Tesla Atari Games: Full List & How to Play
Tesla vehicles include a selection of classic Atari arcade games, playable through the touchscreen. The games are part of the built-in entertainment system and can be accessed from the toy box or arcade menu, depending on your software version. This article explains which games are included, how to launch them, and answers common questions about compatibility and features.
Which Atari Games Are Included
Tesla has bundled a small set of Atari titles, mostly from the 1970s and 1980s. The exact lineup has changed slightly over the years, but the core games are:
- Pong – the classic two-paddle table tennis game.
- Missile Command – defend six cities from incoming missiles.
- Centipede – shoot a descending centipede while avoiding bugs.
- Breakout – smash bricks with a paddle and ball.
- Asteroids – destroy asteroids and flying saucers in space.
- Super Breakout – a faster, multi-level variant of Breakout.
- Tempest – a tube-based shooter (available on newer models with more processing power).
Some older software versions also included Lunar Lander and Space Duel, but these were later removed. The current list is generally the seven games above, but Tesla occasionally rotates or adds titles, so check your vehicle’s toy box for the latest selection.
How to Access the Games
To play, follow these steps:
- Tap the Toy Box icon (the puzzle piece) at the bottom of the touchscreen.
- Select Arcade or Atari Games (the label varies by software version).
- Choose a game from the grid. The game will launch full-screen.
- Use the touchscreen as the controller. For two-player games like Pong, both players share the same screen.
On newer software, the Arcade menu may also include non-Atari games, but the Atari titles are always grouped together. If you don’t see the Arcade option, make sure your car is in Park – games are disabled while driving.
Controller Options and Input
All Atari games are designed for touch input. You don’t need an external controller. The touchscreen responds to taps and drags:
- Pong and Breakout – drag your finger on the left or right side to move the paddle.
- Missile Command – tap where you want to launch a missile (you have three bases).
- Centipede – drag to move your shooter, tap to fire.
- Asteroids – tap to rotate, swipe to thrust, tap the fire button to shoot.
- Tempest – drag to move around the tube edge, tap to fire.
There is no support for the Tesla steering wheel buttons or pedals as game controllers. The games are purely touch-based, which works well for the original arcade mechanics.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Players occasionally report problems with the Atari games. Here are the most frequent ones and what to do:
- Game won’t launch – Ensure the car is in Park. If it still fails, restart the touchscreen by holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for about 10 seconds until the screen reboots.
- Game freezes or lags – This is rare but can happen after a software update. A full reboot of the car (via the Controls > Safety menu) usually fixes it.
- No sound – Check the volume is not muted. The games use the same audio system as music, so adjust the volume while the game is open.
- Games missing after update – Tesla has removed games in the past. If a title disappears, it’s likely a licensing or software decision, not a bug. You can’t reinstall it.
If you have persistent issues, a service center visit may be needed, but most problems resolve with a reboot.
Are the Games Safe to Play?
The games are only accessible when the vehicle is in Park. Tesla’s software locks the Arcade menu while driving, so you cannot play while the car is in motion. This is a safety feature, not a limitation. The touchscreen is also used for vehicle controls, so playing while driving would be unsafe and is disabled by design. Always ensure the car is fully stopped and in Park before launching any game.
Comparison with Other In-Car Gaming Systems
Tesla’s Atari games are a nostalgic bonus, but they are far simpler than the gaming features in some newer electric vehicles. For example, some competitors offer cloud streaming or built-in game consoles that support modern titles. Tesla’s advantage is that the games are pre-installed, require no subscription, and work offline. However, the selection is limited to a handful of retro titles, and the touchscreen is not ideal for fast-paced games that require precise timing. If you want modern gaming, you’re better off using a tablet or laptop, but for a quick round of Pong while charging, the Atari collection is perfect.
Cost and Updates
All Atari games are included at no extra cost with your Tesla. There is no in-app purchase or subscription. The games are part of the standard infotainment software. Tesla occasionally updates the Arcade with new titles, but these updates are automatic and free. You don’t need a premium connectivity subscription to play the games – they work offline. However, if you want to download new games or updates, you’ll need to be connected to Wi-Fi or use the car’s cellular connection (which may require a premium data plan for large downloads).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Atari games while the car is charging?
Yes, you can play while charging as long as the car is in Park. The games are a great way to pass time during a charging session. The touchscreen will remain active, and you can play indefinitely without draining the battery significantly.
Do I need a controller for the games?
No, all Atari games are controlled via the touchscreen. You don’t need any external hardware. The games are designed for touch input, so you just use your finger.
Why is my game not showing up?
If a game is missing, it may have been removed in a software update. Tesla has rotated the Atari lineup before. Check the Arcade menu for the full current list. If the entire Arcade is missing, make sure your car is in Park and try rebooting the touchscreen.
Are the games safe for children?
Yes, the games are family-friendly and have no violent or inappropriate content. However, children should not play while the car is moving, and the games are disabled in Drive anyway. Parents can also enable parental controls to restrict access to the Arcade if desired.
Can I play on the rear screen?
On models with a rear touchscreen (like the Model S and X with the yoke), the rear screen may have its own Arcade access. However, the Atari games are primarily designed for the front main display. If your rear screen has an Arcade option, it will work similarly, but not all models have rear screens.
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