Bandai Namco is teeing up a fresh entry in the beloved Everybody’s Golf franchise, with Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots set to launch across PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam later in 2025. This new installment aims to blend the series’ signature accessible gameplay with updated visuals and expanded multiplayer options.
A New Era for a Classic Franchise
Everybody’s Golf, known as Hot Shots Golf in North America until 2017, has long been celebrated for its approachable yet engaging take on the sport of golf. The upcoming release marks a significant shift for the franchise, as it’s the first mainline entry developed outside of Sony’s first-party studios. Bandai Namco has taken the reins, with development duties handled by HYDE, the studio behind Digimon Survive.
Gameplay That’s Easy to Learn, Challenging to Master
At the core of Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is the series’ trademark three-button shot system. Players aim their shot, then time three button presses to determine power and accuracy. This intuitive mechanic allows newcomers to quickly grasp the basics while offering depth for skilled players to perfect their technique.
The game promises a variety of modes to keep players engaged:
- Challenge Mode: Test your skills against AI opponents in tournament play
- Solo Rounds: Practice your game and aim to beat your personal best
- Local Multiplayer: Up to four players can compete on a single system
- Online Play: Take on golfers from around the world
- Wacky Golf: A new mode featuring unconventional course designs and rules
Visual and Customization Upgrades
While maintaining the series’ colorful, cartoonish aesthetic, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots boasts improved graphics that take advantage of current-gen hardware. The game is expected to run at higher resolutions and framerates compared to previous entries, particularly on PS5 and PC.
Character customization has been expanded, allowing players to create unique avatars with a wide array of clothing options, club sets, and accessories. This personalization extends to gameplay, with different club types and ball selections impacting shot performance.
Courses and Competition
The game is set to launch with a diverse selection of courses, ranging from traditional links-style layouts to more fantastical designs. Each course promises unique challenges and scenery, encouraging players to adapt their strategies.
Online leaderboards and seasonal tournaments are planned to keep the competition fresh long after release. Cross-platform play has not been confirmed, but remains a possibility that could unite the game’s community across all systems.
A New Direction for the Franchise
This multi-platform release represents a significant change for the Everybody’s Golf series, which has traditionally been exclusive to PlayStation consoles. The move to include Nintendo Switch and PC versions opens up the game to a broader audience and reflects Sony’s recent strategy of bringing more of its properties to other platforms.
Industry analysts speculate this could be part of a larger trend of Sony leveraging its game properties across multiple systems to maximize revenue and brand recognition. However, it remains to be seen how this will impact the development of future installments in the series.
Anticipation Builds
With its scheduled release later in 2025, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots has already generated buzz among longtime fans and newcomers alike. The combination of accessible gameplay, expanded features, and multi-platform availability positions the game as a potential hit for both casual and competitive players.
As more details emerge in the coming months, golf enthusiasts and gamers will be keeping a close eye on how Bandai Namco and HYDE handle this beloved franchise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time golfer, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots aims to offer a par-fect blend of fun and challenge when it launches across PS5, Switch, and PC.
Get ready to dust off your virtual clubs and hit the links – Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots just might be your ticket to golfing glory without ever leaving your living room.