The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In May 2024, reports said Tesla would stop including Steam gaming in new Model S and Model X vehicles. The customer notice quoted by Electrek said the affected vehicle would no longer play Steam games, while other entertainment and app functions would remain unaffected. At the time, existing owners did not appear to be affected—but that report is not a guarantee about every car’s current capability.
What Tesla’s notice said—and which cars it covered
Electrek reported on May 17, 2024, that customers buying new Model S and Model X vehicles had been notified of a change to the cars’ gaming computers. The notice, reproduced by Electrek, said: “Tesla is updating the gaming computer in your Model X and your vehicle is no longer capable of playing Steam games. All other entertainment and app functionalities are unaffected.” Electrek’s report placed the change in new Model S and Model X vehicles; Not a Tesla App reported the same change on May 20, 2024. Not a Tesla App’s report
The notice described a loss of Steam capability in the affected new vehicles, not the removal of every entertainment feature. It also did not announce that Steam would be added to other Tesla models.
Does this mean your Tesla can no longer play Steam games?
Not necessarily. Electrek reported that existing owners did not appear to be affected when the change was announced in May 2024. That was a time-specific observation, not a current guarantee for every vehicle. Steam availability can depend on the vehicle’s configuration, region, and installed software version.
#1 Best Overall
- IMPORTANT* Following Tesla’s 2024 37 software update, a Bluetooth connectivity issue has arisen, causing abnormalities when connecting controllers via Bluetooth. While Tesla has not yet resolved this problem, JOWUA controllers can still be used seamlessly by utilizing the following alternative connection methods:
- 1. Using Our Wireless USB Dongle Install the Wireless USB Dongle in the glovebox for a hassle-free connection. Detailed instructions can be found in the controller manual under the “How to Pair” section on the Wireless USB Dongle page. 2. Switching to S Mode (Switch Mode) Set the controller to S Mode to connect via Bluetooth.
- Support Multi-gaming Platform And Device Easily pair and connect with multiple devices and switch between them with the “Multi-Device Switch.”
- Enhance Gaming Experience Designed to take your gaming experience to the next level with powerful dual motor vibration, built-in six-axis gyro sensor, and AUTO-burst functionality.
- No More Low-Battery Anxiety Built-in 600mAh rechargeable battery supports USB-C cable charging and playing at the same time.
Tesla says software updates are rolled out over time and that feature availability can vary. To check your car rather than infer support from its model year, open the vehicle’s Software screen and review the installed software version and the displayed release notes. Tesla’s software update guidance explains the rollout and availability differences.
What later software notes do—and do not—confirm
A third-party transcription of Tesla software version 2024.45.32 release notes reported a Steam Beta update to SteamOS 3.6 for 2021-and-newer Model S and Model X vehicles. The transcribed notes show that an update was recorded for the vehicles listed at that time; they do not establish that Steam works on every vehicle now or guarantee ongoing support.
Rank #2
- IMPORTANT* Following Tesla’s 2024 37 software update, a Bluetooth connectivity issue has arisen, causing abnormalities when connecting controllers via Bluetooth. While Tesla has not yet resolved this problem, JOWUA controllers can still be used seamlessly by utilizing the following alternative connection methods:
- 1. Using Our Wireless USB Dongle Install the Wireless USB Dongle in the glovebox for a hassle-free connection. Detailed instructions can be found in the controller manual under the “How to Pair” section on the Wireless USB Dongle page. 2. Switching to S Mode (Switch Mode) Set the controller to S Mode to connect via Bluetooth.
- Support Multi-gaming Platform And Device Easily pair and connect with multiple devices and switch between them with the “Multi-Device Switch.”
- Enhance Gaming Experience Designed to take your gaming experience to the next level with powerful dual motor vibration, built-in six-axis gyro sensor, and AUTO-burst functionality.
- No More Low-Battery Anxiety Built-in 600mAh rechargeable battery supports USB-C cable charging and playing at the same time.
Why was Steam removed from new vehicles?
Tesla had not provided a confirmed reason in the reporting covered here. Not a Tesla App discussed hardware configurations, including RAM and GPU differences, but its discussion of Tesla’s motives was analysis rather than an official explanation. Claims that a particular component, cost decision, or performance issue caused the change remain unconfirmed. The report distinguishes its observations from analysis.
The available reporting also does not establish a Tesla-approved retrofit, a plan to restore Steam to affected new cars, or a plan to bring the feature to other models. A later analysis is not confirmation of Tesla’s roadmap. Not a Tesla App’s later coverage
Rank #3
- One Button Connect Wirelessly: Just One Click to Easily Pair with Multiple Devices through Multiple Gaming Platforms for Switch, Steam Deck, PC, and Tesla. Comes in Stable Wireless Connection within 10 Meters without Lagging.
- Zero Battery Anxiety: Has a 600mA Built-in Lithium Battery. Lasts for Ultra-long Playtime. Supports Playing and USB-C Recharging Simultaneously. Let the Games Begin Where You Want All the Time.
- Best Gaming Experience: Dual Motor Vibration Presents You Life-like Gaming Experience to Provide Immersive Feedback In-Game. Features Non-Slip Adaptive Triggers to Fully Enhance Your Racing Gaming Enjoyment. Plus TURBO Button to Have More Fun on Different Games Scenes.
- Seven Colors LED Light Mode: Press the Button to Choose Your Favorite Color Light for Everyday Mood. Enjoy the Cool Light Shooting through the Crystal Game Controller at Night.
- TPARTS Special Tuning Program: Optimized for Tesla（If you are a Tesla user, please use Home + X for wireless pairing）
Can a Steam Deck replace Tesla’s built-in Steam feature?
A Steam Deck is a separate handheld gaming computer that runs SteamOS, according to Valve’s technical specifications. It is an option for playing Steam games away from the car’s built-in system, but it is not a Tesla accessory or retrofit and does not add Steam support to an unsupported vehicle.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Storm Breaker lets nothing stop its style with classic grays and blacks, offset with whites. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
