Nintendo's next summer title -- and one of the few new games for the Switch 2 soon after its June launch -- is the multiplayer wheelchair basketball game, Drag x Drive. It uses the console's new Joy-Con mouse controls to simulate moving the wheels of your chair (or vehicle, as it's referred to in-game) while playing short three-on-three matches. While it does take some getting used to, it shows off how well this new input mode works and harkens back to an era of motion-controlled gaming made popular on Nintendo's Wii.
Playing Drag x Drive is unique, reflecting the Switch 2 new tech. You detach each Joy-Con 2 controller from the system, place the sensors face down on a surface (which can range from a table to even your legs), and slide the controllers forward and backward to move the wheels respectively. I actually found it more comfortable on my wrists to use the controllers positioned a little wider on my thighs instead of straight up and down on a table.
Learning to play has a steep curve, and I found my shoulders getting tired quickly as the game kept reminding me that longer strokes would move my character faster on the court. For anyone who experienced Tennis Elbow back when WiiSports came out, Drag x Drive's bodily wear-and-tear will be familiar.
Screenshot by Sean Booker/CNET
The mouse's controls are good -- better than I expected, in fact. They feel snappy, and I was able to pull off some higher-level maneuvers when I got used to it. And as you move, you can feel a subtle vibration in each hand to help you dial in how much force you're inputting. Moving the controllers at different speeds will adjust the turning radius. Braking (by pressing the R or L buttons) can be done independently of each wheel to further your control. There are even tricks you can pull off by using breaking and lifting the controllers in specific combinations, which the game points out will help you perform more advanced blocks and interceptions.
Controls are the big novelty of Drag x Drive and take time to get used to, though the court and game modes offer their own unique challenges.
Read more: I Played Donkey Kong Bananza. It's the Switch 2's Killer Ape
Screenshot by Sean Booker/CNET
Moderately deep mechanics for a $20 game
The primary mode is a 3-minute three-on-three game that's reminiscent of Rocket League (without the jetpacks). There's an indicator always pointing toward the oversized ball. Rolling into it will pick it up. If you're going fast enough (represented by a flashing light on your back) and crashing into someone head-on will knock it loose. And if you raise one of the joy-cons off the surface, you will lift the ball, flicking your wrist will make a shot.
... continue reading