Nintendo’s anticipated Switch 2 eShop exclusive, Drag x Drive, a dynamic 3v3 wheelchair basketball title, has revealed a significant detail that might impact local co-op enthusiasts: it will not support local split-screen multiplayer. This means that while the game promises intense on-court action, players looking to share a single console for a quick match with friends will find themselves out of luck.
Unpacking Drag x Drive’s Gameplay
Drag x Drive plunges players into high-octane wheelchair basketball, demanding precision and strategic play. The game leverages the unique capabilities of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, utilizing their mouse-like functionality for intuitive control over driving, accelerating, executing tricks, and performing powerful dunks. Early impressions have lauded its inventive gameplay, offering a fresh take on the sports genre.
Multiplayer Mechanics: Online Focus, Local Limitations
While the absence of local split-screen is a notable point, Drag x Drive is not entirely devoid of multiplayer options. The game fully supports online play for up to 12 players, allowing for expansive competitive matches across the globe. However, for those keen on local multiplayer, each participant will require their own Nintendo Switch 2 console and a copy of the game. This design choice, while common in some online-focused titles, has been cited by some as a missed opportunity for spontaneous couch co-op sessions that the Switch platform often champions.
- Online Multiplayer: Supports up to 12 players simultaneously.
- Local Multiplayer: Requires a separate Nintendo Switch 2 console per player.
- Control Scheme: Utilizes Joy-Con 2’s mouse functionality for precise movement and actions.
Release Details and Availability
Drag x Drive is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop on August 14, 2025. The game will be priced at approximately £16.99 in the UK and US$20 in the US. It will support both TV and Tabletop modes, ensuring flexibility in how players choose to experience the game, albeit with the aforementioned local multiplayer caveat.
Despite the lack of single-console local multiplayer, Drag x Drive still offers a compelling and unique sports experience for the Nintendo Switch 2. Its innovative controls and online capabilities are poised to deliver thrilling 3v3 wheelchair basketball action. Players eager to jump into the competitive scene or challenge friends will need to plan accordingly, either by heading online or ensuring everyone has their own console for local matchups.
Source: https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendos-switch-2-game-drag-x-drive-appears-to-not-support-local-multiplayer