Nintendo`s new wheelchair basketball title, Drag x Drive, is set to offer players a limited-time demo before its full release next month.
Announced through the Nintendo Today app, the “Drag x Drive: Global Jam” demo will be available for a limited period from Saturday, August 9th, to Sunday, August 10th. This online team-based multiplayer experience will be accessible to Nintendo Switch 2 owners who have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, giving them a sneak peek before the game`s official launch on August 14th.
Demo Session Times:
The demo will be divided into three distinct sessions:
- Saturday, August 9: 3 AM – 7 AM PT (6 AM – 10 AM ET)
- Saturday, August 9: 5 PM – 9 PM PT (8 PM – 11 PM ET)
- Sunday, August 10: 9 AM – 1 PM PT (12 PM – 4 PM ET)
Gameplay and Unique Controls
Drag x Drive was first showcased during an earlier Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, revealing it as an internally developed Nintendo title. This 3v3 sports game uniquely utilizes both Joy-Cons in a “mouse mode” for wheelchair navigation, while shooting the ball relies on intuitive motion-control gestures.
Notably, Drag x Drive stands out as the only first-party Switch 2 title to date that heavily incorporates mouse-like controls, though alternative control schemes for the game have not yet been confirmed. This focus on mouse input is a growing trend on the console; the forthcoming Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition will introduce “Jamboree TV” mode with mouse-based minigames, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to offer mouse controls for aiming. Beyond Nintendo`s own titles, third-party games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Civilization 7 also feature mouse control options.
Pricing and Availability
In contrast to higher-priced first-party releases like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, Drag x Drive is positioned as a more accessible digital-only title, launching at a price of $20. Pre-orders are currently open via the eShop.