August 14th 2025.
Nintendo has released their latest first party game for the Switch 2, and it's a wheelchair basketball game called Drag x Drive. Despite its budget price, the game has impressed players with its clever use of the Joy-Con controllers. But is it really as good as it seems?
Some may say that you can't judge a book by its cover, or a video game by its trailer, but in the case of Drag x Drive, it's exactly what it appears to be. It's more of a tech demo than a full-fledged game, with very limited options and features. In fact, it feels more like an indie title than a game from a major developer like Nintendo. While it may still be enjoyable to play, it's undeniably lacking in substance.
It's understandable that some players were disappointed when Welcome Tour wasn't given away for free, but in all honesty, they weren't missing out on much. Drag x Drive probably should have been a free pack-in for the Switch 2, as it's a good showcase of what can be done with the Joy-Con's motion controls. However, without any local multiplayer option, its longevity depends solely on how much you enjoy playing it online, which may not be very long.
The concept of Drag x Drive is simple but unique - it's a low fantasy version of wheelchair basketball, reminiscent of the classic game Speedball 2. However, instead of being a violent game, it's more about maneuvering around the court and trying to score points. The game features skateboard park-style ramps that players can drive up, adding an element of fun and fantasy to the gameplay.
The controls are where Drag x Drive truly shines. Using a Joy-Con in each hand, players can simulate the movement of a wheelchair by rolling the wheels. The precision and potential for other games beyond just controlling a cursor is impressive. Catching and throwing the ball also involves using the motion controls, adding an extra layer of immersion to the gameplay.
But like any game that requires players to learn new skills, it can take some time to get used to the controls. And even then, competing in a match can be challenging, as players have to navigate the court while avoiding other players or purposely knocking into them to get the ball. This adds an element of strategy to the game, and mastering the controls is rewarding.
However, the game falls short when it comes to longevity and variety. With only one main play mode - a 3v3 online match - and minimal unlockables and mini-games, it's clear that Drag x Drive is lacking in content. The single-player option against bots is essentially just practice, as there is no meta game to keep players engaged.
Even more surprising is the game's drab visual presentation. For a Nintendo game, it's unusual to see a mostly grey color scheme, creating a sense of dullness. The lack of personality in the players also adds to the overall lack of charm in the game. It almost seems like Nintendo gave up halfway through and never got around to adding proper presentation and more features.
All in all, Drag x Drive is a missed opportunity for Nintendo. While it showcases their innovative use of the Joy-Con controllers, the game itself is under-designed and lacks longevity. It's a shame that it wasn't given more time to be fully developed, as it could have been a great addition to the Switch 2's library. As it stands, it's just another dud from Nintendo, tarnishing their reputation.
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