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Game Information

Game Title: Drag x Drive

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Aug 14, 2025)

Trailer:

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 64 average - 12% recommended
Metacritic - 63 average based on 46 reviews

Critic Reviews


CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 7 / 10

Drag x Drive is an arcadey wheelchair basketball game, one that seemingly has been built from the ground up to take full advantage of the Joy-Con 2 controllers.

CNET - Sean Booker - Unscored

Drag x Drive is a shallow experience, but the skill ceiling has a lot of potential. Its low entry price makes it an easy recommendation, even if you're just interested in trying out the new mouse controls that the Switch 2 offers.

COGconnected - Jaz Sagoo - 64 / 100

With minimal offline content and few incentives to return online, it risks being overshadowed by stronger competitors. Without significant expansion to its bare-bones structure, the game may struggle to hold onto its player base.

Cerealkillerz - Steve Brieller - German - 7.9 / 10

Drag x Drive is a neat tech demo for the Switch 2's mouse-style controls. However, its replay value is limited, as the mini-games and core basketball gameplay can only entertain for so long.

Checkpoint Gaming - Charlie Kelly - 6 / 10

With Drag x Drive, Nintendo's latest multiplayer jaunt is both the things we hoped for and the things we feared. It feels immersive and thrilling in the middle of matches to be giving it your all as you speed across a court and try to sink shots as best you can, being one with the chaos. Similarly, it's a concept and control scheme that we haven't seen before in games, one that deserves credit. In the same breath, though, this hyper-specific control scheme and skill ceiling will leave a lot of players, both casual and lesser-abled, behind with how demanding it can be. It doesn't help that the Nintendo charm isn't quite there, nor is there enough substantial side content. Fun in controlled doses, Drag x Drive remains a game I will eagerly keep an eye on, hoping and praying it gets the post-launch support, quality of life and updates it needs to be the hallmark of quirky and accessible multiplayer game design it is so clearly desperately trying to be.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 6 / 10

Drag x Drive is fun, but it doesn't pack enough content to keep players coming back. The three-on-three basketball games can be fun with the right teammates, and nailing some sweet tricks for bonus points is satisfying, but the magic quickly wears thin.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 2 / 5

The unusual gameplay foundation of Drag X Drive is compelling. It's fun to use the Joy-Con-2-mice to control the wheelchair as you race across the basketball court – even if I sometimes cramp up in the process. The exciting online matches against real drivers are the highlight of the game.
Apart from that, the title offers little convincing arguments for a purchase. Uninspired side content, a lack of a progression system, and the dull visuals make the game seem soulless at times. I miss the magic that is typical of Nintendo. Even it's low price point, I cannot recommend the game – unless you really, REALLY want to try out the ingenious controls.

Eurogamer.pt - Bruno Galvão - Portuguese - 3 / 5

Drag x Drive is an experience whose concept showcases Nintendo's irreverence, with potential for fun moments, but the aesthetics and lack of Nintendo's characteristic vibrant energy prevent it from reaching the addictive heights of the company's other offerings.

Everyeye.it - Italian - 7 / 10

It's not a "gimmick game": the idea works, the technique is well-executed and promising, but it would have deserved a series of more thoughtful, enriched and varied touches and modes.

GAMES.CH - Benjamin Braun - German - 74%

Those willing to play online will certainly enjoy "Drag x Drive" for several hours at a truly bargain price, especially since you don't even necessarily need an optimal setup; you can play perfectly well even with the Joy-Cons on your thighs. However, "Drag x Drive" is unlikely to achieve the long-term motivation of "Rocket League" for most players due to the comparatively limited customization options.

GameSpot - Steve Watts - 5 / 10

The multiplayer-focused sports game from Nintendo has a novel control scheme but is tiring and feels imprecise.

GamesRadar+ - Oscar Taylor-Kent - 2.5 / 5

Trickier plays, while cool to witness and to pull off, often don't feel worth it.

Hobby Consolas - Spanish - 78 / 100

The control system and the concept itself make it impossible to resist trying it... And it actually works very well! That said, we have our doubts about its long-term appeal: it's crying out for more environments, tournaments, and local multiplayer.

IGN - Logan Plant - 6 / 10

With the proper setup, Nintendo's take on wheelchair basketball is a lot of fun and controls surprisingly well, but Drag x Drive sadly lacks enough content, variety, and personality to build around those fundamentals.

