The announcement came at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, where the game was also made available for live play at BMW’s exhibition booth.

The release will enhance drivers and passengers’ experience in digital entertainment inside vehicles. Following the popularity of UNO Car Party!, Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive brings one of Mattel’s most iconic toy brands into the digital space, combining BMW’s futuristic automotive technology with AirConsole’s growing in-car gaming platform.

At the heart of the game is the “Panoramic Drive” track, a visually striking course built within the digital model of BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse X. Players can race a virtual version of the BMW iX3 alongside classic Hot Wheels cars, fusing the legacy of the world’s top-selling toy brand with BMW’s next-generation design.

The game will remain exclusive to BMW owners until June 2026. Players can unlock and personalise vehicles, including legendary Hot Wheels models, while competing in various modes such as Quick Race, Cup Mode, and Custom Track. 

Up to four players can participate simultaneously using their smartphones as controllers, making it a shared experience for families and friends on the move.

“Cars are no longer just about driving them, they’re becoming entertainment hubs. BMW’s continuous investment into exclusive content with AirConsole is a testament of in-car entertainment’s growing importance,” said Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream, the developer behind AirConsole.

“With BMW and Mattel, we’re proving that the passenger experience can be as iconic as the drive itself.”

BMW and N-Dream have been working together since 2022 to integrate casual gaming into BMW’s infotainment systems. AirConsole’s platform now offers more than 30 titles across genres including racing, arcade, sports, and party games. 

Some of the most recognised names include Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, PAC-MAN Championship Edition, and UNO Car Party!

To access the new title, BMW drivers can open AirConsole from the vehicle’s infotainment screen, scan a QR code, and connect their smartphones as controllers. 

The feature is currently supported in BMW and MINI models running Operating System 9 with the BMW Digital Premium or MINI Connected Package, as well as in vehicles using Operating System 8.5 with the BMW ConnectedDrive Professional. 

The integration will also extend to future models using BMW’s upcoming Operating System X, starting with the new BMW iX3.

The launch asserts a strategy that blends luxury driving with digital innovation.

The system allows users to play casual, multiplayer games directly on the car’s infotainment display, using their smartphones as controllers. 

No additional hardware is required. When parked, everyone in the car, including the driver, can join in. Once on the move, gaming shifts to the passenger display, ensuring the driver stays focused on the road.

AirConsole, a Zurich-based startup, has been building its presence in the automotive industry since 2023. The company has now released more than 40 titles tailored for short sessions inside cars, covering categories like racing, trivia, sports, and party games. 

Among the offerings are familiar titles such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? by Sony Pictures Television, Overcooked by Team17, and UNO Car Party! from Mattel.

Anthony Cliquot, CEO of AirConsole, described the partnership with Porsche as an important step forward. “Our collaboration with Porsche is a powerful signal of how quickly AirConsole is scaling in the automotive industry. In just two years since launching our in-car platform, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s most respected car brands, now including Porsche.

“This momentum confirms that gaming has a meaningful place in the future of mobility, and we’re proud to be leading that evolution.”

The rollout will cover all regions where Porsche Connect is active, except China. Passengers will be able to access AirConsole through the Porsche App Centre, included in the Porsche Connect package depending on local availability. To connect, users can scan a QR code with a smartphone and begin playing.

Further details about the collaboration will be shared at the IAA Motor Show in Munich on September 10, where Cliquot will join the Porsche team to discuss how in-car gaming could enhance the future of mobility.

For Porsche, the integration aims to expand digital experiences for its customers. For AirConsole, it is another step in bringing its platform into the mainstream, strengthening its place as a frontiersperson in merging entertainment with mobility.

Starting today, Asteroids: Recharged and Breakout: Recharged will be playable for the first time in cars through the infotainment system in supported Volkswagen.

“Atari laid the foundation for generations of gamers,” said Anthony Cliquot, CEO of N-Dream. “To welcome these timeless titles onto AirConsole shows that our vision for in-car play is being embraced by the world’s most trusted entertainment brands”

The new wave of entertainment innovation is being shaped not by mobile devices or living room consoles but by the screen already built into your vehicles. As drivers spend more time waiting, charging, or parked, AirConsole turns those idle moments into opportunities for play and connection.

“We are excited for Volkswagen drivers and their passengers to discover these modern versions of our classic titles,” said Ethan Stearns, VP of Games at Atari. “The AirConsole team has done a phenomenal job optimizing the in-ar controls and has produced an amazing playing experience.”

Iconic Games Meet a New Platform

Originally developed and released by Atari as part of its Recharged series, Breakout: Recharged and Asteroids: Recharged are now being introduced into the in-car environment through AirConsole. 

