Volkswagen Partners With AirConsole To Bring In-Car Gaming Experience To New Models

Volkswagen has partnered with AirConsole to bring in-car gaming to its new models like the ID.7 Tourer and Passat, starting mid-September 2024. Passengers can use their smartphones as controllers to play games on the vehicle's infotainment screen, providing entertainment during stops. How this exciting collaboration is set to change in-car entertainment?

The in-car gaming market is expected to grow at a rate of over 10.1% from 2024 to 2032. Meanwhile, the global automotive infotainment market is also on the rise, projected to reach USD 37.7 billion by 2032 with a growth rate of 7.3%. 

In line with this growing trend, Volkswagen has announced a partnership with AirConsole, a leading gaming platform, to introduce in-car gaming experiences in its vehicles. 

Starting this mid-September, the feature will be available in various Volkswagen models, including the ID.7 Tourer, ID.5, ID.4, and ID.3, as well as the new Passat, Tiguan, Golf, and Golf Estate. The partnership is set to provide entertainment options for drivers and passengers, particularly during charging stops or breaks.

A new era of in-car entertainment

AirConsole, known for its innovative approach to gaming, transforms Volkswagen’s infotainment displays into gaming consoles, while passengers use their smartphones as controllers. This new feature enables passengers to enjoy a variety of games while the vehicle is parked, offering a fresh way to pass the time during trips. 

As Volkswagen explained, "Passengers can also play with each other via their smartphones – just like at home with a games console and controllers."

Volkswagen expects to launch AirConsole in the first European countries by mid-September 2024, with plans to expand further across Europe by early 2025. Additional games are expected to be added to the platform by the end of the year, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

How the in-car gaming system works

To start playing, users simply connect their smartphones to the vehicle’s infotainment system by scanning a QR code displayed on the screen. This process is quick and intuitive, allowing players to jump straight into gaming. The AirConsole platform supports multiplayer modes, meaning both front and rear passengers can participate in the games, making it a social experience for everyone in the vehicle. The games are specifically designed for casual players and can be played alone or with others. However, vehicles must be in park mode for gameplay to be enabled.

Volkswagen's collaboration with AirConsole highlights a step forward in integrating entertainment with automotive technology. This in-car gaming feature is expected to appeal to passengers of all ages, turning Volkswagen vehicles into more than just a mode of transport but also a hub of entertainment.

About AirConsole

AirConsole is the first gaming platform specifically designed for cars, creating a new type of entertainment experience by integrating with the vehicle’s sound, lighting, and infotainment systems. AirConsole allows passengers to use their smartphones as controllers, offering a seamless and fun way to play games without any additional hardware. Its extensive portfolio includes games tailored for casual players of all ages, making it a versatile option for in-car entertainment. The platform also supports multiplayer modes, ensuring a social and engaging experience for everyone in the vehicle. AirConsole's simplicity, requiring only a smartphone and a QR code scan to start playing, makes it an innovative and practical addition to the automotive industry’s efforts to enhance passenger experiences.

About Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group is one of the largest and most well-established car manufacturers in the world. Headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, it operates 114 production facilities across 19 European countries and 10 countries in the Americas, Asia, and Africa. With approximately 684,000 employees, Volkswagen sold vehicles in over 150 countries in 2023. In that same year, the company delivered 9.2 million vehicles to customers globally and generated EUR 322.3 billion in sales revenue, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Volkswagen’s leadership in the automotive industry is driven by its commitment to innovation, particularly in electric vehicles, autonomous driving technology, and digitalisation. The company is also focused on sustainability, aiming to lead the transition to greener and more efficient transportation solutions.