In a surprising move, Sony is expanding the reach of some of its beloved gaming franchises beyond PlayStation platforms. Two iconic series, Everybody’s Golf and Patapon, are making their debut on the Nintendo Switch, marking a significant shift in Sony’s publishing strategy.
Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots Tees Off on Switch
Everybody’s Golf, known as Hot Shots Golf in some regions, has been a staple of PlayStation consoles since 1997. Now, a new entry in the series titled “Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots” is coming to the Nintendo Switch in 2025.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Formula
Developed by HYDE and published by Bandai Namco in cooperation with Sony Interactive Entertainment, Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots aims to bring the accessible yet deep golfing action to a new audience. The game retains the series’ signature blend of realistic golf mechanics and whimsical characters.
Key features include:
- Challenge Mode for solo players to climb the ranks
- Local multiplayer supporting up to four players on a single controller
- Online play for global competition
- A new “Wacky Golf” mode adding party game elements to the traditional golfing experience
The game’s intuitive three-click shot system makes it easy for newcomers to pick up and play, while more advanced techniques offer depth for seasoned players.
Patapon Marches to a New Beat on Switch
The rhythm-action series Patapon is also making its Nintendo debut with “Patapon 1+2 Replay,” a collection featuring remasters of the first two games in the franchise.
Commanding Armies with Rhythm
Originally released on the PlayStation Portable, Patapon games task players with leading an army of adorable eyeball-shaped creatures called Patapons. Players issue commands by inputting rhythmic button presses that correspond to different drum beats.
Patapon 1+2 Replay includes:
- Both Patapon and Patapon 2 with updated visuals
- New accessibility features, including adjustable difficulty settings
- An option to display Patapon commands on-screen at all times
The collection is set to release on July 11, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Sony’s Expanding Horizons
This move by Sony to bring its franchises to the Nintendo Switch follows the release of “Lego Horizon Adventures” on the platform, where Sony was listed as the publisher. It represents a growing trend of platform holders expanding their publishing efforts beyond their own hardware.
While Sony hasn’t gone as far as Microsoft in terms of multi-platform releases, this strategy allows them to reach a broader audience and potentially introduce their franchises to new players. The Nintendo Switch’s large install base of over 150 million units makes it an attractive platform for publishers looking to maximize their games’ reach.
Industry Implications
Sony’s decision to publish these games on a competitor’s platform could signal a shift in the traditional console ecosystem. As the lines between platforms continue to blur, we may see more collaborations and cross-platform releases in the future.
For Nintendo Switch owners, this means access to a wider variety of games, including those previously exclusive to other platforms. It also demonstrates the ongoing evolution of the gaming industry, where competition and cooperation can coexist to benefit players.
As the gaming landscape continues to change, moves like this from Sony showcase the industry’s adaptability. Whether this leads to more PlayStation franchises appearing on other platforms remains to be seen, but for now, Nintendo Switch players can look forward to teeing off in Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots and marching to the beat in Patapon 1+2 Replay in the near future.