The two games support 1–2 players, making them well-suited for cooperative or solo play inside the car.

Breakout: Recharged
A fresh take on the brick-breaking classic. With 50 challenge levels and power-ups like rail guns and homing missiles, this version adds modern depth to a foundational arcade experience. Co-op mode lets a second passenger join with ease.

Asteroids: Recharged
The genre-defining space shooter includes challenge levels, upgraded weapons, and local co-op. Its quick pace and crisp controls make it ideal for short, replayable sessions on the road.

How It Works: Gaming in the Car, Simplified

Volkswagen drivers can start playing instantly once they have an active VW Connect Plus contract and an active internet connection on the smartphone.

1. Download AirConsole from Volkswagen’s In-Car Shop
2. Launch AirConsole from the infotainment system (vehicle must be parked)
3. Scan the QR code on-screen with your smartphone
4. Your phone becomes the game controller

This intuitive experience makes AirConsole the easiest way to enjoy quick, social games inside the car—whether it’s with passengers, family, or solo during a charging break.

AirConsole Is Gaining Momentum with Global Brands

This marks the latest chapter in AirConsole’s rise as the platform of choice for global entertainment brands looking to expand their IPs into the mobility space.

Following successful collaborations with Sony Pictures Entertainment (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?), Mattel (UNO® Car Party! and Pictionary Car Party), and Bandai Namco (PAC-MAN Championship Edition)—available across different car brands within AirConsole’s OEM partner ecosystem—Atari’s partnership with AirConsole cements a cultural milestone for the gaming industry: the car as its next venue.

A Growing Library of Iconic Titles

The release of Atari’s arcade classics builds on a year of landmark launches for AirConsole. This growing library is turning AirConsole into more than just a gaming platform, it’s becoming a hub for cultural connection, family play, and joyful experiences in the car.

Missile Command: Recharged will also be joining the AirConsole library at a later date, bringing one more legendary title into the in-car gaming experience. 

The Road Ahead

As smart mobility reshapes the role of the vehicle, entertainment is becoming a key part of the in-car experience. Time spent parked, charging, or waiting is now being reclaimed through play.

AirConsole sits at the intersection of these trends, turning the car into a digital living room and helping carmakers like Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW create meaningful in-vehicle experiences that go beyond transportation.

With more world-class IP partnerships on the horizon, AirConsole continues to blur the lines between entertainment and mobility, building a platform where games, brands, and passengers come together in motion.

This brings fun and social games that everyone in the car can play together using their smartphones. 

Starting today, Audi owners can access a rich selection of games, including Mattel’s Pictionary Car Party, directly through their in-car infotainment system. 

In models equipped with a passenger display, Audi’s Active Privacy Mode—a unique digital curtain that blocks the screen from the driver to prevent distraction—allows the front passenger to enjoy gaming while the vehicle is in motion. 

Previously limited to parked scenarios, in-car gaming is now a seamless part of the Audi experience, keeping non-driving passengers entertained throughout the ride.

“This is a game-changer for in-car entertainment. With Audi, we’re redefining what’s possible inside a vehicle—bringing gaming into motion and making every journey more social and fun,” says Anthony Cliquot, CEO at N-Dream, the makers of AirConsole. 

“By enabling gameplay on the passenger screen in a way that prioritizes safety—by not distracting the driver—we’re taking a bold yet responsible step toward a future where cars are not just modes of transport, but platforms for shared digital experiences.”

The feature is now available in the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron model series equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, in all markets where Audi operates. This rollout reinforces Audi’s commitment to cutting-edge digital innovation that enhances modern mobility.

Pictionary Celebrates 40 Years—Now Behind the Wheel

Audi and AirConsole, in collaboration with Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, introduces Pictionary Car Party, an exclusive in-car edition of Mattel’s original quickdraw game. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Pictionary has been reimagined for in-car play. 

Up to four players can connect via personal devices, making every trip more social and engaging.  This new format marks the next chapter in Pictionary’s legacy, bringing its creativity and excitement to a fun travel experience.

Erika Winterholler, head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel, said: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with AirConsole and work with the team at Audi to bring Pictionary Car Party! to Audi’s infotainment systems. This collaboration is a game-changer, letting non-driving passengers join in on fun, interactive play using their smartphones. 

“Most importantly, the front passenger can safely control the game without distracting the driver, ensuring that entertainment and safety go hand-in-hand. This is the future of social gaming on the move, making every journey more enjoyable.”

13 More Games, Tailored for the Car

Beyond Pictionary Car Party, the AirConsole catalog features additional games across multiple genres, including racing, sports, trivia, and party games. 

