Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots arrives on September 5, 2025, bringing the next chapter in one of gaming’s most charming golf series. With new interviews out of Japan and details revealed during Sony’s recent State of Play, the picture of what to expect is much clearer.
New Publisher, New Developer, and More Platforms (Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots)
For the first time in series history, Sony will not be publishing the game. Instead, Sony has licensed the IP to Bandai Namco, who will handle global publishing duties. Equally notable, Clap Hanz — the studio behind every mainline entry since 1999 — is not developing this installment. The baton has passed to Japanese studio Hide, marking a fresh chapter for the franchise.
The release will not be PlayStation-exclusive either. Alongside PlayStation 5, the game will land on Nintendo Switch and Steam for PC players, making it the first time Everybody’s Golf will appear on these platforms. Pre-orders are live on the PlayStation Store at $40 in the United States. Early adopters will unlock Pac-Man as a playable golfer from day one, though he will still be unlockable later through gameplay for those who wait.
Physical Editions and Collector Bonuses
Physical copies are confirmed for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, though only in Asia and Japan. Fans outside those regions will need to import through sites like Play Asia. This approach mirrors other recent releases such as Freedom Wars Remastered. Japanese physical pre-orders include a Suzuki keychain, a rare piece of series merchandise. Expect to see these appear on marketplaces like eBay or Mercari shortly after launch.
Returning to a Classic Structure
Unlike the open-world design introduced in 2017’s Everybody’s Golf, Hot Shots returns to a more traditional course-based structure. This approach has split opinion in the past, but it allows for tighter course design and a focus on competition. At launch, the roster will be the largest in series history, featuring at least 18 golfers including Jasmine from Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, Yuna from Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational, Aya from Hot Shots Golf 4, and Pac-Man. Four caddies will join them across eight confirmed courses like Aloha Beach Resort, Redflower Country Club, and Euro Classic Golf Course, spread over 10 regions.
Weather and time-of-day effects now change dynamically. A round might begin in sunny conditions and end under a night sky, or start in the rain and clear up mid-game.
Shot Types and Singleplayer Modes
Three shot types will be available: the standard three-click shot, a gauge-based variant, and a full shot for a more realistic golfing style. Challenge Mode will return as the main singleplayer progression path, offering unlockable characters, courses, and gear. Prize money earned from matches can be spent on equipment and cosmetics.
A new addition is World Tour mode, which introduces character-focused episodes. Completing a character’s first episode unlocks them for other modes, and story snippets give more personality to the roster. While not a deep narrative, it offers extra reasons to play through each golfer’s path.
Multiplayer and Wacky Golf (Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots)
Offline multiplayer supports up to four players with one controller, while online matches allow four players worldwide. Crossplay is not supported, so all online friends will need to be on the same system. No DLC has been confirmed, but past entries suggest that new courses, characters, and caddies could arrive post-launch.
One of the most interesting additions is Wacky Golf. In this party-style mode, landing on a question mark triggers special effects, and players can use Doky Doi tickets to create advantages or obstacles. The mode is designed so anyone can pick it up regardless of skill level, and it could become a highlight for local play sessions.
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots blends classic mechanics with fresh twists, making it a notable entry for both veterans and newcomers. With its expanded roster, dynamic courses, and new modes, this September release could become a fan favorite.
