Jackson Reid
Nintendo Switch owners were surprised to find out that they could unlock and play the NES version of Golf on their consoles. The unlock procedure involves a tribute to the former Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata, who passed away in 2015. To unlock the game, users must meet three strict conditions: the Switch must never have been connected to the internet, the date must be set to July 11 (the day of Iwata's passing), and users must perform Iwata's famous hand gesture with the controller. Unfortunately, a Switch update in December 2017 removed the ability to play Golf, so only those with an unopened Switch were able to unlock the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | July 11th |
| Console | Nintendo Switch |
| Game | Golf |
| Game Type | NES |
| Game Release | 1984 |
| Game Developer | Satoru Iwata |
| Game Emulator | FLOG |
| Game Unlock Gesture | Iwata's trademark hand gesture |
| Game Unlock Method | Set date to July 11th, perform gesture with one half of the controller in each hand |
| Game Removal | December 2017 update |
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What You'll Learn
Set the date to July 11th
To unlock the secret version of Golf on your Nintendo Switch, you must first set the date of your console to July 11th. This date is significant as it is the anniversary of the passing of Nintendo's late president, Satoru Iwata, who helped program the original Golf game for the company back in 1984.
- From the HOME Menu, select "System Settings."
- Navigate to "System."
- Select "Date and Time."
- Adjust the date to July 11th.
It is important to note that simply setting the date to July 11th is not enough to unlock the Golf game. This is just the first step. Additionally, if your Switch already has firmware version 4.0.0 or higher, the game has been removed, and you will not be able to access it even by changing the date.
However, if your console is on an earlier firmware version and you have successfully changed the date to July 11th, you can proceed to the next steps to unlock the game. These steps involve mimicking Iwata's trademark hand gesture with one half of the controller in each hand while on the home screen.
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Use a new Switch that's never been connected to the internet
If you have a new Nintendo Switch that has never been connected to the internet, you're in luck! You might be able to unlock the secret golf game. This method only works under very specific conditions, so follow these steps carefully.
First, ensure that your console is updated to the latest version before attempting to access the game. This step is important, as you won't be able to connect to the internet later in the process. Next, connect your Joy-Con controllers. The golf game can only be accessed using these specific controllers.
Now, navigate to the "Home" menu and select "System Settings." From here, scroll down and select "System." In the "Date and Time" settings, turn off the "Synchronize Clock via Internet" option. Set the date to July 11, 2015 (the day Nintendo's late president, Satoru Iwata, passed away), and the time to 3:30 am. This step is a tribute to Iwata, who helped program the game.
Return to the Home menu by pressing the "Home" button on your controller. Launch any game, and then immediately close it by pressing "X" to return to the home menu. Finally, with the Joy-Con controllers attached to your Switch console, perform a specific gesture. This involves swinging the controllers from waist height to chest height, then extending your arms out in a motion similar to a bow, which Iwata was known for during his Nintendo Direct presentations.
If you've done the steps correctly, you should now be able to access the hidden golf game from your console's home screen. Enjoy your discovery, and remember to share this secret with your fellow gamers responsibly!
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Perform Iwata's trademark hand gesture
To unlock the hidden version of Golf on your Nintendo Switch, you must first set the date to July 11, the anniversary of former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's death. Then, on the Home Menu, you must perform Iwata's trademark "Directly" hand gesture with one half of the controller in each hand. This gesture, which was used by Miyamoto in Nintendo Directs in 2013/2014, is said to have been Iwata's first-ever project at Nintendo.
Performing Iwata's trademark hand gesture involves making a 1.5-second motion with the Joy-Con controllers to launch the game. It may take a few tries to get the exact degree and angle that the method requires. Unfortunately, this gesture may only work on July 11, and it appears that your Switch must not have been connected to the internet for the gesture to be successful.
The hidden Golf game is believed to be a tribute to Iwata, who helped program the game and passed away in 2015. The game includes Iwata's catchphrase in Japanese. Unlocking this game is not easy, and it may not be possible for those who have already used their Switch. However, for those who are successful, it is a powerful dedication to Iwata and a chance to play a piece of Nintendo history.
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NES Golf is a tribute to the late Nintendo president
NES Golf on the Nintendo Switch is a tribute to the late Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata. Iwata was the programmer on the original Golf game, which was released in 1984, and the game has been hidden in every Switch console as a tribute to Iwata, who passed away in 2015.
The game can only be played once a year on July 11, the anniversary of Iwata's death, and to unlock it, players must set their console's date to July 11 and perform Iwata's trademark hand gesture with one half of the controller in each hand. This gesture is similar to Iwata's famous "Direct" signal, and performing it successfully plays a short voice sample of Iwata before the game launches.
The inclusion of the game in the Switch console is thought to be an "omamori", a Japanese tradition of good luck charms. Omamori are usually bought at shrines and kept close to provide protection or luck. They are not supposed to be opened, which is why the unlock conditions for the game were so specific. It is believed that Nintendo included the game as a way to wish players luck and as a tribute to Iwata, who brought joy to players worldwide as both a developer and the president of Nintendo.
Unfortunately, in December 2017, a Switch update removed the game, and it is no longer accessible unless players have a brand-new unit that has never been connected to the internet. However, the existence of this hidden tribute to Iwata showcases Nintendo's thoughtful gesture towards their late president and his contributions to the company and the gaming industry.
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The unlock procedure involves a specific series of movements with the Joy-Con
To unlock the NES Golf game on the Nintendo Switch, the unlock procedure involves a specific series of movements with the Joy-Con. This method only works under specific circumstances. The Switch console must never have been connected to the internet or downloaded any patches; if it has, the process won't work.
Assuming that the internet condition is fulfilled, and the date has been changed to July 11, the day of Satoru Iwata's passing, the next step is to perform a series of motions with the Joy-Cons. The controllers are held in a very specific form, swung from waist height to chest height, and then extended out to arm's length. This movement may be a reference to Iwata's famous gesture, where he stuck both hands out towards the audience.
It is worth noting that this procedure is highly specific, and most Switch owners will likely be unable to launch Golf as their devices have been connected to the internet. However, a video by YouTube user fire3element demonstrates the procedure and provides a detailed glimpse of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
You can unlock the NES version of Golf on your Nintendo Switch by setting the date to July 11th, the day Nintendo president Satoru Iwata passed away, and performing his famous gesture with the controller. However, this will only work if your Switch has never been connected to the internet or downloaded any patches.
The hidden Golf game is believed to be a tribute to the late Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata, who helped to program the game in 1984.
To perform Satoru Iwata's gesture, hold one half of the controller in each hand and mimic his trademark hand gesture, where he sticks both hands out towards the audience.
Golf is one of eight sports games available on the Nintendo Switch, including bowling. Other games include Fortnite, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and Zelda Switch OLED.
