Published on: November 06, 2025
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots Review: A Content-Rich Swing on Nintendo Switch
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots marks a notable entry for golf game enthusiasts on the Nintendo Switch, blending approachable arcade-style gameplay with mechanics that reward patient mastery.
Developed by Camelot—the studio celebrated for its work on the Mario Golf series—the game carries the pedigree of one of video gaming’s most recognized golf developers.
Originally gaining popularity under the Hot Shots moniker in North America, the series has consistently delivered a playful, vibrant spin on the sport, and the Nintendo Switch version aims to continue this legacy for a new generation of players through the Switch eShop.
Upon release, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots struggled to meet player expectations, especially for those familiar with the genre.
Despite its promise of intuitive controls accessible to all, initial gameplay was unexpectedly challenging—even to seasoned fans of video game golf.
The signature three-click swing system, dating back to NES-era golf titles, made timing crucial yet surprisingly difficult due to the small window for accuracy.
Many players, accustomed to Camelot's polished mechanics from Mario Golf on prior Nintendo hardware, expressed frustration at the steep learning curve.
However, patience—and a series of essential post-launch updates—paid off.
The developers released several patches aimed at refining gameplay responsiveness and smoothing rough edges noted by early adopters.
"After a couple of updates, the game felt more balanced and welcoming, allowing players to appreciate the solid game design and depth underneath the initial frustrations," summarized one reviewer familiar with the series’ evolution.
Graphically, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is best experienced on updated Switch models or via the Switch 2, where vibrant courses and character designs appear noticeably crisper.
While the game remains playable on earlier hardware, some image blurring and muted colors are apparent.
The developers took steps to ensure that visual fidelity is as enjoyable as the gameplay, especially in modes like Wacky Golf, which highlights the title’s colorful palette and whimsical approach to golf.
Character selection and progression represent a double-edged sword for Hot Shots veterans and newcomers alike.
While the game touts a roster of "colorful characters" with their unique styles and personalities, unlocking new players requires progressing through repetitive challenges and chapters.
"Progressing past the early characters, including some with less appealing personalities, involves a grind that may not suit everyone.
However, this structure ensures meaningful long-term goals for those invested in mastering the content," said a review summary.
Thankfully, player dialogue can be muted for those who find it distracting.
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots offers a variety of modes beyond solo and match play.
Challenge tournaments, world tour mode, and the particularly inventive Wacky Golf variants—featuring gameplay twists like Scramble mode for teamwork—add substantial replay value.
These features deliver on the series’ tradition of accessible fun while encouraging both skill development and experimentation.
In closing, after a rocky tee-off, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots on Nintendo Switch has become a richer, more enjoyable golf experience thanks to meaningful post-launch support.
While the character unlock system and initial difficulty may deter some players, the game’s depth, varied modes, and updated performance earn it a recommendation for golf fans on the eShop.
Those seeking more immediate access to all features might wish to wait for a sale, but today, Hot Shots stands as a testament to Camelot’s ongoing contribution to video golf on Nintendo platforms.
Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Golf Everybody’s Golf Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots Camelot Switch eShop Nintendo Direct Mario Golf Wacky Golf