Tesla abruptly pulls Cybertruck feature just 18 months after its introduction because computer wasn’t ‘capable’ enough
TESLA warned drivers via email that the ability to play games from a popular gaming platform was being removed from EV computers.
Customers revealed an email from the company confirming gaming was no longer supported for two models.
GettyTesla announced it was removing support for gaming from two of its best-selling models[/caption]
Instagram/steampowered.storeSteam Games was originally marketed with the Model S and X as a strong selling point for the vehicles[/caption]
Instagram/steampowered.storeSteam Labs was originally programmed to make “thousands” of games available to Tesla drivers if the car was in Park or charging[/caption]
Two years ago, Tesla advertised the Model S and Model X to include Steam, a popular online gaming platform, in the interior onboard computer.
The inclusion drew mixed feelings from customers, with some thinking it was a clever addition to use while the vehicle is charging or while waiting with the vehicle in “Park.”
Others thought it was a pointless program, as passengers couldn’t use it while the vehicle was in motion.
On X, a customer waiting on a Model X posted an email from the company saying the program was being removed.
“Tesla is updating the gaming computer in your Model X and your vehicle is no longer capable of playing Steam games,” the screenshot of the email read.
“All other entertainment and app functionalities are unaffected.”
However, the change appears to affect new customers, not current EV owners.
Many keen readers pointed out the heavy marketing efforts to advertise the capabilities of the EV’s computers.
“Up to 10 teraflops of processing power enables in-car gaming on par with today’s newest consoles via Tesla Arcade,” read the company’s announcement of the addition in 2022.
“Wireless controller compatibility allows gaming from any seat.”
A leaked diagram from Patrick Schur posted a diagram of the computer showing an AMD Navi 23 GPU to power games, reported Electrek.
Even at the time, readers of the announcement were skeptical, saying the chip wouldn’t be powerful for very long.
“Apparently, this only works on ‘22 refresh S/X. All refresh S/X were marketed to have PS-5 console-level gaming ability with images of The Witcher III on the center display,” they wrote.
“I look forward to hearing Tesla explain how they plan to fulfill that commitment to early refresh S/X buyers.”
In a new article from the outlet covering Tesla’s removal of the program, many readers indicated they weren’t surprised.
“Didn’t they make a big deal out of this at the time? ‘As powerful gaming device as a PS5’?” one reader wrote.
Electric vehicles vs gas
Pros and cons of EVs vs gasoline-powered vehicles
EV PROS:
Convenient (when charging at home)
Cheaper (depending on state or city)
Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
Great for commuting
Reduced CO2 emissions
Federal and state tax incentives
More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)
EV CONS:
Higher initial cost
Higher insurance rates
More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
Low resale value
High depreciation rates
Lack of charging infrastructure
Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
Poor winter and summer performance
Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
Range anxiety
GAS PROS:
Highly developed refueling infrastructure
Fast refueling
Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
Established repair industry
Lower initial cost
Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
Cheaper refueling, depending on the location
GAS PROS:
Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
Higher repair costs
Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county
Source: Car & Driver, Perch Energy, AutoWeek
“Since it’s for new S/X buyers, I suppose it’s only dozens affected going forward.”
Another reader surmised that drivers wouldn’t be losing much.
“Dozens of people have a more than capable phone in their pocket, or if they’re a little more serious, a Steam Deck in the glove box.”
One reader, though, appreciated the feature.
“That kind of sucks,” their comment read.
“I always thought that was a really cool feature while you’re sitting at a charging station.”
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