Nintendo’s Wheelchair Basketball Game Launches in August
▼ Summary
– Drag x Drive, a 3 v 3 wheelchair basketball game, will be released as a Switch 2 exclusive on August 14th.
– The Switch 2’s current catalog mostly consists of third-party releases like Deltarune and Cyberpunk 2077, with only two exclusives so far.
– Donkey Kong Bananza, a highly anticipated Switch 2 exclusive, is set to launch on July 17th.
– Drag x Drive utilizes the Switch 2’s new mouse controls, which mimic wheelchair manipulation but caused discomfort during extended use in demos.
– Nintendo has not yet announced the price for Drag x Drive, leaving its affordability uncertain.
Nintendo’s upcoming wheelchair basketball title, Drag x Drive, is set to launch exclusively for the Switch 2 on August 14th. The announcement came through Nintendo Today, marking another first-party addition to the new console’s growing lineup. This 3v3 sports game stands out not just for its unique premise but also for its innovative use of the Switch 2’s motion controls, designed to simulate wheelchair movement.
Since the Switch 2 debuted earlier this month, its library has largely featured third-party titles like Deltarune and Cyberpunk 2077. Only two exclusives have been available at launch: Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. The highly anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza arrives next month on July 17th, with Drag x Drive following shortly after in August. These releases will bring the total number of first-party exclusives to four, offering players more reasons to invest in the new hardware.
What makes Drag x Drive particularly noteworthy is its accessibility-focused design. During a hands-on demo at April’s Switch 2 reveal event, testers experienced the game’s motion controls, which replicate the physicality of maneuvering a wheelchair. While the mechanics provide an immersive experience, some players reported arm and shoulder fatigue after extended play sessions. Nintendo has yet to confirm pricing details, leaving fans hopeful for an affordable entry point when more information is shared.
As the Switch 2 continues to establish its identity, titles like Drag x Drive demonstrate Nintendo’s commitment to diversifying its offerings. Whether the game finds a broad audience remains to be seen, but its unique approach to sports and accessibility could set a new standard for inclusive gaming.
(Source: The Verge)
