Tesla Starts Steam Gaming Support For Some Models

Earlier this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed on Twitter that the automaker is working on integrating Steam’s gaming offering into its vehicles. Now the time has come and the necessary update has started.

Tesla is thus introducing the Steam integration, which has been developed in beta tests for months, initially for the latest versions of its Model S and X vehicles. The launch was officially announced as part of the traditional Christmas update.

A video from Tesla about the new feature shows Tesla’s infotainment system launching the Steam Beta and then running graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.

This is also a sticking point: Since high graphics performance is required, only the newer Model S and X models, i.e. the “Plaid” versions that are only now coming to Europe, can run Steam.

Technology Similar To PlayStation 5

The infotainment systems on these two models use AMD’s rDNA 2 GPUs, which are also the technology behind PlayStation 5, as well as AMD’s Ryzen chips. This means that enough power is available for Steam. Tesla has greatly expanded its games library in the vehicles in recent years and has added new titles such as Cuphead, PUBG Mobile, and Fallout Shelter to its range.

With the introduction of Steam, not just a few games are starting, but a full-fledged platform. Tesla reported in the announcement that the integration will bring thousands of games. It’s not that easy for Tesla with the games. There had already been trouble with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) because the company allowed gaming while driving. After an extensive investigation by the agency, Tesla then disabled this feature, meaning users are now also unable to play Steam games while the vehicles are in motion.

In addition to the Steam integration, Tesla now also allows its customers to integrate Apple Music into their infotainment system with the new update. It gives them the ability to schedule light shows for multiple vehicles at once and view the interior camera from the Tesla app while in Dog Mode or Sentry Mode.