Tesla Ditches Steam Games Support for Newer Model S, X

May 21, 2024 12:03 AM EDT

DASHBOARD OF TESLA MODEL X — (Photo : PEXELS/ Vladimir Srajber)

Tesla has recently revealed significant news to prospective buyers of the latest Model S and Model X variants. The company has stated that the inclusion of Steam Games support will no longer be available within these newer Model S and Model X versions, raising questions about the direction of entertainment options in their electric vehicles. Details regarding whether this change pertains to hardware, software, or if it will affect all Model X trims remain undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to the situation.

No More Steam Games Support Soon for Model S, Model X

Tesla has announced a significant change in its approach to entertainment options in the latest iterations of Model S and Model X electric vehicles. The company confirmed that the new deliveries of these models will no longer come equipped with Steam Games support, a decision that marks a departure from their previous integration with the popular gaming platform.

While there is no indication at present that existing vehicles with built-in Steam support will be affected-specifically, a shift in the broader Tesla lineup suggests a potential transition in this aspect of their offerings.

As reported by Electrek, Tesla's significant investments in integrating video games into its in-car entertainment system raised eyebrows when the company announced earlier this year its intention to incorporate Valve's Steam, an online video game store and distribution platform, into its vehicles.

By the end of 2022, Tesla officially introduced the Steam Beta native app in the latest Model S and Model X models. Nevertheless, recent developments reveal that Tesla has opted to discontinue this feature.

Corresponding with customers receiving new Model S and Model X vehicles, the automaker conveyed that updates to the gaming computer within the vehicles render them incapable of running Steam games, while assuring that all other entertainment and app functionalities remain unaffected.

Electrek also noted Tesla has a history of removing established apps from new vehicle models while retaining them in previously delivered vehicles, exemplified by their handling of apps such as Disney Plus.

Breaking the News

Gadget Insiders reported the revelation initially surfaced when a customer expecting the arrival of an extended-range Model X received notification that the gaming computer in the vehicle had undergone an upgrade, resulting in the cessation of support for Steam games.

This alteration impacts both the Model S and Model X, previously furnished with powerful AMD Ryzen processors capable of handling visually intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077. Moreover, the disclosed update indicates that the company is currently withdrawing this functionality as part of a broader effort to readjust its corporate strategies and decrease expenses. Multiple outlets.

Such as Autoevolution, have implied that Tesla's decision to eliminate Steam support could be associated with endeavors to trim costs on essential hardware elements like RAM and storage, vital for the smooth operation of complex Steam games.

This adjustment aligns with Tesla's recent cost-saving actions, including modifications to hardware configurations and staff downsizing affecting 10 to 20 percent of its workforce. Although there is a clear change in direction, customers have expressed disappointment and astonishment in response.

Owners and fans have turned to various social media channels like Reddit and X to voice their dissatisfaction and ponder the motives behind this choice. Meanwhile, Pocket-lint reported that Steam is completely unavailable on the Cybertruck.

There is no indication from the company regarding the inclusion of this software on updated editions of the Model 3 and Y featuring high-speed AMD Ryzen processors. Valve utilizes a streamlined, integrated Ryzen processor to drive the Steam Deck OLED handheld device.