Tesla’s New Move: No More Steam Gaming in Latest Model X Shipments

A key selling point of the Tesla Model X and Model S cars that were launched in 2022 and later is Steam gaming support. With it, the electric vehicle maker offered the users the option to play games right on their vehicle. This became possible due to the packed AMD Ryzen APU and Navi 23 GPU inside the cars.

However, as per the notification that the company is sending to new owners who are waiting for delivery (source), the Tesla Model X is losing the gaming support. The notification reads, “Tesla is updating the gaming computer” inside the car, and it is “no longer capable of playing Steam games.” This message ends with a button that asks if the receiver would still like to proceed with the delivery.

It’s worth noting that previous Tesla Model X owners can still run Steam games just fine. It’s unlikely that the car manufacturer will remove it from the previous shipments with a software update. However, if you’re getting a Tesla Model X now, you will see the same notification.

What Could Be Possibly Be Making Tesla Remove Steam Gaming Support on Model X?

Tesla might be cutting Steam gaming features to make their cars cheaper. Powerful hardware for games is expensive. Also, beefier chips are needed for demanding PC games, which would require frequent upgrades. Tesla may have also noticed that not enough people were using Steam in their Teslas.

This cost-cutting push could be due to competition. Tesla is facing pressure from cheaper Chinese electric cars and established brands entering the EV market. To stay competitive, CEO Elon Musk has even laid off employees and streamlined operations. The removal of Steam gaming support is likely one of the cost-cutting measures.

Despite these changes, Tesla promises self-driving taxis soon and a budget-friendly car in the future. However, their current models, like the Model 3, are still pricier than most gas-powered cars.

A Brief History of Gaming in Teslas

Even before Steam, Tesla offered a selection of built-in arcade-style games accessible through the car’s entertainment system. These were simpler titles but perfect for passing the time while charging. However, with Steam gaming support, the car manufacturer has put gaming computers in EVs for good use. Users can play AAA titles such as CyberPunk 2077, Witcher 3, and many others. Of course, you can still play these games on the vehicles. All you need to do is get a Model X or Model S that was released between 2022 and now.