The legendary yellow icon is trading ghosts for golf clubs. In a major reveal during the PlayStation State of Play event on June 4, Bandai Namco confirmed that Pac-Man will be a playable character in the upcoming Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots — and fans are buzzing.
The trailer, available on YouTube, gave players their first look at the gameplay and unveiled Pac-Man draining a putt and celebrating with his signature “waka-waka” sound. This marks the first time the arcade hero has entered the fairway in a modern sports title.
A Long-Awaited Return for a Fan-Favorite Series
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is the newest entry in the long-running golf series that began back in 1997. Known for its arcade-style gameplay, charming aesthetics, and pick-up-and-play appeal, the franchise has long held a special place in the hearts of sports game fans.
Now published by Bandai Namco and developed by Hyde, the series is aiming to win over a new generation with its cross-platform launch.
Multiplatform Release Date Set
The new trailer confirmed the game will launch on September 5, 2025, for PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It’s a rare move for a franchise that historically leaned into PlayStation exclusivity — and fans are eager to see how the game performs across different systems.
How to Unlock Pac-Man
While Pac-Man will be unlockable for all players, those who pre-order on PS5 will get early access to the character as a special bonus. It remains unclear whether this pre-order perk will extend to Switch and PC versions, but the PlayStation platform appears to have the early advantage.
What Else Was Shown?
The trailer also teased several new features:
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Enhanced graphics optimized for current-gen systems
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Dynamic weather effects
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Deeper customization for characters and gear
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Online tournaments and cross-play options
With Pac-Man joining the cast, Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots is shaping up to be one of the most exciting arcade sports titles of 2025. Mixing iconic gaming nostalgia with modern multiplayer and platform flexibility, this release is more than just a golf game — it’s a celebration of gaming history.
Don’t miss your chance to tee off with Pac-Man on September 5!