Drag x Drive Preview – Rolling Start

One of the most significant new features of Nintendo Switch 2 is its mouse functionality. The ability to turn your Joy-Con 2 sideways opens a world of possibilities for those who enjoy console gaming but recognize that some games just play better with this control scheme. Many argue shooters are better with mouse aiming, while it’s indisputable that intricate strategy titles are often easier to play with a mouse. Because of that, I’m happy games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Civilization VII support the new functionality, but Switch 2 developers can also create innovative experiences by combining the two Joy-Cons in a variety of control setups. One such experience is Drag x Drive, a wheelchair basketball game that uses two Joy-Con 2s in mouse mode to provide a unique experience to the Switch 2.

The reveal of Drag x Drive on the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct didn’t stand out as a highlight of the livestream, but I was still eager to check it out to see how well it demonstrates the versatility of the mouse features. This isn’t a shooter or a strategy game that simply lets you use the mouse in a traditional way other games in their respective genres do, but rather an entirely new concept that can only happen with two mouse controllers.

As I wait for more players to join my Drag x Drive session, I familiarize myself with the controls. Using the two Joy-Con 2s as mice, I can roll forward by pushing both ahead or turn by only moving one wheel. You can also stop by rolling backward or pressing on the trigger to simulate creating friction on the wheel. Controlling the wheelchair is exceptionally intuitive. However, when I start to push forward faster, I often accidentally turn one of the Joy-Con 2s sideways, causing only one wheel to register; the Joy-Con 2’s mouse functionality only works if the sensors are right up against their surface.

During this time, the demo attendee told me I could use my pants as a surface if I preferred that to the table. I tried it out, and sure enough, my jeans worked as a mouse surface as well as the table. In fact, I would argue it feels better for a wheelchair game, given the height of my legs compared to the height of actual wheelchair wheels. You can lift the Joy-Cons at any time to activate the motion controls, causing your character’s hands to follow your real-world hand motions. This is used for clapping, calling for the ball from your teammate, and shooting.

After messing around in the arena’s tutorial area and getting the hang of the movement, enough players join me for three-on-three basketball. The basketball itself is reminiscent of Rocket League, with chaotic collisions jarring the ball out of your possession and quarter-pipes installed at the perimeter of the court so you can pull off tricks and, if you’re good enough, dunk. When you have the ball, you can pass by using the shoulder buttons or shoot by lifting your hand in the air and flicking your wrist. I found that close-up shots scored pretty frequently, while three-pointers were significantly more challenging. That said, when you drain a three, and the hoop explodes in celebration, it feels immensely satisfying.

I really enjoyed the two games of Drag x Drive I played through. However, I’m curious how else the game will round out the package. Is there more than just the basketball, or is it remaining focused on what could be a fun game to play with friends but what seems to be a relatively shallow pool? I’m looking forward to learning more in the coming months.

I doubt Drag x Drive will end up being even close to my most-played launch-window title on Switch 2 (I imagine that title will easily go to Mario Kart World), but it’s a novel concept that squarely delivers on one of Switch 2’s key new features in a fun way. Perhaps what I’m most excited about is how it demonstrates the creativity that developers can put on display with the various mix-and-match control options Switch 2 will deliver once it launches. Drag x Drive arrives on Switch 2 this summer.