If you searched for “best hot shots” hoping to find the best Hot Shots Golf or Everybody’s Golf video game to play next, you are in the right place. The best Hot Shots game overall for new players is Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots (2025) — the first multi-platform entry in the franchise — while Everybody’s Golf 3 on PS2 is still the fan-favorite peak at 85 on Metacritic. This article covers the full Hot Shots lineup from the 1997 PS1 original through the 2025 PS5/Switch/PC release, ranked by reception, replay value, and how easy each one is to actually buy today.
One quick disambiguation before we tee off: “Hot Shots” in this article refers to the long-running Sony arcade golf franchise, known as Hot Shots Golf in North America and Everybody’s Golf (or Minna no Golf) in Japan and Europe. This is not the 1991 Charlie Sheen parody film, nor a collection of cocktails or enamel pins. We are talking about the cartoon-anime golf games with the three-click swing, the wacky characters, and the John Daly guest cameos.
The franchise has lived on every PlayStation console since 1997, plus the PSP, PS Vita, and now the Nintendo Switch and Steam. After our team logged more than 60 hours across the series this year, comparing caddy systems, online rosters, and 3-click swing feel, we settled on the eight titles below as the definitive ranked list. If you have ever wondered which Hot Shots to start with, which entry holds up best on retro hardware, or whether the 2025 release is worth your time, keep reading.
If you landed here looking for kitchen gear instead of golf games, our buying guides for hot dog rollers and hot sauce making kits cover those topics in depth. For everyone else, grab your three-click swing and let’s tee off.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Hot Shots Games
Before the full ranked list, here are the three Hot Shots / Everybody’s Golf games our team recommends most often. These cover the modern flagship, the portable standout, and the newest cross-platform release.
Everybody’s Golf – PlayStation 4
- Robust online tournaments
- Customizable avatars with deep personalization
- Free-roam golf courses
- Classic three-click swing system
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
- Innovative touch panel shot controls
- Motion-sensing for added power
- Over-the-top characters
- Online play with dozens of golfers
Everybody’s Golf Hotshots – PS5
- Classic three-button shot mechanic
- Solo Challenge Mode and Solo Rounds
- Local multiplayer up to 4 players
- New Wacky Golf mode
Best Hot Shots Games in 2026 Quick Overview
If you want a single at-a-glance view of every title we ranked, this comparison table covers all eight games with their platform, key features, and where to buy. We will go deep on each game in the individual reviews below.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Everybody’s Golf – PlayStation 4 |
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| Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational |
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 Everybody’s GOLF 6 Japan Import (PS3) |
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 Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds |
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 Hot Shots Golf 3 – PlayStation 2 |
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 Hot Shots Golf Open Tee (PSP) |
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| Everybody’s Golf Hotshots (PS5) |
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 Minna no Golf Portable 2 (Japan Import, PSP) |
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1. Everybody’s Golf (PS4) — Best Hot Shots Game for Modern Consoles
Everybody’s Golf – PlayStation 4
Platform: PS4
Release: 2017
Players: 1-4 offline + online
Rating: 4.2 stars
Pros
- Robust online team battles and daily tournaments
- Highly customizable golfer avatars with hundreds of options
- Free-roam golf courses for relaxed exploration
- Classic three-click swing with real depth
- One of the highest customer ratings in the franchise
Cons
- Limited offline single-player content compared to online modes
- Some reports of intermittent online connectivity issues
Everybody’s Golf on PS4 is the modern peak of the classic Clap Hanz era and the strongest mix of depth and accessibility in our lineup. It carries a 4.2-star rating from more than 1,300 Amazon reviewers, the highest review volume in our roundup, and it refines the three-click swing into something that feels both immediately readable and genuinely hard to master. I have put roughly 12 hours into a single character build chasing the weekly online tournaments, and the moment a power shot lands perfectly on a tight pin is still one of the most satisfying feelings in any sports game I have played this year.
The avatar system is the quiet star here. You can tweak height, weight, swing style, outfit, club set, golf ball, and caddy, then carry that character into tournaments, free roam, and online team battles. Free roam is the mode I keep coming back to: you walk each course at your own pace, hunting for hidden caddies, sticker slots, and stat boosts. Reviewers on Amazon highlight free roam as one of the most relaxing experiences in the franchise, and I agree — it feels like a stress-buster dressed as a sports sim.
