The Nintendo Switch is almost a year old and in that time it’s been a massive success for the company. The Switch is the company’s seventh gaming console–and it looks unlike any other console you’ve ever seen. The Switch itself is shaped like a tablet computer with two detachable controllers on either side. These controllers can be removed and assembled to for a traditional joystick. The Switch, like all consoles, is designed to be plugged into your TV, but it also features a 6.6in LCD display, which enables it to be used as a portable gaming machine when the controllers are attached and the device is unplugged from the TV. Finally, the Switch eschews downloadable games and optical discs in favor of flash ROM cartridges.

While the Switch has an interesting design for a console, it’s the games that have made it so successful. 2017 brought hits like Sonic Mania, Super Mario Odyssey, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Here’s what to look forward to in 2018.

Lost Sphear

This Japanese role-playing video game is being billed as “a spiritual successor to I Am Setsuna”, the developer’s first title. The game has been praised for its anti direction and already has a rabid fan base in Japan, where it was released last year. Expect it to hit Western shores this year.

From the game’s description: “The adventure of LOST SPHEAR begins in a remote town of Elgarthe where a young boy, Kanata, awakens from a devastating dream to find his hometown disappearing. Facing an ominous power that threatens the fabric of reality he must awaken the power of Memory to restore the ‘LOST’. To stop the world from disappearing forever, Kanata and his comrades set out to rebuild the world mustering different Memory and crafting the world around them.”

Yoshi

Mario’s buddy get his own Switch game. This side-scrolling platform game sees the lovable character adventure through his own colorful world. There’s not a lot known about the plot yet, but Yoshi already does have one unique feature over other side-scrollers. It allows users to “flip” the camera angle so players can see behind objects.

From the game’s description: “Lead Yoshi on a brand new adventure that will turn everything you've come to expect from side-scrolling games upside down! Explore a great, big world decorated like a miniature diorama in a new art style for the franchise, where each side-scrolling stage has the traditional front side as well as a flip side with different views and surprises. Look for items throughout the stage as Yoshi makes his way to the goal. You can even join up with a friend!”

Kirby Star Allies

The next game in the popular Kirby series, this platformer sees you play as Kirby and three companions from a side-down perspective. The game can be played as a single-player with AI companions, or as a coop with your friends controlling Kirby’s companions.

From the game’s description: "Kirby is back—and he's finally on the Nintendo Switch console in HD! But this time, he's not alone. Recruit enemies by hitting them with hearts and gather helpers for a party of up to four characters. On top of that, you can join with up to three friends for a different kind of team-up action!”

Project Octopath Traveler

This role-playing adventure game looks beautiful, blending old-fashioned 16-bit graphics with 3D and atmospheric effects. You play one of 8 possible characters, each with their own unique powers. The turn-based gameplay is sure to appeal to those who love old school RPGs.

From the game’s description: “The producers of the Bravely series at Square Enix have brought a new world to life through a mix of CG, pixel art, and "HD-2D" visuals. Embark on a vast new role-playing adventure as one of eight travelers, all with their own origins, paths, and goals. Where to begin? Who to team up with? Where to go next? Only you can decide. Each traveler can use a distinct Path Action, a specialized way of achieving objectives and interacting with people you encounter. The warrior can "challenge" people to a duel, whereas the dancer can "allure" others to follow her, even into battle! Enjoy the freedom to choose your own path while experiencing the story through the role you play. Combat revolves around the Boost system, a fusion of traditional turn-based battling and modern enhancements. Each turn, build up BP that can be spent to dramatically increase your strength or provide aid. Identifying when to Boost may just be the key to victory.”

Necrobarista

This visual novel video game is a switch (pardon the pun) from what most games offer on the Switch. The game is set in a coffee house that is visited by both the living and the dead, in addition to hipsters and gangsters. yeah, it sounds weird, but we bet the story is interesting as heck, given the online buzz.

From the game’s description: “Necrobarista is a gorgeous visual novel built in a 3D graphical framework while maintaining a 2D "hand-drawn" anime-inspired aesthetic. Necrobarista places a high focus on animation and camera movement to provide a directed experience, utilizing the techniques of cinematography to draw the player into a text-based narrative. Players will experience the story of a supernatural Melbourne cafe where the dead are permitted to return for one last night to walk among the living and enjoy one last cup of coffee. Through a series of vignettes, players will experience the story from the varied viewpoints of a diverse cast of characters, and experience a supernaturally-tinged version of the local culture of Melbourne's cafe scene.”

Fear Effect Sedna

A pausable real-time tactical action game, this role-player has gotten a lot of praise from beta testers. Players love the puzzle aspect to the game, along with the fresh graphics and deep storyline.

From the game’s description: “Be part of a new Fear Effect adventure with Fear Effect Sedna, a new game in the classic series made popular on the original PlayStation console. With a whole new story, and shifting to a pausable real-time tactical action style, players will be able to control the team strategically and tackle enemies and puzzles alike. Fear Effect Sedna is set four years after the events of the original Fear Effect game, and things have changed for the team. Hana, freed from the Triad, lives with Rain in Hong Kong and works as an occasional mercenary, while Deke has grown apart from them since Glas returned to the US. Hana accepts a small mission for a shadowy organization asking for her services. Her target: a mysterious ancient statuette held by the Chinese ambassador in France. She sees it as a good opportunity to visit her birthplace... But this 'easy' mission is about to lead Hana to something way bigger than she expected.”