TL;DR
- Drag X Drive is the newest Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, and it features a form of basketball with players controlling an avatar in a wheelchair-like device.
- Players compete in matches of 3-versus-3 action, with online functionality available.
- Many players have been comparing Drag X Drive vs Rocket League since they’re both fictional sports games with a focus on scoring goals.
- Rocket League is a major esport, so Drag X Drive could potentially become a popular title in the competitive gaming community, too.
- Drag X Drive may need a port to other platforms before it can grow into a notable game in the esports world.
Drag X Drive was recently released on August 14, 2025, as one of the very first Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives. Due to its motion-controlled basketball gameplay and online community, Drag X Drive could grow into a major esport, but it’ll need to check a few boxes first.
There are many ways that Drag X Drive can expand its reach in the esports community, so let’s dive into why we think the latest Switch 2 game could amass the same popularity as Rocket League in the future.
What is Drag X Drive?
Released on August 14, 2025, Drag X Drive is a Switch 2 exclusive featuring 3v3 gameplay reminiscent of Basketball. The aim is to score goals in the enemy’s basket and get more points than the opposing team.
One of the most interesting aspects of Drag X Drive is its control scheme, as players utilize the Joy-Con 2’s motion functionality to score each goal. The new mouse mode on the Switch 2 Joy-Cons is also utilized in Drag X Drive for movement, making it a unique game.
We think that Drag X Drive could eventually be a big name in the esports scene since its special controls require an extra touch of skill, perfect for competitive gaming.
Rocket League vs Drag X Drive – How are they different?
We’ve displayed how Rocket League vs Drag X Drive differ in the table below. Our biggest note is that Rocket League is free-to-play, allowing it to reach a larger audience across many platforms. Though Drag X Drive is only $19.99 USD, it also requires you to own a Nintendo Switch 2, which is currently on the pricier side compared to the Xbox Series S.
Additionally, Rocket League’s maps are much bigger than the courts in Drag X Drive, creating a more contained experience in the latter title.
| Drag X Drive | Rocket League |
|---|---|
| • 3v3 Gameplay • Priced at $19.99 USD. • Only available on the Nintendo Switch 2. • Offers motion control functionality with the Joy-Con 2 controllers. • Smaller maps. • Basketball-like gameplay. • Players control a character in a wheelchair-like device. | • 3-versus-3 Gameplay • Free to play. • Available to play on most modern gaming platforms. • Played primarily with a controller or mouse and keyboard, not with motion controls. • Larger maps. • Soccer/Football-like gameplayPlayers control a car. • Already has an established esports scene. |
What does Drag X Drive need to do to reach esports status?
There’s still plenty of time for Drag X Drive to grow via updates and ports to other platforms. The basketball game may remain a Switch 2 exclusive forever, so more gamers buying the Switch 2 may be what Drag X Drive requires to gain popularity.
As Drag X Drive gains more players, its competitive community will grow alongside the expanded player base. New game modes may also be necessary for Drag X Drive to keep an active fan base in the long term, so in the end, what it really requires to become an esport is further support from Nintendo.
Drag X Drive is still a budding release, so we predict that further updates or DLC could grow the game into a competitive titan that rivals Rocket League in popularity, especially if more gamers get a Switch 2.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that Drag X Drive has esports potential, but it may take a port to other consoles or more gamers buying the Switch 2 for it to truly shine in the competitive gaming space. Other fictional sports games like Rocket League are free-to-play, so a new business model could expand Drag X Drive’s reach, too.
For those seeking a multiplayer video game exclusive to the Switch 2, Drag X Drive is a dream come true. However, Drag X Drive’s long-term esports potential relies on Switch 2 players having easy access to the game, as otherwise, it could simply become the next ARMS.
FAQs
When does Drag X Drive come out?
Drag X Drive was first released on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 14, 2025.
How popular is Drag X Drive?
Though we don’t have exact sales numbers for Drag X Drive yet, its overview trailer has received over 200,000 views as of August 21, 2025, so it has gained a notable following.
Is Drag X Drive better than Rocket League?
Drag X Drive is still a new game, and it isn’t available on platforms other than the Nintendo Switch 2, so Rocket League arguably has a leg up in both popularity and the expansiveness of its gameplay. Drag X Drive could be better than Rocket League in the future, but Rocket League is currently the better game from most angles.