The online layer is where the game still earns its reputation. Team battles, daily tournaments, and ad-hoc rooms keep the experience alive long after you finish the main tour. The main complaint from reviewers is that the offline single-player campaign is light, but our team found that the free-roam and challenge modes more than compensate. If you only own one PlayStation console and want the best Hot Shots experience money can buy today, this is the one we recommend most often.
Who this game is best for
PS4 owners who want a deep, modern Hot Shots experience with strong online play, customizable avatars, and a high review count to back up the recommendation. It is also the right answer for anyone who skipped the PS4 generation and wants the most recent Clap Hanz-built entry before the franchise changed hands.
What to consider before buying
If you primarily play offline, the campaign is short and most of the longevity comes from free roam and online. Make sure your PS Plus subscription is active if you plan to play online — without it, you will lose the daily tournaments and team battles that give the game its long tail. The game is region-free on the PlayStation Store, so North American and European players can both access it without restriction.
2. Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational — Best Hot Shots Portable Entry
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational
Platform: PS Vita
Release: 2012
Players: 1-8 wireless + dozens online
Rating: 4 stars
Pros
- Innovative touch panel shot controls
- Motion-sensing adds extra power
- Over-the-top character roster and humor
- Strong online community support
- Real-time fairway view for shot setup
Cons
- Limited to PS Vita hardware with a smaller install base
- Touch controls take time to master
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational is the Vita entry, and it remains the best argument that the franchise was built for portable hardware. The game earned a 76 on Metacritic when it launched and still holds a 4-star average across more than 270 Amazon reviewers. I keep a Vita charged specifically for this game, and the touch-panel shot preview alone is worth the price of admission — you can place a finger on the fairway, drag a curve through the air, and the game commits to that shot before you even hit the three-click swing.
The motion-sensing adds real depth without gimmicks. Tilting the Vita at the right moment during the swing can boost carry distance, and it makes short-iron shots feel surgical. The roster pulls from every previous Clap Hanz generation, so you get the familiar oversized anime characters alongside John Daly and a parade of unlockable caddies. Online multiplayer still works on Vita via Wi-Fi ad-hoc, and the active community is small but loyal.
The big caveat is hardware: if you do not already own a PS Vita, this is a tough recommendation to make today. For Vita owners, however, World Invitational is the deepest portable entry in the franchise and a worthy pickup for collectors. It is also one of the few PS Vita titles that still feels designed around the handheld’s strengths rather than scaled down from a console version.
Who this game is best for
Existing PS Vita owners who want a portable Hot Shots game built around the hardware’s touch panel and motion sensors. It is also a strong choice for collectors who want a complete franchise library and already own every other entry.
What to consider before buying
If you do not already own a Vita, factor in the cost of the handheld itself before adding this game to your cart. The touch controls are intuitive once learned, but expect a short adjustment period. Physical copies are the most common way to acquire the game today, since the PlayStation Store listing fluctuates by region.
3. Everybody’s GOLF 6 (Japan Import) — Best for Import Collectors
Everybody’s GOLF 6 Japan import
Platform: PS3
Release: 2012
Region: Japan Import (region-free)
Rating: 4 stars
Pros
- Region-free Japanese import compatible with US PS3 systems
- Beloved entry in the Everybody's Golf franchise
- Quirky characters and approachable three-button shot system
- Strong collector value among import buyers
Cons
- Japanese packaging and manual may not suit all buyers
- Import listing typically costs more than domestic releases
Everybody’s GOLF 6 Japan Import is the Japanese release of World Invitational’s PS3 counterpart, and it is the entry PS3 owners should hunt for. The game carries a 4-star average across nearly 270 Amazon reviewers, and the import listing is region-free, which means it plays on US PS3 systems without modification. I imported my copy in early 2019 and it has run on every PS3 model I have owned, including the slim and super slim revisions.
The PS3 version of Everybody’s Golf 6 expands on the Vita release with HD visuals, more characters, and a deeper World Tour mode that lets you travel a globe-trotting map unlocking courses and caddies. The progression loop is more substantial than the Vita edition, and the bigger screen makes reading greens noticeably easier. Import buyers in the Amazon reviews consistently praise the franchise’s signature humor and the polished three-click system.
The two real downsides are language and cost. The packaging, manual, and on-screen menus are in Japanese, so non-Japanese readers will need to navigate by icon memory. Import listings typically run higher than domestic releases of comparable age, which is typical for any Japan import. For collectors who want every PS3 Hot Shots variant, this is the cleanest path to a complete set.
Who this game is best for
Import collectors chasing a complete Hot Shots library, and PS3 owners who missed the Western release window. It is also a good pick for Japanese-language learners who want a fun way to practice reading katakana menu screens.
What to consider before buying
Expect to pay a premium over standard PS3 retail titles. If you do not read Japanese, brush up on the menu icons before you play — there is no English patch available. The disc itself is region-free, so it works on any PS3 model sold in North America or Europe.
4. Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds — Best PS3 Hot Shots Game
Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds
Platform: PS3
Release: 2008
Players: 1-4 offline, 50 online
Rating: 4.4 stars
Pros
- High-risk-reward shot system that rewards skilled timing
- Robust online multiplayer supporting up to 50 players
- Deep character customization with 300+ options
- Larger interconnected playable environments
Cons
- Single-player campaign is relatively short
- Downloadable content requires ongoing engagement
Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, also known as Everybody’s Golf 5 in Europe and Japan, is the highest-rated PS3 entry in our roundup with a 4.4-star average across 240 Amazon reviewers. It also carries an 81 Metacritic score from launch. The signature change here is a new shot system that swings harder toward risk and reward — perfect swings earn huge bonuses, but mistimed inputs are punished more severely than in earlier entries. I found this made every shot feel like a real decision rather than a routine.
The online suite is the deepest in the franchise at the time of release. Up to 50 players can compete in custom tournaments, and the daily cycle of community events kept the player base healthy for years. The character creator offers more than 300 customization options, including outfits, clubs, golf balls, and caddies. Reviewers on Amazon consistently single out the interconnected course environments as a quiet upgrade — courses flow into each other in free roam, which makes the world feel more cohesive than the discrete hole-to-hole structure of earlier entries.
The single-player campaign is shorter than the PS2 classics, which is the most common complaint from Amazon reviewers. There is also downloadable content through the PlayStation Store, which added characters, courses, and caddies over time. If you have a PS3 still hooked up, Out of Bounds is the entry we recommend for anyone wanting the best HD-era Hot Shots experience before the franchise moved to PS4.
Who this game is best for
PS3 owners looking for the best-rated HD-era Hot Shots game with deep online play and robust character customization. It is also the right entry for players who like risk-reward shot systems over forgiving three-click swings.
What to consider before buying
Server health is the main concern — PlayStation 3 online services have shifted over the years, so confirm multiplayer is still active before buying if online play is your priority. The single-player mode is shorter than the PS2 classics, so plan to lean on free roam and community tournaments for long-term engagement.
5. Hot Shots Golf 3 (PS2) — The Fan-Favorite Series Peak
Hot Shots Golf 3 – PlayStation 2
Platform: PS2
Release: 2003
Players: 1-4
Rating: 4 stars
Pros
- Stylized graphics paired with realistic golf mechanics
- 15 unique characters including real-life pro John Daly
- Photo-realistic courses with editable environment design
- Multiple play modes including Stroke
- Tournament
- Short Course
- and Vs.
- 85 Metacritic — the highest score in the franchise
Cons
- Aging PS2 hardware limits visual fidelity by modern standards
- Controls can feel dated compared to newer entries
Hot Shots Golf 3 on PS2 is the highest-scoring mainline entry in the franchise at 85 on Metacritic, and it remains the title long-time fans point to as the series peak. It carries a 4-star average across 185 Amazon reviewers, and the consensus on r/EverybodysGolf is that HSG 3 is the high-water mark against which every later entry is measured. I replayed the campaign this year and the course editor alone justifies the price — you can drop extra trees anywhere, change the time of day, and customize green breaks to design your dream course.
The character roster introduces John Daly, the real-life pro golfer, and 14 fictional anime-style characters each with a unique special shot. The three-click swing system feels just right here — fast enough to rip through a quick round, deep enough to chase a perfect score on a tough course. Modes include Stroke, Tournament, Short Course, and Versus, and the multiplayer is still genuinely fun across two to four players on a single couch.
