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2017 was arguably Nintendo’s year, what with its much lauded Switch console and its launch titles, like Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild, being given top honors. The question going into 2018 has been how is it going to maintain its momentum? That answer was given last night, as the company’s latest Nintendo Direct unveiled a bevy of new games and ports that are coming to the console in the months ahead.

Leading the charge with a 18 May release is Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition. While it is a port from the Wii U title, it will also include characters from the 3DS version as well.

The standout title from the presentation, however, was confirmation of a Super Smash Bros game that is heading to Switch players this year. Whether it will be a straight port from the Wii U, or follow Hyrule Warriors’ example and include stages from the 3DS version as well is unclear. Not much more than that was divulged though, apart from a teaser trailer.

To no-one’s surprise, Mario Tennis Aces was confirmed to be releasing in the first half of this year, on 22 June to be exact. As demonstrated in the trailer below, expect the House of Mario to put a unique ‘spin’ on tennis.

Less expected was Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, slated for release for less than a month later, on 13 July. While garnering less limelight than the more popular Mario, in whose game’s he has occasionally made brief appearances, the gameplay looks no less charming.

Also announced was that the colourful shooter, Splatoon 2 will be receiving paid single player DLC in the form of the Octo Expansion. Along with 80 missions to complete in the campaign, players will then be able to play as an Octoling in multiplayer mode. Although a firm date wasn’t given, this is set to drop to comfort players this winter (in the southern hemisphere), so expect it somewhere in the June to August period

Slated for the same period, the much beloved Okami HD is wending its way to the Switch as well, as is Crash Bandicoot: NSane Trilogy for a 10 July release. While the larger consoles have had the latter for a while now, there is undoubtable appeal in being able to play this one on the go..

Last but certainly not least, as far as the Switch is concerned, the enticing role playing game Octopath Traveler now has a release date - 13 July.

All in all, that’s a good amount of titles to look forward to for Switch owners. Certainly, it seems Nintendo has made every effort to ensure the Switch’s library is growing at a steady pace with games people actually would want to play.

 Alas, this particular Nintendo address didn’t reveal anything further about other Legend of Zelda games that may be coming, so here is still hoping that Nintendo haven’t forgotten those of us who would love to revisit Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword.