Announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 line up, Drag X Drive was as intriguing as it is surprising. Offering a unique experience, the title is focusing on a competitive experience on basketball and handisport backdrop. We were able to try it and he will say that the title was able to create the expected surprise. But to what extent? As a reminder, Drag X Drive has been available from the August 14, 2025 On Nintendo Switch 2 and it was on a full version which was provided to us that we were able to make our first games there.
Competition and fun
Drag X Drive So has a competitive aspect and we can easily compare it (by far) to a Rocket League or to a Turbo Golf Racing (even further). The principle here is to offer basketball matches in 3 VS 3 In a fairly limited time and being on a wheelchair. To gain dynamism and also avoid anti games, when a team is in possession of the ball, it has only 14 seconds to shoot the opposing basket. This forces you to get activated quickly and make decisions in a team game in a very short time. Thus, the title forces us not to remain idle and in itself, it gives very dense parts during which we absolutely do not be bored.
The atmosphere is there and everything is done so that the player has fun outside the matches. Indeed, games are scattered all around the land to take care of you while waiting for your friends or between two games. For example, in Balla ball is shipped in the distance by a cannon and it is your responsibility to catch it first in order to win a signet ring (which is directly put on your hand – that’s enough to parade in front of the others). In addition, several challenges are offered around the field, such as courses to be made in limited time, jumping on the rope, dropping skittles, etc. Each challenge is doable solo, and the record is displayed on the ground. It’s up to you to prove your ease in a chair and your dexterity. If it may seem devoid of interest, it is very misleading. It is also thanks to these “games” that you gradually progress in your mastery of movements.
Armchair and mouse: an amazing and explosive combo!
Indeed, despite a short and complete tutorial, the title will show you its subtleties as you go. We would be wrong to underestimate him just by looking at him from afar. But then how does it work? The title is played exclusively with the mouse mode of the two Joy-Con. At least, the gameplay is fully part of an innovation of the console. And surprisingly, it’s stunning. Each Joy-Con represents your arms with which you will act on one of the wheels of the wheelchair. Both arms at the same time, you go straight, pressure on the right and you go to the left, and vice versa. But it doesn’t stop there. Make reversed movements with your two arms and you will run much faster. Be careful however, it is enduring in the long run for your arms but despite everything, it is very nervous and dynamic when we did not expect it.
But it doesn’t stop there. Raise a Joy-Con and your character raises his arm, to make a call to one of your teammates for example (with both you can also applaud). To mark, simply lift your joy-con in possession of the ball and shake it forward to shoot. It’s not that simple, your position will be decisive to mark just like your speed (and yes, too fast, you could lack precision). Do you want to play with more style? Choose a wheel trip by raising one of both sides and run a stylish shot. Ramps are installed at the foot of each basket. If you arrive quickly enough, you can make a shot in the air and if you take a good angle, a dunk is achievable to set the other team. To make a pass, simply press L and R at the same time. But the function that allowed me to become much more effective, it is the brake; in addition to being able to turn very quickly by braking only on one side (but beware of inertia despite everything) it allowed me to make small feints with brief pressures.
The closing and enduring surprise
The title relies on a discipline more than left out: the disabled And, from what I have seen, it aroused a lot of misunderstanding. The wheelchair appearance even threw a cold, with regard to many reactions. However, we must salute the initiative. Indeed, this game has the merit of playing the inclusion card which is not so common. Admittedly, it may be able to address a little more to people affected by disability or sensitive on the subject. But philosophically, isn’t it good that all audiences can have a game that looks like them? Especially on this subject. Isn’t there enough games representing valid people for everyone to find their account?
Besides, the title gives pride of place to the effort because yes, you will realize how much, your arms will be asked. Yes, it is somewhat physical, without being too enduring despite everything. But in addition to the inclusion aspect, we must salute a title that gives pride of place to a feature that surprised us all: mouse mode. Drag x Drive Brilliantly takes part and lets us glimpse the future games using this functionality with serenity. Indeed, when we see how much the mouse mode meets as well in such conditions (intense use), we can only expect to try it on a metroid for example. In any case, the title won me over the effectiveness of the mouse mode and what can be done. Nintendo has once again been able to exploit the “motion gaming” (in a way) as no other.
A fun atmosphere tarnished by a dark tone
Now let’s move on to technique and content. The game focuses above all on fun and this is where I wonder about a choice: artistic direction. As some films like to have a dominant color shade like a matrix or a 300, Drag x Drive opts for the dark and more particularly for black. It is not necessarily shocking to the eye when you play but it gives an atmosphere that tarnishes the sporting and fun aspect of the game. We would have appreciated several environments with at least one outdoors and much more colorful. Here, being in such a dark gymnasium with a few windows overlooking a very urban and nocturnal exterior does not offer us an impression of cheerfulness. It is simply noted that a particular choice has been made and assumed. He will not appeal to everyone.
In terms of content, here too the rub. Perhaps a progression system would have been welcome with seasons (at no additional cost) in order to keep players in suspense in the medium or long term. It is possible to personalize your player but it remains quite limited. You can change the colors of each part of your chair, for example, and choose a helmet from a panel for your character. However, even if some are to be unlocked, the cosmetic components are not legion and are a little too limited. It is then necessary to hope that content will be offered regularly (no info at the moment) so that the experience can last long enough. Because one of the big faults with the structure offered by the title when it is released is its repetitiveness and its lack of awards.