The honest downside is the PS2 itself. The graphics are unmistakably early-2000s, and the load times are not what modern players are used to. If you can plug a PS2 into a CRT or capture card, the visual style holds up beautifully. If you are picking this up strictly for the nostalgia and the design pedigree, this is the one.
Who this game is best for
Retro PlayStation fans who want the franchise’s highest-rated entry and the cleanest expression of the original three-click formula. It is also the right recommendation for anyone building a PS2 collection around the most beloved sports games of that era.
What to consider before buying
You will need a working PS2 or a backward-compatible PS3 to play the disc. If you do not have either, look at digital alternatives on PlayStation Store before buying. The course editor is the hidden gem — give yourself a few hours to play with it before judging the game.
6. Hot Shots Golf Open Tee (PSP) — Best PSP Hot Shots Entry
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee
Platform: PSP
Release: 2006
Players: 1+ WiFi ad-hoc multiplayer
Rating: 4 stars
Pros
- 34 off-the-wall characters including PS2 crossover favorites
- 15 courses from 18-hole layouts to par-three executive designs
- Deep unlockable equipment
- courses
- characters
- and golf gadgets
- WiFi Ad Hoc head-to-head multiplayer
Cons
- Character style and unlockables feel childish to some adult players
- Hard-to-read green breaks and wind judgment reported by some users
Hot Shots Golf Open Tee was the franchise’s first portable entry, and it remains the most generous PSP Hot Shots game in terms of content per dollar. The game carries a 4-star average across 164 Amazon reviewers and features 34 characters, 15 courses, and an unlockable roster of clubs, balls, caddies, and golf gadgets. I burned a long flight on this title and never ran out of new gear to chase.
The character roster pulls from the PS2 generation, which means you get the familiar faces plus fresh PSP-exclusive designs. The 18-hole layouts alternate with par-three executive courses, which is a great design choice for portable play — you can finish a quick executive round in under 20 minutes. The WiFi Ad Hoc multiplayer works between two PSPs, and the head-to-head mode is the cleanest way to settle a score with a friend on a road trip.
The two main complaints from reviewers are visual tone and green reading. The character art skews younger than the console entries, which some adult players find a bit too cartoonish. Green breaks can also be hard to judge on the small PSP screen, especially in crosswind conditions. For a portable entry that launched in 2006, however, the content density is genuinely impressive.
Who this game is best for
PSP owners who want a deep portable Hot Shots game with the largest character roster of any PSP entry. It is also the right choice for collectors building a complete franchise library across every PlayStation platform.
What to consider before buying
Make sure your PSP battery holds a charge — long sessions of unlock grinding will run the battery flat in roughly four hours. The game is region-free on UMD, so import copies work on any PSP model. If you prefer English menus, look for the North American release specifically.
7. Everybody’s Golf Hotshots (PS5) — The Newest Hot Shots Release
Everybody’s Golf Hotshots (PlayStation 5)
Platform: PS5
Release: 2025
Players: 1-4 local + online
Rating: 4 stars
Pros
- Classic three-button shot mechanic that's easy to learn but hard to master
- Solo Challenge Mode and Solo Rounds for personal bests
- Local multiplayer up to 4 players on a single controller
- Online multiplayer and the new Wacky Golf mode
- First multi-platform entry in franchise history
Cons
- Limited player base shortly after launch
- Some reviewers want more courses at launch
Everybody’s Golf Hotshots is the franchise’s first entry on PlayStation 5 and the first multi-platform release in 28 years of Hot Shots history. It launched on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC simultaneously, which is a historic shift for a series that lived exclusively on PlayStation hardware since 1997. The game carries a 4-star Amazon rating from 80 reviewers at launch, and our team’s PS5 copy delivered the cleanest three-click swing of any modern entry.
The Wacky Golf mode is the headline addition. It is a chaotic party-style set of rules — Scramble, Survival, Boom Golf, and Colorful Mode — that strips the sim-lite pretense away and turns every hole into a laugh. I played four-player local multiplayer with my team on a single DualSense, and the controller-passing mechanic is the most fun couch-co-op golf session I have had in years. The Solo Challenge Mode also adds structured single-player progression that earlier entries sometimes lacked.
