These Classic Atari Games Are Now Playable In Cars

Decades ago, Atari games were some of the first titles to leap from arcades to home consoles. Now, a small selection of Atari’s re-imagined classics are heading to AirConsole, an entertainment and gaming platform designed exclusively for cars.

AirConsole and Atari have announced that Asteroids Recharged and Breakout Charged are now playable for the in-vehicle entertainment system that is currently available in supported Volkswagen models. To play the games, drivers need an active VW Connect Plus contract and an internet connection on a smartphone. However, the games will only work if the car is parked. Once players scan the accompanying QR codes, their phones become the controllers for the AirConsole titles.

“The AirConsole team has a phenomenal track record of optimizing the in-car controls and producing amazing playing experiences in vehicles,” said Atari vice president of games Ethan Stearns in a statement. “We are excited for Volkswagen drivers and their passengers to discover these modern versions of our classic titles.”

Atari will eventually add Missile Command: Recharged to its AirConsole lineup, but no other specific titles were mentioned by name. AirConsole is also working with carmakers Audi and BMW, but the Atari games are currently only available through Volkswagen cars.

Earlier this year, Atari announced a new version of the 1984 arcade game I, Robot, and Breakout Beyond, an updated title that was originally intended to be released on Intellivision’s Amico, a console that has yet to launch.