Volkswagen has announced a partnership with the AirConsole gaming platform to bring in-car gaming to drivers and passengers. It will be available on the ID.7, ID.5, ID.4 and ID.3, which runs on the ID software 4.0, plus the new Passat, Tiguan, Golf and Golf Estate.

This comes after BMW announced it will bring Uno to half a million of its cars at Gamescom 2024.

Like BMW, VW will allow customers to enjoy in-car gaming while charging their cars, or taking a break during a road trip. The vehicle has to be in park for it to work.

It will be available on the infotainment display, which is transformed into a gaming console where the smartphone serves as a gaming controller, it said.

VW explains that ID.7 Tourer passengers can also play with each other via their smartphones – just like at home with a games console and controllers.

Customers would need to scan a QR code from the infotainment display to link a smartphone. Passengers in the back can also play, and it supports single-play or multiplayer.

AirConsole will roll out on VWs first in European markets from mid-September, and by the 2025, it will extend the offering to more games and more EU countries. No confirmation if it will come to South Africa.