5 New Game Boy Games You Can Play Right Now

Old-school gaming never really went out of style—it just got smarter, weirder, and way more creative. If you’ve ever loaded up a ROM on a handheld emulator or popped a custom cart into your Game Boy, you know the thrill of playing something that feels vintage but is actually brand new.

Thanks to the indie dev community on itch.io, the Game Boy is having a legit comeback. Developers are crafting full-on adventures, arcade-style challenges, and even horror games—all running within the hardware limits of a 1989 handheld.

Here are 5 new Game Boy-compatible games you can grab right now, whether you're playing on original hardware or something a little more pocket-friendly.

1. Glory Hunters

Genre: Action RPG

If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to level up by unlocking achievements instead of XP, this one’s for you. Glory Hunters flips the traditional RPG formula by tying progression to tasks, secrets, and side quests—making every choice feel intentional.

The world is massive (by Game Boy standards), the art is sharp, and the soundtrack absolutely slaps. It’s got that top-down Zelda feel, but with a clever twist that encourages exploration in every direction.

Why it’s perfect for handhelds: You can chip away at it in short bursts, one achievement at a time. It’s built for pick-up-and-play.

 2. Tobu Tobu Girl Deluxe

Genre: Arcade Platformer

This one’s pure arcade energy. You’re a girl with a jetpack, and your cat has flown off into the sky. Obviously, you have to go get them—by bouncing off enemies and launching yourself ever upward.

Tobu Tobu Girl Deluxe has buttery-smooth controls, tight physics, and level design that rewards skill and momentum. It’s tough, addictive, and super satisfying when you start to master its rhythm.

Why it’s perfect for handhelds: Fast resets, instant gameplay, no fluff. Perfect for 5-minute bursts that turn into 30.

 3. Opossum Country

Genre: Horror Adventure

Yes, you read that right—this is a Game Boy horror game. And somehow, it works.

Opossum Country is part exploration, part psychological mystery. You arrive in a weird, off-kilter town full of strange characters, strange rules, and even stranger vibes. Think Silent Hill, but 8-bit.

The black-and-green visuals make the unease hit harder, and the writing is surprisingly sharp. It’s a slow burn, but it gets under your skin.

Why it’s perfect for handhelds: The lo-fi graphics make the creepy moments hit way harder than you’d expect.

 4. Elden Ring GB

Genre: Action RPG (Demake)

This one’s exactly what it sounds like—a lovingly crafted demake of Elden Ring, reimagined for the Game Boy. It’s short and sweet, but it captures the vibes: dungeons, boss fights, and a cryptic world that feels much bigger than the screen it’s on.

It’s not just a gimmick—this thing is playable, smart, and even a little punishing. A perfect bite-sized homage to a modern classic.

Why it’s perfect for handhelds: Quick to beat, but you’ll want to replay it just to vibe in the 8-bit Lands Between.

 5. Lee Carvallo’s Putting Challenge 2

Genre: Puzzle / Comedy

Inspired by the fictional Simpsons game (you know the one), this sequel takes the joke and turns it into an actual point-and-click golf adventure. It’s weird, it’s hilarious, and it has more going on than you’d expect.

Expect puzzles, dry humor, and some surprisingly clever design decisions. Not what you’d expect from a “golf game,” and that’s exactly why it rules.

Why it’s perfect for handhelds: It's a short, quirky little gem that’s fun to show off or revisit when you need a laugh.

Final Thoughts: The Game Boy Never Died

If you thought the Game Boy’s best days were behind it, think again. Indie devs are still making full-blown games for this little green-screen legend—and many of them are doing things the originals never dreamed of.

Whether you're using an emulator on a modern handheld or busting out your original DMG with a flash cart, these games are proof that creativity never goes out of style—it just finds new ways to load up.

Looking for More Retro-Inspired Vibes?

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