If you’ve ever taken a long car trip, then you’ll know electronic entertainment is a must-have. And since not everyone has access to modern portable hardware, Volkswagen is bridging the gap.
Announced via press release, Volkswagen of America, is introducing N-Dream’s AirConsole in-car gaming platform on select model year 2027 vehicles. This makes the German born car company the first volume automotive brand in the US to offer this in-vehicle entertainment experience. So long as the car is parked, players can use compatible smartphones as controllers to play games on the vehicle’s infotainment display.
AirConsole will be available on 2027 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Golf GTI, Golf R, and ID. Buzz models enrolled in In-Vehicle Premium through the myVW app. Select games will also support ambient lighting integration in compatible vehicle models and trims, allowing interior lighting to respond to gameplay for a more immersive in-car experience. AirConsole is included as part of Volkswagen’s In-Vehicle Premium connected services offering enabled by myVW+, which includes features such as Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Premium Navigation and more.
“Volkswagen is committed to creating experiences that bring people together and make every interaction with our brand more meaningful,” said Chief Marketing Officer of Volkswagen of America, Rachael Zaluzec. She added “In-vehicle gaming helps turn everyday moments into shared experiences, giving families and friends a new way to connect, laugh, and spend time together while enjoying their Volkswagen.”
Sharing this sentiment was CEO of N-Dream, Anthony Cliquot, who said, “North America is the world’s largest gaming market. Launching AirConsole with Volkswagen in this region will not only entertain millions of people, but also make the in-vehicle experience richer.” He continued, “At N-Dream, our vision is to turn in-between time while on the go into memorable moments and experiences.”
Launching with a catalog of 20 games, Volkswagen-exclusive content will also be available through the platform. A custom version of PAC-MAN reimagines the classic experience with Volkswagen branding: power pellets become Volkswagen logos and bonus fruits are replaced by iconic Volkswagen vehicles.
