One of the best things about a new console is discovering what it can do. For the Switch 2, one standout feature is the Joy-Cons doubling as a mouse. So far, this has only been used in limited ways and never as the core mechanic of a game. Until now. Nintendo has just released Drag x Drive, a fast-paced sports title that fully embraces the new mouse control mode.
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Inspired by wheelchair basketball, the game pits players in 3v3 matches. You use motion controls to mimic wheelchair movement, steering and pushing with a Joy-Con in each hand.
Something Different
Straight away, it’s clear this is a very different Nintendo title. It’s not colourful or packed with charm. Instead, it has a stark, industrial vibe, blending steel and neon into a world that feels almost brutal.
In some ways, it feels like a proof of concept. The core gameplay is solid, but it’s light on modes, features, and unlocks you’d expect from a sports title.
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Gameplay is where it shines. You steer your wheelchair around the arena, flick the Joy-Con to shoot, or wave to a teammate for a pass. It’s an impressive use of motion controls, though it takes time to get used to. The movements can feel unnatural at first, but you have full control of your player.
It also brings back a bit of that classic Wii fatigue. Waving your arms around like mad in the living room. It’s not as intense here, but after a few matches, your arms will feel it. With practice, though, it clicks, and there’s real depth to its brand of basketball.
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You can perform tricks to earn extra points, adding a skateboarding-style element. The harder the trick, the more points you score—and yes, you’ll need to practise to master them.
Defending involves slamming into opponents or waving your arms to block shots. It’s all about making yourself big and getting in their face.
Learning the Ropes
It’s best to start offline to learn the ropes and master a few tricks before heading online, where matches are fast, frantic, and full of fun. That’s where the game really comes alive.
Nintendo says you can use mouse controls on your lap or legs, but I found it hit-and-miss. A flat surface—like a kitchen table or desk—gave the best results.
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Outside the arena, there’s a “park”, but it’s not like NBA 2K26’s version. It’s a large hangar with a few scattered challenges, acting more as a waiting area than a social hub.
You can customise your player, but aside from unlocking a few helmets, it’s pretty bare. There’s little incentive to keep playing beyond enjoying the core gameplay.
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Drag x Drive is a game of two halves. On one hand, it’s a brilliant showcase of new tech and Nintendo’s willingness to try something different. On the other, it’s wrapped in a rather dull package.
If you and your mates want something fresh and exciting, it’s well worth a go. It’s also a great way to show off what the Switch 2 can do. But how long you stick with it will vary.
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