Published on: April 13, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Draws Attention to Inclusive Design Language in Drag x Drive
The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 Experience event in London recently served as both a showcase for upcoming hardware and a springboard for new games like Drag x Drive.
The event attracted a flurry of gaming media, including seasoned journalists Laura Kate Dale and Chris Scullion, both of whom had the opportunity to playtest Drag x Drive and observe the latest features of the new Nintendo platform.
Drag x Drive, which is generating buzz ahead of its release on the Nintendo Switch and future Nintendo Switch 2, offers unique gameplay that places players in high-speed, competitive races using wheelchairs.
The game, developed to celebrate accessibility and fast-paced racing mechanics, became the subject of notable conversation among journalists for its approach to in-game terminology.
During the event, Laura Kate Dale reported that she overheard booth staff being instructed to refer to the wheelchairs featured in Drag x Drive simply as 'vehicles.' According to Dale, this directive was given to ensure sensitivity and possibly to promote a more inclusive gaming environment.
Chris Scullion, another respected voice in gaming journalism, echoed Dale’s experience.
Scullion recounted a moment with staff members: After referring to the in-game wheelchairs while discussing the new title, a staff attendant quickly clarified, 'Oh, we call them vehicles.'
This careful attention to language in the gaming space highlights an ongoing industry trend focused on respectful representation and accessibility.
While both journalists observed that the guidance to use the term 'vehicles' extended across different booths, it underscores a developer-led initiative to shape the player experience and conversation around Drag x Drive.
Drag x Drive is set to debut on the eShop and play a pivotal role in Nintendo’s expanding catalog for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Although Nintendo has not specified a precise release date, the game’s appearance at high-profile events like the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience positions it as a noteworthy addition to the 2025 Nintendo Direct lineup.
Nintendo’s continued effort to blend innovative gameplay with inclusive design reflects a broader movement within the industry.
By fostering awareness about terminology and respecting the lived experiences of all players, titles like Drag x Drive are paving the way for a more thoughtful and engaging gaming ecosystem.
Fans and industry observers can expect more details about Drag x Drive and its language choices as Nintendo ramps up promotion for the next generation of Switch hardware.
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Drag x Drive Nintendo Laura Kate Dale Chris Scullion Switch 2 London Switch 2 Experience Switch