Nintendo has officially revealed that Drag x Drive, a stylish and futuristic 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball game, will launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 14, 2025. Priced at $19.99 USD, the game will be available digitally through the Nintendo eShop and is shaping up to be one of the most innovative sports titles of the year.
A High-Octane, High-Concept Take on Basketball
Drag x Drive places players in control of robotic athletes mounted on high-speed, trick-enabled wheelchairs. Matches take place in neon-lit arenas with half-pipe edges, encouraging high-flying dunks, aerial tricks, and chaotic, fast-paced action. The fusion of traditional basketball rules with arcade-style momentum gives the game a unique identity somewhere between Rocket League and Wii Sports Resort‘s basketball mode.
At its heart, Drag x Drive is a multiplayer-first experience. Online and local multiplayer support up to 3-on-3 competitive matches, with options for co-op play against AI bots and competitive leaderboards for the most skilled trick-dunkers.
Joy-Con 2’s “Mouse Mode” Debuts
The title is among the first to fully utilize the Nintendo Switch 2’s new Joy-Con 2 controllers, specifically their “mouse mode” functionality. This feature allows players to hold each Joy-Con like a vertical mouse, simulating the independent control of left and right wheels similar to actual wheelchair movement.
Using this scheme, players steer, accelerate, brake, pivot, and perform tricks with tactile precision. It adds an additional layer of immersion to the gameplay and acts as a showcase of what the Switch 2’s new input methods can offer.
Game Features Breakdown
- Intuitive Control Scheme: Joy-Con 2 “mouse mode” lets players move like real wheelchair athletes.
- Skill-Based Gameplay: Master timing-based dunks, wall rides, and flip tricks using ramps and rails built into the courts.
- Dynamic Arenas: Each court includes unique environmental features like grind rails, bounce pads, and rotating half-pipes.
- Extensive Customization: Unlock new skins, trails, decals, and trick animations for your robot athlete.
- Online Competitive Play: Ranked and unranked matchmaking, party invites, and voice chat via the Switch 2 app.
A Showcase of Switch 2’s Potential
Nintendo has made it clear that Drag x Drive is not just another eShop sports game it’s a first-party effort designed to highlight the potential of its new hardware. It sits alongside other genre-diverse exclusives like Donkey Kong Bananza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, reinforcing Nintendo’s mission to lead innovation through unconventional gameplay experiences.
With its blend of futuristic flair, competitive depth, and control-based novelty, Drag x Drive could become a cult favourite and potentially a staple of esports on Nintendo platforms.
Drag x Drive launches August 14, 2025 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 for $19.99 USD. Pre-orders are expected to go live in July via the Nintendo eShop.
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