'Mario Golf: World Tour' given May release date

The Nintendo 3DS prepares to welcome a cute and casual golf game that offers plenty of customization options.

The Nintendo 3DS prepares to welcome a cute and casual golf game that offers plenty of customization options.

Almost a year to the day since Nintendo first announced 'Mario Golf: World Tour,' the fairway ramble has been granted a release date, and it's not long off -- May 2 in North America and Europe.

The game can be considered a strong competitor for the PlayStation Vita's excellent 'Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational,' with a similarly laid-back approach to the exacting game of golf.

Company president Satoru Iwata presented the game as part of February 13th's Nintendo Direct broadcast, reminding viewers that they will be able to take part in online golfing tournaments as part of the game.

An overview of 'Mario Golf: World Tour' and its customization features demonstrated how golf clubs, clothing and accessories can all affect player stats, something else in common with the 'Hot Shots' games.

And Iwata was keen to ensure that viewers understood that the game was perfectly approachable for newcomers to the genre, with a welcoming suite of training options.

Fans of both series will already know that 'Mario Golf' developer Camelot was also responsible for the very first 'Hot Shots' title on PlayStation, hence any overlap between the two.