Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots is making waves with its latest announcement that it will launch on the PS5, Switch, and PC, marking a significant milestone for the franchise. This entry is particularly special as it’s the first time the series lands on a Nintendo console.
The series, beloved by many since its initial release on the PlayStation 1 back in 1997, has a rich history with nearly a dozen titles under its belt. Known for combining accessibility with depth, some of these games have been hailed as the top contenders in the golf genre.
Fresh developments have come in the form of Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots, teased during the Nintendo Direct on March 27. The game reintroduces the Hot Shots Golf branding, which North American fans might remember until 2011, while the rest of the world knew it as Everybody’s Golf. Another first for the franchise is that this game will be the debut Hot Shots title developed by Japanese studio Hyde, who you might recognize from Digimon Survive.
A surprising shift is occurring, with more PlayStation franchises hopping onto the Switch. Historically, Sony Interactive Entertainment has been the exclusive publisher for previous entries. However, this time around, Bandai Namco is stepping in to publish Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots, having licensed the IP from Sony. This move follows Bandai Namco’s decision to bring another PlayStation IP, Freedom Wars Remastered, to the Switch earlier in January 2025, shortly after LEGO Horizon Adventures took its bow on the hybrid console in November 2024.
There’s a growing list of PlayStation games that are now available or slated for release on the Switch. Some examples include LEGO Horizon Adventures, Freedom Wars Remastered, and the recently announced Patapon 1+2 Replay. Bandai Namco is leading the charge, giving these franchises a new home on Nintendo’s platform, alongside their PlayStation 5 and PC counterparts. While Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots’s official release date remains under wraps, the anticipation is palpable.
Sony seems to be warming up to the idea of bringing its games to the Nintendo Switch, courtesy of third-party publishers like Bandai Namco, while notably not extending the same courtesy to Microsoft’s Xbox. Despite existing as competitors, Sony appears hesitant to shift its stance towards Xbox, likely due to ongoing market dynamics. While pricing information for Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots has not been disclosed, it’s suspected to launch as a full-priced title, with Steam and PlayStation Store already accepting wishlists. However, a Nintendo eShop page is still awaited as of the end of March 2025.
