Drag x Drive Review

Drag x Drive on Switch 2 brings quirky, motion-powered basketball mayhem to life with fun 3v3 matches and Joy-Con 2 controls, my full review.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Drag x Drive and the Joy-Con 2’s new “mouse mode.” But after rolling onto that neon-lit court for the first time during Nintendo’s Switch 2 Experience, I was hooked. Sliding the Joy-Con 2 controllers across my desk and legs like wheels felt more natural—and fun—than I could have imagined. My 11-year-old son and I couldn’t stop laughing as we zoomed, flicked, and slam-dunked through frantic matches.

"My 11-year-old son and I couldn’t stop laughing as we zoomed, flicked, and slam-dunked through frantic matches."

What started as a tech curiosity quickly became a genuine family favourite. Let’s explore the Drag x Drive experience in my full review.

Drag x Drive Review Details

Platform(s): Nintendo Switch 2 (Exclusive)

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

Developer: Nintendo EPD 

Publisher: Nintendo 

Genre: Sports

Available game modes: 3v3 online multiplayer, local (offline) quick-play, mini-games

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

Drag x Drive Modes – 3v3 Shines

The 3v3 online mode is Drag x Drive’s slam-dunk. The moment you and your teammates start sliding, passing, blocking, and pulling off trick shots in neon-lit arenas, the game comes alive.

"The 3v3 online mode is Drag x Drive’s slam-dunk."

Calling for a pass with a gesture or raising your arm for a block makes you feel physically part of the action, not just holding a controller. Offline play against CPU bots is there, but the real magic is online with friends. While the depth isn’t huge, the core matches shine bright enough to make every session fun.

Drag x Drive Gameplay – Let’s Get Physical

After years of motion games, I thought I’d seen it all, but Drag x Drive’s take is genuinely unique. The gameplay mechanics are where Drag x Drive really shines. Playing as a virtual basketball wheelchair robot, you place each Joy-Con 2 on a flat surface (table, sofa armrest, or even your legs).

"After years of motion games, I thought I’d seen it all, but Drag x Drive’s take is genuinely unique."

Each act like a mouse: slide both forward, and your robot rolls; slide one, and you turn; press ZL/ZR to brake; flick up to shoot and raising your arms signals teammates or blocks shots. I feel like I earned every point—not just pressed buttons.

The haptic feedback deserves special mention. Whether you’re “rolling” across smooth concrete or hitting a bump, the subtle rumbles add to the immersion. It’s not just motion gaming, it’s motion reimagined in a way that feels fresh and surprisingly engaging. It’s quite immersive, and thanks to some wizardry with haptics, it feels like you’re actually pushing giant wheels.

"It’s quite immersive, and thanks to some wizardry with haptics, it feels like you’re actually pushing giant wheels."

A Workout in Disguise

Yes, Drag x Drive gets physical. After a few matches, you’ll feel it in your arms and wrists. But that’s also part of its upside: it’s a game that gets you moving and turns play into a mini workout. It reminds me of the early days of Wii Sports with unexpected physical assertion when you really start to get into it. Once I found a rhythm and found the best position on my desktop, it became more comfortable. For families or players who like active gaming, it’s a blast that leaves you energized rather than just sitting still.

Drag x Drive Graphics and Performance

Drag x Drive sports a sleek, industrial neon look. Arenas glow with half-pipes and robotic style; it’s simple, but effective. While it doesn’t push Switch 2 to its graphical limits, it runs buttery smooth in both docked and handheld modes with minimal load times and crisp resolution. The clean design keeps the focus on the action, and in a fast-paced sports title like this, that works.

Final Thoughts on Drag x Drive

I enjoyed Drag x Drive more than I expected. It’s a novel, immersive experience, especially when played with my son or online opponents. Its physicality makes every basket a victory and gets you moving. But after a while, the experience can lose a little steam. The modes are light, character unlocks are few, and these factors don’t help the replay value. If you’re looking for a light, experimental multiplayer title, there’s fun to be had here. It’s not a slam-dunk but still offers some fun with family and friends while showcasing one of the Switch 2’s most innovative features.

Drag x Drive PROS

+Innovative mouse-based Joy-Con 2 controls

+Fun and engaging 3v3 matches

+Tactile feedback is executed well

Drag x Drive CONS

– Physically exhausting—arm and wrist fatigue limits session length

– Limited variety—few modes, shallow offline experience

– Bland visuals and environments

Overall Assessment of Drag x Drive

Gameplay: 7.5/10

Graphics: 6/10

Sound: 7/10

Lasting Appeal / Replayability: 5.5/10

Overall Rating for Drag x Drive: 26/40 = 65%

Nintendo provided a copy of the game to conduct this review.

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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