Teslas have a wide array of entertainment options from Netflix to Caraoke to a growing list of video games. Sky Force Reloaded was recently released and it offers great gameplay with a controller. Some video games are meant for a touch screen such as 2048, while others are meant to be played with a controller. In fact, some games like Cuphead, can only be played with a controller.
Unfortunately not all controllers will work with a Tesla, especially if you’re looking for a wireless solution. Although the good news is that you may already have a controller that works.
Wired Controllers
By far the easiest and lowest cost to entry is with a wired option. I actually recommend going this route unless you think you’ll be using your controller often. The wireless options are more complicated and costlier.
The good news is that if you have any recent game consoles, you likely already have a controller that is compatible with your Tesla. The bad news is that it’ll only work when attached via a USB cable unless you get an adapter.
If you have wired or wireless Xbox One or PS4 controllers, you'll be able to use them in your Tesla by simply plugging them up to the car's front USB ports. Unfortunately, Xbox 360 controllers will not work.
There are a wide variety of supported wired controllers. If you have one, I’d recommend trying it before going out and buying something else. However, if you don’t already have a controller that works, there are a few good options that won’t break the bank.
This is an inexpensive option and a good choice if you don't need a controller for anything else. This is the likely the least expensive controller you'll find by a reputable company that will work in your Tesla.
Keep in mind even though some of the controllers above are wireless, they must be plugged in to the front USB ports in order to work.
Wireless Controllers
Although there are currently no wireless controllers that can connect directly to your Tesla, there are a few options if you’d like to go wireless.
The Logitech F710 is a great choice because of its ease of connectivity and price. It comes with everything you need to just starting playing. It uses a nano USB receiver that is synced to the controller, so all you have to do is simply plug it in and use the controller.
If you’d like to use an existing controller wirelessly, then you can use this adapter by 8Bitdo that will let your controller communicate wirelessly with your Tesla.
This adapter supports a large array of controllers, including: Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch Joy-cons, Wii U and Switch Pro controllers.
As an alternative, you can also use this adapter by MayFlash that will also let your controller communicate wirelessly with your Tesla.
You'll simply plug this adapter into your Tesla's USB port then sync your controller to the adapter. The adapter will translate the controller's wireless signals into wired signals your Tesla can understand.
Tip: In order to connect any controllers or adapters to your Tesla you will need to plug them up to either the front USB ports or the USB port in the glovebox if you have one. The rear USB ports only provide power output.
This Anker USB hub is an inexpensive way to get more USB ports in your car. It provides four USB ports and will be great to be able to plug in additional game controllers.
Now that you have a controller that works in your Tesla, get gaming! There are quite a few great games that support controllers and the list is growing all the time. The latest game, Sky Force Reloaded is a fantastic game that allows two player co-op.
Here are a list of games that support controllers:
Elon Musk announced that Tesla will finally reintroduce Smart Summon and Autopark to its vehicles. According to the CEO, these features are scheduled for release in April. Tesla removed ultrasonic sensors (USS) from their vehicles in 2022, and with it removed several features, including Autopark, Smart Summon and Park Assist. However, since then, they’ve added High Fidelity Park Assist, a feature that recreates the surrounding environment in 3D. Although, it’s currently only available to vehicles without USS, that’s expected to change in the near future, and could also come bundled in with the new Autopark feature.
This update in April is not only expected bring these features back to vehicles without ultrasonic sensors, but Tesla is also expected to release drastically improved versions of these features, known as Actually Smart Summon and Tap to Park.
Major improvements coming for Summon & Banish (Autopark) next month - Elon Musk
Improved Autopark
Greentheonly, who regularly decompiles Tesla firmware, has indicated that Tesla's latest software, version 2024.8, already contains the code necessary for these new features, but they need to be remotely activated by Tesla. Additionally, Green says the new Autopark system will offer users the choice between parallel and perpendicular parking options. The new Autopark is expected to let drivers visually select a parking spot, exit the vehicle, and let it park itself.
New ‘Tap to Park’ Feature
With the introduction of High Fidelity Park Assist, Tesla laid the groundwork for more sophisticated features like "Tap to Park."
Tap to Park builds on the original concept of Park Seek, a feature discussed by Tesla in October 2022 that aimed to automate the parking spot search process. While the initial vision for Park Seek suggested a vehicle could autonomously search for parking, "Tap to Park" simplifies this idea.
With the deployment of FSD Beta v12.3 going to more users this weekend, the company continues to leverage AI to reduce code in favor of neural networks trained with real-world driving data.
Just last week, Musk posted on X: "Really cool stuff coming both this month and next." Since that post, FSD beta version 12.3 has started going to more users, and now it seems two other long overdue and highly anticipated updates are coming with Actually Smart Summon and Tap to Park. Still no word on auto wiper improvements.
Tesla's latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta v12 is reaching users after an extended rollout over the weekend. This update is not just another iteration; it represents a leap in self-driving technology, primarily due to its integration of end-to-end neural networks for vehicle control. So far, it seems to be living up to the hype.
A Neural Network Driven Approach
At the core of FSD v12 is a shift from traditional programming to neural network-based decision-making. This allows the vehicle to process raw camera footage and vehicle kinematics directly into driving actions, mimicking human cognitive processes more closely than ever before. Ashok Elluswamy, Director of Autopilot Software at Tesla, highlighted the monumental effort to surpass the capabilities of the previous v11, setting a new standard for FSD's future.
Ability to Reverse Is Coming
The release has garnered widespread acclaim, with tech leaders like Michael Dell praising its capabilities and likening the car to human-like driving proficiency. Many in the Tesla community have been posting their weekend drivers, including Chuck Cook, who was amazed during one point of his drive, referring to a move as “Robo-taxi navigation.” Cook believed he was in too tight of a spot to pull a U-turn, but his Tesla pulled it off. Elluswamy commented: “Reverse coming soon when the Actually Smart Summon and the FSD models merge together over the next few releases.”
This clip blew my mind, next level for FSDBeta v12.3 in finding its way out of a bad situation. Nice work @Tesla_AIpic.twitter.com/9cDccpr2uO
There were numerous examples of v12.3 navigating complex driving scenarios easily, showcasing significant improvements over earlier versions.
“Reverse coming soon when the Actually Smart Summon and the FSD models merge together over the next few releases.” - Ashok Elluswamy
Next-Level Capabilities on the Horizon
Elon Musk has teased that v12.4 will introduce even more advanced features, emphasizing the continuous improvement in training compute constraints. In fact, he was so thrilled with the next update that he said it could be called version 13. He posted that “V12.4 is another big jump in capabilities. Our constraint in training compute is much improved.”
Tesla’s FSD trajectory seems to be hitting a new level, as it appears to be headed toward approval of use on roadways in Europe. While it is taking longer than initially believed, the dream of autonomous driving seems to be getting closer to reality.
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