Hands-On with Drag x Drive: A Unique Arena Sports Experience for Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo is renowned for introducing innovative gameplay mechanics and memorable new franchises, and with the upcoming release of Drag x Drive on the Nintendo Switch 2, the company once again aims to redefine competitive multiplayer experiences.

First unveiled during the Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 presentation, Drag x Drive immediately stood out as a new arena sports game with noticeable nods to Nintendo’s history of experimental sports titles such as Metroid Prime: Blast Ball for the 3DS.

Developed in-house by Nintendo, this game is set for both physical and digital release on the eShop for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Summer 2025. Unlike traditional sports titles or the accessible party-style gameplay of Wii Sports, Drag x Drive puts players in high-octane, three-on-three arena matches that draw inspiration from wheelchair basketball.

The game’s most distinctive feature is its innovative use of the new Joy-Con 2 controllers, which are held sideways in each hand and operated much like dual mice.

This design showcases the capabilities of the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware and provides an intuitive but challenging control scheme. Nintendo representatives have described the controls as accessible, but attendees at the hands-on demonstration reported that there is a noticeable learning curve.

With each Joy-Con 2 acting like a mouse for movement, players push both controllers forward or backward to move, and slide one to turn.

Buttons L and R allow for passing, ZL and ZR serve as brakes, and a flick of the wrist lets players shoot the ball.

The arena’s design, featuring a half-pipe, enables advanced maneuvers like tricks and slam dunks for those who master the controls.

During the preview event, tutorials helped new players get oriented, with training drills ranging from basic movement to advanced maneuvers against AI opponents.

Following this, participants competed in live multiplayer matches against fellow attendees. Despite some players initially struggling with the unique control scheme under the pressure of the demo’s time limit, the competitive spirit of Drag x Drive shone through.

Players quickly found themselves swept up in the excitement of arena action—racing across the court for the ball, narrowly missing shots, intercepting opponents, and battling through the last crucial seconds to secure victory.

This intensity delivered the exhilarating highs and lows that are hallmarks of great competitive multiplayer games. Visually, Drag x Drive moves away from the vibrant color palettes of Nintendo icons like Splatoon or the Mushroom Kingdom, opting instead for a stylized but darker, more subdued look.

Some early impressions noted a desire for more visual flair, considering the game’s role in demonstrating the Switch 2’s graphical power and serving as a new Nintendo IP launch title.

Nevertheless, the gameplay innovation is front and center, with the dual mouse-like controls offering a refreshingly different experience for players accustomed to standard joystick inputs. Although questions remain about Drag x Drive’s long-term appeal and player retention, the hands-on demo proved that Nintendo still excels at blending hardware innovations with original gameplay.

As the launch approaches, more players will undoubtedly have the chance to see if Drag x Drive can carve out its own space among the Switch 2’s competitive multiplayer lineup.

With its global release set for Summer 2025 on both retail shelves and the Nintendo eShop, Drag x Drive is a title to watch for anyone interested in the next evolution of arena sports games and Nintendo’s continued push into unique, engaging experiences.

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