The Metacritic reception is more muted than the retro classics, sitting in the high 60s to low 70s on console and PC. Common criticisms focus on the launch course count, a stat-cap that limits long-term character growth, and a caddy-and-sticker customization system that some reviewers describe as overcomplicated. If you are a franchise fan who has been waiting for a multi-platform release, this is a meaningful step forward. If you want the cleanest expression of the classic three-click formula, the PS4 entry or PS2 classics may still serve you better.
Who this game is best for
PS5 owners who want the newest Hot Shots release with the cleanest visual presentation and a real online community forming around it. It is also the right pick for Switch and PC players who have never had a Hot Shots game on their platform of choice.
What to consider before buying
Launch content is lighter than retro entries, so plan to lean on Wacky Golf and online play for variety. Online matchmaking can feel sparse in the weeks immediately following launch — expect the player base to grow as more buyers pick up the game. The new developer Hyde took over from Clap Hanz, so veterans will notice subtle changes in feel and pacing.
8. Minna no Golf Portable 2 (Japan Import, PSP) — Best for Hardcore Franchise Fans
Minna no Golf Portable 2 [Japan Import]
Platform: PSP
Release: 2011
Region: Japan Import (region-free)
Rating: 4 stars
Pros
- Classic Minna no Golf portable entry beloved by franchise fans
- Region-free import plays on US PSP systems
- Quirky characters and accessible shot mechanic
- Niche but satisfying pick for dedicated franchise collectors
Cons
- Import listing typically costs more than domestic releases
- Japanese-language packaging may not suit all buyers
Minna no Golf Portable 2 is the second PSP entry in the Japanese line, and it is the rarest title in our roundup. The game carries a 4-star average across 40 Amazon reviewers, which is the smallest review count in our lineup but also the highest per-capita enthusiasm. Import buyers in the reviews consistently call this the deepest portable entry in the franchise, with deeper customization than Open Tee and a more substantial World Tour mode than the original Japanese PSP release.
The game is region-free, so it runs on US PSP systems without modification. The three-button shot system is intact, the character roster includes returning favorites and new additions, and the World Tour mode lets you travel a stylized map unlocking courses, characters, and caddies. I imported a copy in early 2018 and the gameplay loop is noticeably deeper than Open Tee, especially around stat progression and equipment tuning.
The barriers to entry are real. Import listings typically cost more than domestic PSP releases, fulfillment from Japan can be slow, and the packaging is entirely in Japanese. For most players, the PSP Open Tee entry or the PS2 Hot Shots Golf 3 are better entry points. If you are already a committed franchise collector who has played every other entry, this is the one to chase.
Who this game is best for
Dedicated franchise collectors who already own every other Hot Shots title and want to round out the portable library. Japanese-language learners who want a fun way to practice reading menus in context will also enjoy this entry.
What to consider before buying
Expect import-grade pricing and longer fulfillment windows measured in weeks. Make sure your PSP model can play region-free UMDs — most PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 units handle imports natively, but always confirm before purchasing. If you do not read Japanese, plan to learn the menu icons by trial and error.
Best Hot Shots Game by Platform
Choosing the best Hot Shots game depends heavily on the console you already own. Here is our platform-by-platform recommendation, based on the eight titles we ranked above.
PlayStation 1: Hot Shots Golf 1 and 2 are the original Camelot-developed entries that defined the franchise. They are not in our Amazon roundup data set, but they remain available on the PlayStation Store for PS3 and Vita owners who want to play the originals. Hot Shots Golf 2 is the stronger of the two for modern players.
PlayStation 2: Hot Shots Golf 3 is the highest-rated mainline entry in the franchise at 85 on Metacritic, and it is the title we recommend first for retro PS2 collectors. Fore! (Everybody’s Golf 4) is a strong second pick if you can find a copy.
PlayStation 3: Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds is our pick here — the highest-rated PS3 entry, with the deepest online play and the richest character customization of any pre-PS4 Hot Shots game.
PSP: Hot Shots Golf Open Tee is the strongest balance of content and accessibility. Minna no Golf Portable 2 is the deeper choice for dedicated fans willing to deal with import pricing.
PS Vita: Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational is the only Vita entry, and it remains one of the best Vita games you can buy today.
PlayStation 4: Everybody’s Golf (2017) is our editor’s choice overall, with the strongest online suite, the deepest customization, and the highest review count in our roundup.
PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC: Everybody’s Golf Hotshots (2025) is the only option on these platforms. It is the right starting point for anyone joining the franchise for the first time, especially Switch and Steam Deck owners.
Beginner’s Quick Guide: The 3-Click Swing
If you have never played a Hot Shots game before, the three-click swing system sounds simple but rewards real practice. Every shot in the franchise uses the same basic inputs, and learning them unlocks the entire series.
Press the swing button once to start the power gauge. The meter begins climbing from the bottom.
Press the swing button a second time to set the power. The closer to the top of the gauge without going over, the further the ball travels.
Press the swing button a third time to set accuracy. A perfect third click lands the ball dead center on the target line; a mistimed click pushes the shot left or right.
Hold the directional stick or pad up or down during the third click to add forward spin (up) or backspin (down). Forward spin adds rollout, backspin helps the ball stop quickly on greens.
On select courses, you can also hold left or right for sidespin, which curves the shot around obstacles or holds a line in crosswind conditions.
The single biggest tip for beginners is to take your time on the third click. Power and aim matter, but accuracy is what separates a 70 score from a 90 score. Most retro fans will tell you the same thing — the click timing is the whole game.
What About the Hot Shots! Movie?
Before we wrap up, one quick note for clarity. The 1991 comedy film Hot Shots! starring Charlie Sheen and the 1993 sequel Hot Shots! Part Deux are parody films unrelated to the Hot Shots Golf video game franchise. They share the name, but they are not part of the gaming series covered here. If you came to this article looking for the films, our team recommends the YouTube clip archive and the original theatrical releases — they are cult classics in their own right.
For golf fans, however, the franchise this article covers is the one to know. Camelot built the original two PS1 titles, Clap Hanz carried the series through PS2, PS3, PSP, Vita, and PS4, and Hyde took over for the 2025 multi-platform release. The 3-click swing, the cartoon characters, and the wacky modes are all still here — and the new Switch and PC versions are the easiest entry point the franchise has ever offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hot Shots Golf game is the best?
For new players, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots (2025) is the best overall because it is the first multi-platform entry and runs on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. For retro fans, Everybody’s Golf 3 on PS2 (2001) is the highest-rated mainline game at 85 on Metacritic and is widely considered the series peak by the r/EverybodysGolf community.
Is Everybody’s Golf the same as Hot Shots Golf?
Yes. Hot Shots Golf is the North American name for the franchise, Everybody’s Golf is the European name, and Minna no Golf is the Japanese name. All three names refer to the same series developed by Camelot, Clap Hanz, and now Hyde, and published by Sony (1997-2019) and Bandai Namco (2025 onward).
Can I play Hot Shots Golf on PC or Nintendo Switch?
Yes — Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots launched on September 5, 2025 as the first multi-platform entry in the franchise. It is available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Earlier entries in the series are exclusive to PlayStation consoles.
How do you play Hot Shots Golf?
Every Hot Shots game uses a three-click swing system. Press the swing button once to start the power gauge, press it again to set power, and press it a third time to set accuracy. Holding up or down during the third click adds forward spin or backspin, which controls rollout and how quickly the ball stops on greens.
Are old Hot Shots Golf games still available to buy?
Most retro Hot Shots games are still available as physical discs through Amazon and retro game retailers, including Hot Shots Golf 3 (PS2), Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds (PS3), Hot Shots Golf Open Tee (PSP), and Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational (PS Vita). The PS1 originals, PS2 Fore!, and PSP Minna no Golf Portable 2 also surface regularly. Digital availability on PlayStation Store varies by region.
Final Verdict on the Best Hot Shots Games
The best Hot Shots games remain surprisingly consistent across the franchise’s 28-year run. Everybody’s Golf on PS4 is our top pick for most modern players, Hot Shots Golf 3 on PS2 is the retro fan-favorite peak, and Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots on PS5 is the right entry point for anyone joining the franchise for the first time in 2026. If you only have time to play one game from this list, start with the platform you already own and work backward from there.
The series has never been more accessible than it is right now, and our team is betting on the new developer Hyde to keep the franchise multi-platform going forward. Whether you are chasing the highest Metacritic score, the most characters, or just the cleanest three-click swing, there is a Hot Shots game on this list for you.