IGN Italy - Francesco Destri - Italian - 6.5 / 10

Drag x Drive surprises with its concept and controls, but disappoints in content, variety, and design. A missed opportunity that only works well when played online with friends with similar skill.

IGN Spain - Alex Verdía - Spanish - 8 / 10

Drag X Drive is a title that stands out for its love of different sports. The game encourages you to practice and be creative to score as many points as possible, rewarding you for every step of your learning process. It is lovingly designed, but its hardware prevents it from shining as brightly as it could in terms of control. Even so, I can't think of a better title to highlight the new Joy-Con 2 feature.

Nintendo Blast - Felipe Castello - Portuguese - 6 / 10

Drag x Drive entertained me more than expected, with fun controls and satisfying gameplay. The graphics are great, and I didn't experience technical issues. However, it lacks local multiplayer, has few customization rewards, and limited game modes.While the Joy-Con controls are well done, the game feels incomplete, lacking the signature Nintendo charm. It's fun for a few hours, but without extra content, it could easily be forgotten as a tech demo for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Life - PJ O'Reilly - 7 / 10

Drag x Drive may lack options with regards to online modes, and its controls take a bit of getting used to. However, if you can give up some time to engaging with this one, if you can get past the barriers in terms of controls and the early frustrations as you find your rhythm, you'll be rewarded with a unique and very well-made sports game that deserves to find an audience of dedicated fans. Add in some pals, and you've got a solid bit of fun for the price.

Press Start - James Berich - 5.5 / 10

Drag x Drive has some fun and unique core mechanics that take great advantage of one of the most distinctive features of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware. But after a few matches and the novelty has worn off, A game can only be so fun until you've played all its cards, and unfortunately, Drag x Drive is not quite playing with a full deck.

Shacknews - Donovan Erskine - 6 / 10

Unfortunately, Drag x Drive just doesn't deliver the joy and excitement that I expect from a game developed by Nintendo. Not only is the gameplay just fine, it lacks the charm and style that usually makes up for those faults. It's still a neat way to test out the Switch 2's Mouse mode, but perhaps it would've been better suited for an IP spin-off or Switch Sports sequel.

Siliconera - 5 / 10

I think Drag x Drive is interesting, and this wheelchair basketball game really highlights Joy-Con 2 mouse controller capabilities.

Stevivor - 7 / 10

Ultimately, this will be at the mercy of two things: how Nintendo supports the title (and its online experience), and how quickly players learn and adapt to its meta. In the case of Rematch, it's been quite rocky. I hope that Drag x Drive goes otherwise.

The Games Machine - Daniele Cucchiarelli - Italian - 6.5 / 10

A futuristic wheelchair basketball game that nods to Rocket League. The idea isn't bad and the foundation is there, but currently Drag x Drive is more of an experimental title that needs some tuning and, above all, desperately needs new content in the months immediately following its launch.

TheGamer - Jade King - 3.5 / 5

Drag x Drive isn't destined to be the next big Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, but it remains one hell of a compelling case for its underused mouse controls and is a truly original sports title.

TheSixthAxis - Stefan L - 5 / 10

Drag x Drive makes good use of the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for a simple game of wheelchair basketball, but it lacks the charm and personality you'd expect from a Nintendo game.

Video Chums - A.J. Maciejewski - 7.6 / 10

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Drag x Drive but it certainly isn't for everyone. With its unique and tactile controls and gameplay that's great fun to master, I wish there was more to it to really flesh out its clever concept.

 

[Poppinfresh]

The control concept sounds interesting, but there's zero chance I'm paying for this game.

This is the sort of thing that should have been released free to play with cosmetic microtransactions.

 

[linko9]

more like Drab n Drive

 

[Buggy Loop]

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

This game has no leg to stand on.

 

[Jinzo Prime]

This should have been a Mario Party minigame. Or maybe part of Switch Sports 2, but not a standalone title.

 

[Punished Miku]

I'll buy it when Splatoon Raiders is out. Not paying for their online shit unless its Splatoon

 

[phant0m]

Rare Nintendo L

Say what you will about their hardware pricing and consumer practices, but 1P Nintendo is usually something solid even if you're not the target audience.

