The beloved Everybody’s Golf series has always had a knack for making golf approachable, charming, and just plain fun. Traditionally a PlayStation staple, it’s finally made the jump to Nintendo with Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots. This marks the series’ first entry on a Nintendo system, and it’s a surprisingly natural fit. With its lighthearted aesthetic, intuitive mechanics, and a clear focus on accessibility, the game feels right at home on the Switch, blending pick-up-and-play simplicity with enough depth to keep you hooked. So let’s see how my golf skills (nonexistent) hold up on the green – foooooooore.
A story that sets the tone
While golf games aren’t usually judged by their narratives, Hot Shots makes an effort to give structure and purpose to your progression. The story frames your journey as a rising golfer, starting as a complete rookie and gradually working your way up through increasingly colorful and competitive tournaments. Along the way, you’ll encounter a lively cast of rivals, mentors, and quirky side characters that each bring their own flair to the courses. What stands out is how much personality the game injects into the otherwise straightforward sport. Each character you face has a distinct look, playstyle, and attitude, making victories feel more meaningful than just moving on to the next bracket. The light-hearted dialogue and cartoonish expressions make matches feel more like playful duels than cutthroat competitions. There’s also a sense of progression woven into the environments themselves—new courses unlock as you build your reputation, with locations ranging from sunny resort-style greens to eccentric fantasy-inspired fairways.
It’s not a deep or dramatic story by any means, but that’s the point. The narrative never distracts from the core gameplay; instead, it complements it by giving context and personality to your golfing journey. The story works as a welcoming backdrop, motivating you to keep playing without ever overstaying its welcome.
New mechanics and gameplay depth
Where Hot Shots shines most is in its new mechanics. The swing system remains rooted in the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master philosophy, but it has been refined with better timing windows and more responsive feedback. New course hazards, like trickier rough zones and dynamic weather, push you to adapt on the fly. The addition of power-ups and customizable gear adds a layer of strategy beyond the standard “swing and hope” approach. Whether you’re chasing the perfect birdie or experimenting with wacky club sets, the gameplay keeps reinventing itself. And it might take you quite a few tries to complete the ‘easier’ courses (or I suck at golf). It’s a pretty mechanical game for something that promotes itself as something everyone can pick up.
Modes for every player
Variety is another strong suit. Beyond the standard tournament ladder that drives the story, Hot Shots is packed with options that fit both casual and competitive playstyles. Quick Play lets you jump straight into a round without worrying about progression, perfect for short sessions on the go. For players looking to sharpen their skills, dedicated training drills allow you to practice specific techniques like bunker escapes or tricky putts, offering immediate feedback that helps improve your consistency. Multiplayer, however, is where the game truly shines. Local couch co-op allows for lighthearted matches with friends, enhanced by party rules that introduce fun modifiers such as oversized golf balls or random club restrictions. Online matchmaking is more competitive, pairing you with players around the globe in ranked matches that track your performance over time. There are also weekly online tournaments that add a community-driven element, giving you incentives to return regularly. For players who want something different, challenge modes mix up the traditional formula by altering win conditions—like completing a course under a strict shot limit or scoring points with trick shots instead of raw strokes. These modes reward experimentation and encourage you to rethink your strategies, keeping the game fresh long after the main story concludes. And it fits surprisingly well on a Nintendo console.
On top of all this, customization plays a huge role in shaping the experience. From designing your own quirky avatar to unlocking new outfits, hairstyles, and accessories, the game leans into personal expression. Clubs and balls can also be customized, with specific gear offering statistical boosts or special effects, giving you more control over your playstyle. It’s a system that balances cosmetic fun with practical gameplay benefits, ensuring that your golfer feels truly your own. Taken together, these modes and customization options make Hot Shots flexible enough to suit any player. Whether you’re after a laid-back round on the couch, a skill-testing solo challenge, or competitive online play, there’s a mode—and a style—for everyone.
Compared to the competition
The Switch already boasts solid golf experiences like Mario Golf: Super Rush and the more realistic PGA Tour 2K23. Hot Shots positions itself squarely in the middle ground. It doesn’t lean on arcade spectacle like Mario Golf, nor does it demand the meticulous realism of 2K. Instead, it carves out a niche as a lighthearted yet skill-based alternative, offering a balance that feels both welcoming to newcomers and rewarding for veterans. And don’t get me wrong – when I say niche, this game has quite a cult following, so don’t be wary when picking this one up.
Conclusion
Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots may be a newcomer on Nintendo’s turf, but it quickly proves it belongs. With a charming story, refined mechanics, and a wealth of modes, it delivers a complete package that respects the series’ roots while embracing the Switch’s strengths. It may not dethrone Nintendo’s own golf offerings outright, but it confidently establishes itself as a must-try for fans of accessible, yet engaging sports titles. If you’ve been waiting for a new reason to dust off your Switch for a round of golf, this is it.
