Nintendo Unveils 'Drag x Drive': A Wheelchair Basketball Game with Innovative Joy-Con Controls
July 16, 2025
Nintendo is releasing a new first-party game called Drag x Drive, inspired by wheelchair basketball, which features a unique control scheme using Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode.
A limited-time demo for Drag x Drive will be available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers on August 9 and 10, with specific gameplay slots scheduled throughout the weekend.
The game will launch on August 14, 2025, as a digital exclusive on the Switch 2 eShop for $16.99, marking a notable entry in accessible gaming.
Drag x Drive is designed as a multiplayer sports game where players control wheelchairs with Joy-Cons, throwing hoops using motion gestures, and it supports two teams of three players.
The game has been praised for its creativity and accessibility features, including a screen reader and speech-to-text in GameChat, emphasizing its focus on representation.
Despite its innovative controls and accessibility, some critics question whether the game offers enough depth beyond its core concept, and it will not support local multiplayer, limiting play to one user per console.
Drag x Drive is the first first-party Switch 2 title to utilize extensive mouse controls, with other upcoming titles also supporting mouse options, reflecting the console’s new input capabilities.
The game’s reception among Switch 2 users remains uncertain, especially since established favorites like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong Bananza continue to dominate the platform.
The game is priced at $19.99, lower than many other major first-party titles, making it an affordable new addition to the Switch lineup.
The Switch 2 has already sold 3.5 million units within its first four days, fueling anticipation for its game library, including Drag x Drive.
The demo’s limited access for online subscribers has sparked discussions about accessibility and the role of subscription services in game testing.
This release continues Nintendo’s tradition of demo events for new IPs, following previous launches like Splatoon and ARMS, and aims to generate early interest in Drag x Drive.
The game was revealed during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct earlier in 2025, highlighting its 3v3 team-based gameplay and innovative control mechanics.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

GameSpot • Jul 16, 2025
You Can Try Switch 2 Wheelchair Basketball Game Drag X Drive Next Month, But There's A Catch
Kotaku • Jul 16, 2025
Nintendo's Other Switch 2 Exclusive Gets A Limited-Time Demo
ComicBook.com • Jul 16, 2025
Nintendo Switch Online Will Make a Big Upcoming Game Free to Try Next Month