Same EPD group that did 1-2 Switch?

 

[ReBurn]

Quelle surprise

 

[TerribleAtThisGame]

Lol no way guyzzz

 

[Sojiro]

The control concept sounds interesting, but there's zero chance I'm paying for this game.

This is the sort of thing that should have been released free to play with cosmetic microtransactions.

100% we all know this is a tech demo, and honestly from the gameplay I saw of it, it really looks like a tech demo too. Probably something you could have some fun with friends for a couple hours and be done with.

 

[Heimdall_Xtreme]

Surprise!!!

 

[tr1p1ex]

Funny because metacritic critics gave Arms a higher score and this game is more fun than Arms and $30 cheaper.

 

[Dr. Suchong]

Like our game, you ableist fucks!

 

[coffinbirth]

 

[Jinzo Prime]

Rare Nintendo L

Say what you will about their hardware pricing and consumer practices, but 1P Nintendo is usually something solid even if you're not the target audience.

Same EPD group that did 1-2 Switch?

Yea, this has to be EDP 4. I need to see the credits to be sure, but this has their fingerprints on it.

 

[Robb]

Should've been a 9/10, where's the "Nintendo-bonus"? How are reviewers getting away with this?

 

[Impotaku]

Should've been a 9/10, where's the "Nintendo-bonus"? How are reviewers getting away with this?

Yup this puts to rest the bullshit about Nintendo games only get high marks because it's nintendo. But not the first time nintendo has released super niche games like this I can bet not a single one of you out there have ever heard of Kiki trick another of their odd but obscure releases.

 

[Sintoid]

When you have a new trash gimmick that even you are not able to emphatize

 

[playbignbox]

Funny because metacritic critics gave Arms a higher score and this game is more fun than Arms and $30 cheaper.

ARMS is better in almost every way... deeper gameplay (characters with distinct styles, gloves and their combinations, environments, modes), art style, local co-op, etc.

Nintendo nailed it with new IPs like Splatoon and ARMS; both have charisma and soul, something sorely lacking in this new game.

 

[Danjin44]

I guess GAF's "theory" of Nintendo games get automatic "9" just because they are Nintendo games were complete BS.

 

[IAmRei]

I think this game could enters the top 10 nintendo fails soon : ))

 

[acm2000]

Oof, 64% but once you remove the Nintendo "tariff" it's more like 44%.

 

[MrJangles]

Bit of Benny Hill smut and carnage and we could have had a winner here....

 

[TransTrender]

Oof, 64% but once you remove the Nintendo "tariff" it's more like 44%.

 

[tr1p1ex]

ARMS is better in almost every way... deeper gameplay (characters with distinct styles, gloves and their combinations, environments, modes), art style, local co-op, etc.

Nintendo nailed it with new IPs like Splatoon and ARMS; both have charisma and soul, something sorely lacking in this new game.

Arms had more extra stuff and was priced as such as a $60 game. Today it would be $70.

But it wasn't more fun.

And Arms was a flop. Opposite of Splatoon.

And there's enough charisma in this. The high fiving, clapping and arm gestures add some pizzaz for one.

 

[Mr Hyde]

Who the fuck thought this was a good idea? Every time I look at this game I just shake my head in disbelief. Nintendo at its worst.

 

[ecosse_011172]

Who the fuck thought this was a good idea? Every time I look at this game I just shake my head in disbelief. Nintendo at its worst.

This won't be understandable but maybe someone thought a game relatable to the tens of millions of wheelchair uses in the world could appeal.

Just a shame the game doesn't seem good enough.

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

Wii: Wii Sports

Wii U: Nintendo Land

Switch: 1-2 Switch

Switch 2: Welcome Tour + Drag X Drive


These "show off the new hardware's features" launch window games are getting worse and worse.

 

[hououinkyouma00]

Who the fuck thought this was a good idea? Every time I look at this game I just shake my head in disbelief. Nintendo at its worst.

It's essentially a tech demo that Nintendo is trying to sell you, just like they tried to sell you a digital manual for $10.

This won't be understandable but maybe someone thought a game relatable to the tens of millions of wheelchair uses in the world could appeal.

Just a shame the game doesn't seem good enough.

No offense to anybody with that disability, but catering a game to a single user group usually doesn't work out very well whether it has good intent or not.

