Tesla has added yet another retro Atari game to its ever-growing library of Easter egg games, with a software update Wednesday. The racing mini-game Pole Position was added to the roster and the 2018.48.12.1 patch allowed drivers to use popular console controllers and even the car’s steering wheel to control the game.
Michael, who runs the YouTube channel QueryTesla! posted a video of himself activating the Easter egg in his Model 3 and taking the retro game for a spin. He’s seen using the wheel of his Model 3 to steer the digital sports car on car’s touchscreen. This is the fourth Atari title that has been added to vehicles.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made it clear that he’s an Atari aficionado. The November Autopilot V9 update added Missile Command, Asteroids, Lunar Lander, and Centipede. Now, Tesla owners can play all of those games using console controllers.
To access Pole Position, make sure you’re parked and then tap the Tesla “T” at the top center of the screen, tap the Atari logo, and then select the game. From there the car will let you control it using the steering wheel or you can plug in your controller of choice into the vehicle’s USB port.
On Thursday, the subreddit r/TeslaMotors was awash with footage of drivers gaming in their Model 3s. YouTube channel DLTESLA posted a video demonstrating how games that added earlier, like Asteroids, could also be played using a controller.
This is far from the final game-related Easter egg Tesla vehicles will receive. Musk was seen on Twitter hunting for ideas about what games to add next and it seems like he wants to add some platform shooters. Now that the EVs support console controllers playing those kinds of games will be easier than ever.
This update makes waiting for your friends and family in a Tesla won’t be such a drag.
