Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is a video game simulation of the sport of golf. The game feature's the series' usual "three button press" setup for controlling golf swings to help determine distance and trajectory of the ball.[1][2] In addition to being able to play a standard game of golf, the game also features a "Wacky Golf" mode that features unconventional alternate elements as well, such as extra obstacles to aim for, or try to avoid, such as tornados or monoliths.[3][4] Dynamic weather and day-to-night systems also affects gameplay.[1] Over 10 golf courses and 25 golfers can be unlocked as playable characters, with new features unlocking as characters and repeatedly used.[4][2] Local multiplayer with up to 4 players is possible on one system, and online multiplayer is also available.[4]
Development
The game was first announced in March 2025 in a Nintendo Direct presentation.[5] It's name - Everybody's Golf Hot Shots alludes to the franchise's multiple names in the past; while it was generally called Everybody's Golf in most regions, it had been rebranded as Hot Shots Golf for many past entries in North America.[6] The game was announced for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and a PC release via Windows. The Switch release surprised some publications, as all previous entries had released exclusively on Sony's brand of PlayStation consoles.[6][7][8][9] However, prior entries had generally been published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, whereas Everybody's Golf Hot Shots, through a licensing agreement with Sony, would be published by Bandai Namco.[6] The change in publisher also lead to a change in the development team, with the game being developed by Bandai Namco's Hyde, as previous developer Clap Hanz had moved on to develop and release their own golf self-published golf game Easy Come Easy Golf.[6] The game is the fourth previously Sony-published game coming to competitor Nintendo's platform, following Freedom Wars Remastered, Patapon 1+2 Replay, and Lego Horizon Adventures.[8] It is scheduled for release on September 4, 2025, in Japan, and the following day worldwide.[10] Pre-ordering the game includes the bonus of automatically unlocking Bandai Namco's Pac-Man as a playable character.[10]
Reception
Pre-release
Some publications noted concern and disappointment regarding the disclosure that the game utilized AI-generated images,[2][11] though its use is limited to "leaf and tree textures" on the golf courses.[12]Kotaku conceded that, in watching its pre-release game trailer, that the trees and leaves didn't look AI generated, though they did look "ambiently junky".[2] A lack of a Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game was also lamented.[4]
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