Drag x Drive is set to launch tomorrow, August 14th, 2025, and after sinking five hours into its Global Jam Demo, I can confidently declare it’s exactly what you think it is—I’ll elaborate on that later. This 3v3 (occasionally 2v2) wheelchair basketball title fully utilizes the Nintendo Switch 2’s unique mouse and motion controls, blending them into a gameplay style that’s refreshingly innovative and unprecedented. Mastering the wheelchair navigation comes with a noticeable learning curve, but once it clicks, it’s intuitive and natural.
That said, this core mechanic may be polarizing and will more than likely break the game for the majority of gamers. I was very skeptical at the reveal feeling that it felt very… un-Nintendo. Yet, once I got the demo in my hands, I could feel that Nintendo core in its rich gameplay. While it may not achieve the widespread appeal of Rocket League or Rematch, Drag x Drive delivers a high-quality, novel experience poised to cultivate a small, but dedicated fanbase.
Presentation & Soundtrack — Flagrant Foul
First thing’s first, Drag x Drive‘s presentation is easily the worst aspect of the game. Nintendo‘s legacy boasts vibrant, charismatic characters and worlds, but Drag x Drive veers starkly opposite with muted designs and a lackluster environment. Basic customization lets you inject some personality into your athletes, but they pale against the infectious charm of Splatoon or ARMS from recent generations. The basketball court and its surroundings boast impressive detail and textures in a realistic vein, but they lack that signature Nintendo whimsy I’m accustomed to.
On the upside, the framerate holds steady and is buttery-smooth. The resolution is also sharp with nice texture details and lighting. The soundtrack is an energetic fusion of genres that fits the basketball vibes, but I didn’t come out with any stand out tracks. Although, the sound effects are really immersive and satisfying. Overall, Drag x Drive might rank as Nintendo‘s weakest art direction and presentation from the last 2 generations.
Controls — Keep It Pushing
Wheelchair controls in Drag x Drive strike a nice balance of intuition and challenge, though they can grow tiring during extended sessions. After about 90 minutes of constant “stroking” (pause), I could feel my arms ache a bit. I could easily see the physical demand alienating players seeking a relaxing traditional experience. For those craving a new playstyle and body movement, however, it’s a cool experience.
Much like Rocket League, it feels like it has a bit of a learning curve and a high ceiling. I opted to use my legs as the surface for the Joy-Con 2 rather than a desk. It felt much more ergonomic and natural to me. I also played without any ergonomic add-ons to mimic the average user’s setup. Remarkably, my hands stayed comfortable, avoiding the cramping I’d experienced using them as a mouse in other titles.
Gyro-based shooting feels fantastic. It feels just as good as Wii Sports Resort or Nintendo Switch Sports Basketball for comparison (and my jumper is just as nasty!) Calibration issues were nonexistent, with no drifting or off-centering which is great to see. Dunking proved to be trickier than I thought, demanding precise alignment to avoid colliding with the rim and tumbling to the ground (which I may have experienced more than I’d like to admit). Advanced maneuvers like tilting, bunny hopping, and flips add further depth to the gameplay but skip the tutorial so players can figure it out organically.
Gameplay — Rules, Modes & More
Drag x Drive feels like a basketball-flavored Rocket League, stripping away fouls, out-of-bounds, and any rules that would slowdown play. Matches clock in at three minutes, feeling long or short depending on the match. Possession grants a 14-second shot clock; exceed it, and the ball ejects, giving foes a steal opportunity. Scoring mirrors basic hoop rules: two points inside the arc and three beyond. However, tricks like jump shots or dunks tack on decimal bonuses (0.1 to 0.3), letting you clinch victories despite tied baskets.
Quick chat via D-pad offers basic phrases like “Hey” or “Cool,” lacking any strategic depth without voice chat. High-fiving a teammate using motion controls is always cool when you land it and you can also clap to garner some team spirit.
The Park (lobby) hosts up to 12 players with two courts. In between games, you can get in some pre-game practice, or change the pace with minigames like time trial sprints and the obstacle course that changes with each session. The overview trailer Nintendo released teased many different modes like races, jump rope, and sumo wrestling, however I didn’t get a chance to play these in the demo.
Gameplay cont’d — Pick & Roll Into the Action
You can choose from three roles: the versatile Forward (default all-rounder), the agile but fragile Guard, or the resilient yet sluggish Center. Offense revolves around evading defenders via maneuvers and passes, with proximity and direction to the basket boosting shot accuracy. It sounds easy, but trying to position yourself in front of the goal and set up while defenders are barreling towards you can easily cause you to panic and miss.
Defense demands shadowing foes to intercept passes or frontal rams to dislodge the ball. Side or rear bumps only hinder shots and speed. Raising your hands diminishes enemy precision, while bunny hops enable you to block shots. Early on, defense feels overwhelming due to the mobility challenges of the wheelchair mechanics. I do feel it is something that will become easier as you play. All in all, it feels packed with content and seemingly has enough depth to keep people in long term.
Final Thoughts — It’s Exactly What You Think!
Drag x Drive is exactly what you think it is. By that I mean, if you crave a fresh, immersive motion-based wheelchair basketball experience, this game is a slam dunk. But if you favor traditional, relaxed play without the arm workout, it probably won’t hook you. After five hours with the demo, my overall impressions shifted positively, surpassing my initial doubts. The controls, though polarizing, offer a high skill ceiling through intuitive motion shooting and advanced tricks that reward mastery. Gameplay excels as a chaotic, wheelchair basketball frenzy, featuring smart mechanics like trick bonuses and diverse positions for genuine depth.
However, presentation disappoints greatly with dull characters, drab environments, and a passable soundtrack. It represents Nintendo‘s weakest art direction in years. Still, it feels Nintendo to the core at the end of the day. Solid performance and a unique core elevate it to a quality niche title with potential for a dedicated fanbase. Priced at $19.99, it feels like a steal with breadth of content and depth that outshines most $60 Mario Sports titles. Mass appeal may be limited, but Drag x Drive shows gaming still has space for bold, daring concepts.
