of Rayman’s and both Advance Wars. If you’re a fan of Medabots, then there are four titles to choose from. Play the original handheld farming with two Harvest Moons! There’s even both Golden Sun games, to hit that epic RPG itch.

I know this was supposed to be the highlights, but it turns out that an absolute star load of brilliant handheld retro gaming is currently available on the eShop. Whether you’ve got a 3DS or a Wii U, there’s something there to pick up and play - with save states as an added bonus!