Play Arcade Classic No. 3 : Galaga & Galaxian Online

Nintendo released Arcade Classic No. 3: Galaga & Galaxian for the Game Boy in 1995, bundling two of the most recognizable shooters from the early 80s into one portable cartridge. It was a common sight among the platform's library of arcade conversions, offering a straightforward, no-frills way to play these classics away from home. The small, green-tinted screen and the system's signature d-pad gave these space battles a distinct, intimate feel compared to their cabinet origins.

You control a lone starship at the bottom of the screen, moving left and right to avoid enemy fire while shooting formations of insect-like aliens. The main objective is to survive as long as possible, clearing each wave of attackers to progress. In Galaga, a key mechanic is the tractor beam; certain enemies can capture your ship, and if you shoot the captor, you can earn a double-ship power-up, effectively doubling your firepower. Galaxian's signature trait is its enemies' behavior; they break from their formation in unpredictable diving attacks, swooping down while firing directly at your position. The pacing is relentless, and the difficulty escalates quickly, demanding sharp reflexes and careful shot placement. It feels tense and focused, a pure test of precision and pattern recognition.