wA new console has hit the market, and it typically comes with at least one first-party title designed to highlight its innovative features. The PlayStation 5 showcases Astro’s Playroom, the Steam Deck has Aperture Desk Job, and the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts Drag X Drive. In this game, you will engage in competitive wheelchair basketball using Joy-Con 2’s new mouse mode (where you control the gameplay by sliding the joystick across a desk like a computer mouse). While it offers a solid demonstration of controller enhancements, Drag X Drive capitalizes on the high-energy nature of real sports and introduces a shallow spoofing element.

As a basketball game, Drag X Drive has you spending the majority of your time shooting hoops and dashing around the court. You can press the trigger to lift the wheels for a jump, raise each Joy-Con and flick to shoot, or pass the ball to teammates.

While this practical approach seems appealing, it isn’t as intuitive as one might hope, and ironically, accessibility is limited. Finding a comfortable position while pushing and rolling your palm is tricky, necessitating effort to truly grasp the control scheme. However, once you push through the initial difficulties, there’s an uncommon thrill in nailing a shot or assisting a teammate.

The Player Styles menu offers several additional gameplay options, enabling you to switch between different presets based on your playstyle. You can adopt a balanced forward style, evenly distributing rebound, strength, and speed skills, or choose a guard style that prioritizes speed at the cost of other stats. The ability to shift styles enhances the rocky onboarding experience and revitalizes gameplay in online multiplayer matches, a crucial aspect of the game.

At face value, Drag X Drive captures the essence of vehicle-based football games like Rocket League, where two teams compete by scoring points through trick shots and collisions. Yet, while Rocket League features vibrant arenas and dynamic graphics, Drag X Drive opts for a more restrained, atmospheric environment marked by its cold metallic aesthetic. The character customization menu allows you to change the colors of your wheels and chairs or select quirky accessories like cat ears and vintage driving goggles, but it lacks the warmth and whimsical charm typical of Nintendo.

There’s an adrenaline rush, even amidst the challenges of managing character control and potential wrist fatigue, especially as your success hinges on your real-world stamina and players can easily pursue you. There’s a genuine sense of achievement when you nail a long-distance shot or execute clever assists. As you build confidence, you can start to exploit the halfpipes around the court, performing tricks to earn bonus points. A simple shot can transform into an impressive slam dunk, giving you a real sense of professionalism.

Throughout the basketball match, you’ll encounter some repetitive side activities, including jump rope mini-games, shooting contests, and obstacle courses. Excelling in these challenges and performing well in matches allows you to earn trophies, unlocking more cosmetics and enhancing your avatar’s aesthetic.

Despite some efforts to incorporate meta progression, the significant shortcomings of Drag X Drive become apparent over time. The gameplay can be cumbersome for extended sessions. While the mouse controls are theoretically intriguing and feel innovative during shorter matches, they start to falter in a fast-paced context. What remains are surprisingly inaccessible sports mechanics, lacking versatility and long-term engagement. Fans hoping for a spiritual successor to Nintendo’s earlier Rock ’em Sock ’em Brawler will likely be left disappointed.