Nintendo has a long history of taking sports games in unexpected directions. They turned tennis into a Mushroom Kingdom showdown, turned kart racing into an all-out weaponised brawl, and made golf somehow involve chain chomps. Now, with Drag X Drive, they’ve taken one of the most technical, fast-paced adaptive sports — wheelchair basketball — and given it an arcade twist that feels both thrillingly fresh and classically Nintendo.
It’s a bold move. And thanks to the Switch 2’s new “Mouse Mode” controls, it’s also one of the most tactile sports experiences Nintendo has ever created. But while the concept and execution are undeniably clever, whether you love Drag X Drive or bounce off it entirely might depend on how well your wrists, hands, and patience adapt to the control scheme.
The Concept — Wheelchair Basketball, Nintendo Style
In Drag X Drive, you’re not just playing basketball — you’re piloting a sleek, sci-fi “wheelchair” in fast and furious 3v3 matches. Courts are compact, games are only three minutes long, and the action never really stops. Because the play space is so tight, you’re constantly close to teammates and opponents, which means passing lanes close quickly, defence is tight, and every possession counts.
Nintendo has leaned into an arcade sensibility here. There’s no strict adherence to realistic physics or stamina — instead, the focus is on quick bursts of play, flashy manoeuvres, and a satisfying mix of basketball fundamentals and ridiculous trick shots.
The Controls — Where the Game Really Lives or Dies
The headline feature here is Mouse Mode. Each Joy-Con 2 represents a wheel:
- Push both forward together for a straight dash
- Lift, reset, and push again to maintain speed
- Brake by pulling back on one or both
- Turn by pushing one forward while holding the other back
It’s a simple concept, but in practice it becomes a dance of timing and rhythm. Smooth slides will have you gliding across the court effortlessly, while jerky or overpowered motions can stall your movement. There’s a learning curve, and it’s not just about in-game mastery — it’s about physical comfort too.
When played on a tabletop, the controls work well for short bursts, but longer sessions can be tough on your arms and wrists. I found resting the Joy-Cons on my legs made for a smoother, more comfortable experience, and the tracking still felt accurate, after a few rounds though, moving to a table top with a mouse pad yielded the optimum results.
On the Court — Speed, Chaos, and Precision
Once you’ve wrapped your head around the movement, the game really opens up. Matches are high-speed scrambles where offence and defence often blend together. Shooting is simple: raise your arm, flick forward, and if you’re facing the hoop, you’re likely to score. There’s room for style too, with one-wheel tilts, bunny hops, and rim-hanging dunks that make big plays feel extra satisfying.
Defence is equally fun. See an opponent charging in? Roll back to your half, block their lane, and if you collide head-on, they’ll lose possession — triggering a frantic scramble for the loose ball.
There’s a constant push and pull between quick passes, riskier three-point attempts, and calculated collisions. Even after hours of play, I kept discovering new little strategies — like faking a shot to bait defenders, or using a bunny hop mid-pass to completely throw off their timing.
Player Roles and Customisation
Before hitting the court, you choose one of three roles:
- Guard — quick and agile, perfect for fast breaks
- Forward — balanced, good for both scoring and defending
- Centre — strong and sturdy, dominant under the hoop
Each role has different strengths in rebounding, speed, and power. You can also tweak your character’s look with different helmets, colours, and textures. Customisation is functional but basic, so don’t expect deep cosmetic options or a detailed player creator.
Tricks, Flare, and Showboating
Nintendo has sprinkled in a bunch of “video game” style moves to keep things spicy. Braking sharply on one side and lifting your Joy-Con will tilt you onto a single wheel. Do it on both sides at once, and you’ll bunny hop. It’s a joy when you pull one off in the middle of a match, but the timing can be finicky, and some tricks don’t trigger reliably. There are a bunch of other tricks to unlock and master, including the slam dunk, which everyone goes for at least once during a match. It is a little complicated to get right, but when you do, the sense of satisfaction that follows makes the effort worth it.
The Frustrations
The biggest issue is consistency. Some advanced moves feel amazing when they land but frustrating when they don’t, and the Joy-Con 2’s slim design can make extended play uncomfortable for some players. Mouse Mode’s novelty is a huge part of Drag X Drive’s appeal, but it’s also the thing that might limit how long people stick with it. Switching play style up on a coffee table, on your legs and on a mouse mat, definitely weilded the best results as the mouse mat allows for more grip and control over your movement and shots. However it is not realistic for long play sessions, which is potentially why the matches are only three minutes long.
Verdict — A Sport Worth Spinning Into
Drag X Drive is fast, chaotic, and unlike anything else Nintendo’s put out in years. The arcade spin on wheelchair basketball feels fresh, and the tactile controls make every dash, turn, and collision feel personal. It’s not perfect, some tricks are inconsistent, and the Joy-Con ergonomics won’t suit everyone and take some time to get used to, but when it clicks, it’s one of the most exhilarating multiplayer experiences on the Switch 2.
I’ve been frustrated, I’ve botched countless plays, and I’ve pulled off more accidental crashes than I’d like to admit, but I keep coming back for more. Nintendo has created a sports game that’s equal parts skill, spectacle, and whackiness, and it’s one of the most memorable experiments they’ve rolled out in years.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Graphics shine in both handheld and docked mode, Short matches keep your interest
Lowlights: Controls may not work for everyone, No cosmetics or customisation ability.
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2
Available: Now
Review based on release code supplied by Nintendo.
