Best Nintendo Switch games of 2018 so far, including Super Mario Party and Starlink: Battle for Atlas

Since the Switch hit shelves in March 2017 Nintendo's machine has gone from strength to strength, pulling gamers in with its unique ability to be played both on your device and on your TV as a home console.

2018 Nintendo's own traditional franchises like Mario's new versions.

If you're shopping around for the Nintendo gamer in your life, or just in the mood to treat yourself to an early Xmas present, we've got a run of some of the biggest and best games released this year for the Switch.

You can also check out our video game gift guides for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Super Mario Party – Amazon, £ 42.99

The Mario Party series has finally made it to the Switch, featuring the plumber and his pals in another bold and bright virtual board game adventure.

Players move around the board and try to collect the most number of stars, competing in a number of self-contained mini-games. You can also buy stars or other players, and you'll be able to use the board itself to your advantage.

Reviewer James Ide said "many hours of fun are with this game and even more so with friends."

Starlink: Battle for Atlas – Smyths, £ 59.99

While toys-to-life games like Skylanders and Lego Dimensions have fallen by the wayside, Ubisoft are bringing their own effort to the table with Starlink: Battle for Atlas, a spaceship fighting roleplaying adventure. Like similar titles in the genre, there are real-world collectible toys that you can use to unlock the game.

Starlink sees you explore a planetary system and embark on a mission to defeat an evil band of space by the villainous Grax. For the Switch version, there's an exclusive Starfox toy that will unlock Fox McCloud and his Arwing from Nintendo's clbadic sci-fi space shooter series.

The toys are optional, and you can buy digital versions of the items they unlock if you prefer.

Nintendo Labo – Amazon, from £ 54.99

Nintendo Labo is a unique package that shows you how to build your own cardboard kits. Models include an R / C car, a tiny piano, a fishing rod and a robot. By inserting the Switch's Joycons into them, the cardboard becomes a functioning device.

There's also a vehicle kit that you can use as a steering wheel that you can use as a controller in mini games (and you can use the wheel in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe).

Our review called it "a technical marvel that's fun to build and see in action."

Octopath Traveler – Amazon, £ 42.99

This turn-based role-playing adventure from RPG Masters Square Enix has you playing with different characters and abilities. Set in a fantasy world, you'll take on various quests like rescuing a kidnapped child, catching your father's death and tracking.

The game has a striking look to it, referred to by the developers as 'HD-2D', combining retro 16-bit style sprites with polygonal environments.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 – The Game Collection, £ 41.95

The fourth main entry in the Valkyria Chronicles series is another slice of tactical action. Players take turns to move units on the battlefield and perform actions like attacking or calling in reinforcements.

Taking place in a fictionalized land loosely based on WWII-era Europe, you will take part in the war between the Federation and the Empire and will find a way to survive the conflict, protect your friends and possibly find a way to end the fight for all.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – Smyths, £ 29.99

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a puzzle title that has you controlling the titular character in a series of levels filled with obstacles that will require some brainpower for you to overcome. Making it safely to the world, while those who explore every nook and cranny will discover bonus items tucked away in secret areas.

This Switch version adds two-player co-op to the mix if you want to rope in a friend to help.