Game Overview
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Switch 2
Release Date: August 14, 2025
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Price: $20
Links: Official Website | Gamestop
As a long-time gamer and reviewer, I’ve navigated numerous titles with a PC mouse, utilizing it for everything from aiming in first-person shooters to moving characters in third-person games. However, I never encountered a game that necessitated the use of two mice simultaneously until I tried Nintendo’s innovative Drag x Drive.
This game uniquely requires players to hold a Joy-Con in each hand, positioning them with the narrow edge on a flat surface and gliding them around to engage in a robust game of wheelchair basketball. This unconventional control setup introduces challenges, primarily due to the often inadequate surfaces available in most living rooms. Yet with some practice, a suitable playing area, and online friends, I found myself immersed in the dynamic, full-contact gameplay that this two-mouse system offers.
The Physicality of Play
When envisioning the use of two mice, you might think of controlled wrist movements, where one mouse manages lateral shifts while the other directs angles. However, Drag x Drive subverts this expectation. Instead, players perform vigorous forward and backward sweeps with each Joy-Con; lateral movement is unnecessary.
These sweeping motions translate to the in-game control of your avatar’s wheelchair. The movement mimics a tank-like mechanism, where advancing one wheel and retracting another allows for turns. Small adjustments can aid in precise angling, but the gameplay mostly relies on sweeping motions to accelerate. Shooting involves lifting a Joy-Con and mimicking a basketball shot, where accuracy ties more closely to positioning than technique.
The physical demands are surprising. Drag x Drive is not only a virtual experience; it offers a genuine workout for your shoulders and forearms as you repeatedly engage in those expansive swipes while navigating the court. The game’s physicality may rival even the most intense PC gaming sessions.
A Unique Gameplay Experience
The gameplay mechanics of Drag x Drive are delightfully unconventional, evoking comparisons to Rocket League rather than NBA Jam. The absence of straightforward lateral movements necessitates strategic management of forward momentum and immediate pathway planning. Success hinges on keen awareness of not just your positioning related to opponents and teammates but also their angles, which inform probable movements.
Unlike Rocket League’s vertical gameplay, jumping mechanics are limited to awkward hops and climbing halfpipes, lacking the high-flying maneuvers commonly seen in other titles. The gameplay resembles ice hockey, where impactful collisions create a flurry of activity; bumping into an opponent from the side may disrupt their shot without causing significant consequences, while head-on collisions lead to turnovers that ignite frantic scrambles for the ball.
Playing online enhances the experience, particularly in multiplayer settings where players can engage and strategize together. The single-player mode, however, struggles against AI opponents that oscillate between being stationary and extremely aggressive based on difficulty. Solo mini-games exist to add variety, yet the game truly thrives on the dynamics of online competition.
There is potential for a notable skill gap within the community. Players who can seamlessly alternate between long movements for speed and minor adjustments for direction will likely excel, achieving smoother maneuvers than those who struggle with the control scheme.
Control Challenges
A significant challenge for players will be finding an appropriate surface for the unique dual mouse controls in their living space. Initially, I experimented with a wooden lap desk, but the noise from the Joy-Cons against the hard surface was distracting. Trying to play with the Joy-Cons on my thighs was also unsuccessful, as the uneven surface of my clothing didn’t support effective movement.
Switching to a larger upholstered ottoman offered some improvement, but after a while, I found myself uncomfortable from leaning forward continuously. Ultimately, I relocated my Switch 2 to my computer desk, connecting it to a monitor. This setup provided ample space to operate the Joy-Cons, allowing for extended gameplay without fatigue. Using the armrests of my computer chair also felt more natural.
Despite these adjustments, the design of the Joy-Cons presents challenges. Unlike the comfortable grip of a standard mouse, the narrow edge of the Joy-Con required an awkward gripping style that never felt secure enough for extensive swiping motions. A potential solution could involve utilizing traditional USB mice, but this would negate the motion controls essential for shooting.
If players can overcome these control issues, Drag x Drive manages to stand out as an engaging and distinctive action-sports title. With an expanding player base, it could be entertaining to see competitive gamers showcasing their Joy-Con skills in future live streams.