Most new Nintendo console cycles spawn the opportunity for fresh innovation in game controls and mechanics. The Nintendo Wii took the world by storm with Wii Sports, a motion-controlled experience that just worked.
Its successor, the Wii U, used concepts like Nintendo Land and Splatoon to showcase dual screen play. Nintendo Switch continued the trend with games like Arms and 1-2-Switch putting the Joy-Con controllers to their paces.
Along comes the Nintendo Switch 2, with most of the focus being on refining and upgrading the tech. Larger controllers, bigger screen and better performance under the hood. Neat. There is a new playstyle on the upgraded Joy-Con, however – the much touted mouse controls. As well as the usual motion waggling, both left and right controllers also have teeny IR sensors along the sides. Prop the Joy-Con up vertically and hey-presto – mouse control for pinpoint precision. It’s like magic.
Naturally most players would lean toward first-person shooters or point-and-click tales as the ideal use cases, but Nintendo has another plan for the sensors: a futuristic take on wheelchair basketball. Does Drag x Drive make good use of the new Switch 2 setup?
The Japanese gaming giant has tried all sorts of quirky control schemes over the years and Drag x Drive certainly feels unique. Players take control of robots who sit within what Nintendo describe as “wheelchair-like vehicles”, zipping about in heated 3-on-3 basketball matches. Movement is where the Joy-Con come in. Push both forward and back to simulate wheelchair movement – each controls a wheel. Shoulder triggers toggle the brakes and lifting your arm allows you to shoot the ball neatly into the net.
With the two controllers held vertically and used like a mouse, the wheelchair basket concept makes complete sense. It’s a smart way to showcase a dual Joy-Con setup where most games would rely solely on a single mouse. There is a steep learning curve, though, as it does take careful co-ordination to master the small nuances of movement. During a heated, frantic match, those nippy, tight manoeuvres can really make all the difference!
The trick isn’t to frantically push and pull the Joy-Con, but instead rely on smaller, more considered motion. As with most games that don’t rely on traditional controls, finding the right environment to play is crucial. A coffee table and PC are contenders but end up being a little noisy with the constant slamming. Must not wake the neighbours. The optimum setup seems to be gliding the Joy-Con along your trouser legs, where possible. It’s close enough to prevent constant leaning and feels the most natural.
There are a handful, a sprinkling, of side missions to try out too – from netting as many balls as possible within a time limit to tricky slaloms. Some of these are incredibly unforgiving, though, even with a fair bit of practice. Okay, a lot of practice. These also aren’t the most ground-breaking of mini games, either, but are essential to understand the controls before braving the online matches. Something this reviewer learnt the hard way! That said, after spending some time grinding to earn challenge trophies, the unique control scheme becomes second nature.
There is a futuristic feel about the courts and surrounding park, but it is a stark contrast to the usual Nintendo experimental flare. It’s all a little one note. Unlike other Nintendo multiplayer games, there are no alternate backgrounds or arenas to break things up. At time of review, it’s a single grey space with sprinkles of red and blue. Additional arenas like in the Splatoon series or Arms could have just added a needed difference that this game unfortunately lacks.
Aesthetics aside, the meat of Drag x Drive does come in the matches themselves and fortunately they do negate the lack of visual flare. With controls mastered, it’s a fast-paced romp as teams slide glide the courts, scrambling for the ball and flagging down players for that essential pass. A quick brake tap lets you swerve in for a steal, and a determined push to the opposing net lines up perfect shot on goal. It’s a physically demanding scramble but ultimately, a satisfying one.
Aside from the online 3-on-3 matchups, there are also two mini-games that shuffle in-between rounds. A race to be the first to grab a ball and a small race around the arena. Offline CPU matches are also an option for those wanting a little practice, plus a handful of character customisation. That’s ultimately where the options end, though.
Nintendo may consider adding more features down the line, but the lack of additional modes and rulesets is unfortunate. It is a shame as the matches are enjoyable but Drag x Drive feels like a well-executed tech demo for a larger game that doesn’t exist quite yet.