 

[tr1p1ex]

Wii: Wii Sports

Wii U: Nintendo Land

Switch: 1-2 Switch

Switch 2: Welcome Tour + Drag X Drive


These "show off the new hardware's features" launch window games are getting worse and worse.

Look on the bright side.... Welcome Tour and DxD are better than 1-2 Switch.

 

[ecosse_011172]

It's essentially a tech demo that Nintendo is trying to sell you, just like they tried to sell you a digital manual for $10.


No offense to anybody with that disability, but catering a game to a single user group usually doesn't work out very well whether it has good intent or not.

If the game was good enough then it would be fun for anyone on earth to play and also show inclusivity, IMO the problem is the quality and value of the game is the problem. Nothing else.

 

[undeadhero]

It's essentially a tech demo that Nintendo is trying to sell you, just like they tried to sell you a digital manual for $10.


No offense to anybody with that disability, but catering a game to a single user group usually doesn't work out very well whether it has good intent or not.

A shame you can't see it, but Welcome Tour was solid.

 

[SomeNorseGuy]

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm."
- Winston Churchill

 

[Arsic]

I guess GAF's "theory" of Nintendo games get automatic "9" just because they are Nintendo games were complete BS.

Goal post movers incoming.

 

[efyu_lemonardo]

It appears this game is a way for Nintendo to test the market on several things at once. It seems to be designed as such a test from the get go.

• Testing how audiences respond to a new control style that comes with its own benefits and restrictions.
• Testing if there is demand for original gameplay ideas without an expensive art budget to sell them.
• Testing various online systems.
• Testing the appeal of showcasing characters with a physical disability.
• Testing the market to see if there is room for such simple experiences at this price point.
• ?

And I'm fine with that. Bring us more test games for crazy novel concepts.

 

[HAYA8U5A]

Streamers playing it.......

 

[blacktout]

Goal post movers incoming.

They're already here:

Oof, 64% but once you remove the Nintendo "tariff" it's more like 44%.

 

[existensmaximum]

It appears this game is a way for Nintendo to test the market on several things at once. It seems to be designed as such a test from the get go.

• Testing how audiences respond to a new control style that comes with its own benefits and restrictions.
• Testing if there is demand for original gameplay ideas without an expensive art budget to sell them.
• Testing various online systems.
• Testing the appeal of showcasing characters with a physical disability.
• Testing the market to see if there is room for such simple experiences at this price point.
• ?

And I'm fine with that. Bring us more test games for crazy novel concepts.

Sure. Just don't forget to include the Nintendo charm and polish, which this game is lacking.

 

[blacktout]

Sure. Just don't forget to include the Nintendo charm and polish, which this game is lacking.

Precisely this, and Welcome Tour has the same problem. If I'm being honest, Nintendo probably could have easily bamboozled me into paying ten bucks for an interactive manual if it didn't look so much like one. Like, I don't know if this is some misguided attempt to appeal to quote-unquote "adults," but I can't conceive of why they thought it would be a good idea to exchange the quirky whimsy that we expect from Nintendo's house style for a bland sterilized aesthetic that feels like it belongs in the handbook from a corporate training seminar. Just completely fucking bewildering.

 

[Zuzu]

I bought it but I've only played through the tutorial so far. It feels pretty good to play so far but tight turns are fiddly to do. I think it's because I need more space on my desk to drag the joycon. The haptic feedback for the wheels turning is well done. It feels like wheels rolling along a corrugated road. Maybe it's not realistic but it feels cool.

 

[Roman Empire]

Why are you guys dragging this through the mud?

 

[diffusionx]

I want to get this and welcome tour, someone save me from myself

Funny because metacritic critics gave Arms a higher score and this game is more fun than Arms and $30 cheaper.

I liked ARMS

 

[touchfuzzy]

I want to get this and welcome tour, someone save me from myself


I liked ARMS

Just do it man, this game is decent fun and at least unique, even if it's pretty barebones. The majority of GAF just shit on anything that isn't some Chinese souls-like knockoff.

 

[Zacfoldor]

This and Welcome Tour. Nintendo make a couple of tech demos for the new hardware and wanted to sell them.

 

[TheChadOfGaming]

 

[AJUMP23]

I have no idea why Nintendo made this game to show off mouse control. Releasing Mario Paint was the better way.