Highlights include Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? from Sony Pictures Television, Overcooked from Team17, and UNO® Car Party! from Mattel, Inc. With frequent updates and new content, Audi passengers can look forward to an ever-expanding selection of interactive entertainment.

Seamless Gameplay with Audi and AirConsole — Powered by Smartphones as Controllers

AirConsole is now available through the Audi Application Store, which features apps specifically designed for in-vehicle use. Getting started is simple: users first download the AirConsole app directly through the infotainment system. 

After that, AirConsole makes it easy for passengers to jump into the action by using their smartphones as game controllers. A quick scan of a QR code on the vehicle’s screen instantly connects players, transforming every ride into an immersive gaming experience. 

Whether it’s a long road trip or a quick city drive, Audi now offers a new way to stay connected, entertained, and engaged on the go. Buckle up—the game is just getting started.

• The PAC-MAN Championship Edition can now be experienced exclusively in over 300,000 Volkswagen vehicles in Europe
• Immersive in-car gaming: Volkswagen is the first brand to bring to market dynamic background lighting during the gaming experience
• Classic PAC-MAN elements such as fruits become wheel rims, silhouettes of iconic Volkswagens from the Beetle to the Golf IV R32 and brands such as GTI or R

Volkswagen is expanding its gaming offering in selected models.

The PAC-MAN Championship Edition is now available in the optional AirConsole In-Car App for playing on the infotainment display in a parked vehicle. A smartphone serves as the controller.

Volkswagen is the first automotive manufacturer to dynamically combine the new game with the vehicle’s background lighting and, for compatible ID. models, also with ID. Light as an option.

This means that an even more immersive gaming experience is created specifically by the interior lighting responding to the game content and inputs by the players.

The PAC-MAN Championship Edition retains the well-known and popular game principle from the 1980s: PAC-MAN eats dots in a labyrinth while trying to avoid being caught by ghosts. Once all the dots have been eaten, the next level begins. The icons for bonus points and power pellets have been redesigned.

More points are awarded for touching silhouettes of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, VW Bus and Golf IV R32, brands such as GTI, GTX or R and Volkswagen wheel rims. Anyone who wants to fight the Ghost Gang should look for power pellets in the form of the Volkswagen brand logo.

AirConsole is the world’s first gaming platform specifically designed for cars. The in-car app can transform compatible Volkswagen vehicles into a gaming station including the infotainment, sound and background lighting system.

The portfolio of games is tailored to casual players of any age. With the implementation of the further gaming offering, Volkswagen is also responding to customer feedback from drivers.

With partners N-Dream and Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., in-car gaming becomes a new social experience, and playing a classic game such as PAC-MAN connects generations. Volkswagen is additionally further enhancing the overall digital experience.

The AirConsole in-car app is available in many European countries in the ID. models ID.7, ID.5, ID.4 and ID.3 (from ID. Software 4.0 in each case) as well as for the Tayron, Tiguan, Passat, Golf Variant and Golf models from model year 2025.

Playing while parked requires a Volkswagen ID user account, an active VW Connect Plus contract and an active internet connection on the smartphone.

The AirConsole in-car app must be downloaded from the In-Car Shop before it can be used for the first time.

This collaboration will initially bring gaming to several Volkswagen models, including the ID.7, ID.5, ID.4, and ID.3 series, as well as the new Passat, Tiguan, Golf, and Golf Estate. 

Through the vehicle’s infotainment system, which acts as a gaming console, passengers can enjoy a variety of games with their smartphones doubling as controllers. This setup transforms the car into a mobile gaming hub, offering an innovative way for passengers to pass the time.

Launching initially in select European markets in mid-September, the AirConsole platform will allow passengers to engage in multiplayer gaming using their smartphones. 

The connection between the phone and the car is seamlessly established by scanning a QR code displayed on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. Once connected, players can dive into a gaming experience that involves the entire vehicle, as even rear-seat passengers can join in during stops.

Volkswagen is working to enhance its in-car experience, making travel more enjoyable by offering entertainment that can be shared among all passengers. 

The feature is expected to be a hit, especially for those long drives where keeping passengers entertained is often a challenge. By the end of 2024, Volkswagen plans to expand the range of available games and extend the service to additional European countries.

The AirConsole gaming experience is designed for casual gamers of all ages, ensuring that everyone in the vehicle can participate. The platform supports both solo and multiplayer modes, allowing for flexibility depending on the number of passengers. Importantly, the feature can only be used when the vehicle is stationary, ensuring safety remains a priority.

Through this partnership with AirConsole, Volkswagen is innovating and enhancing the driving experience, keeping up with the automotive industry’s continued evolution, while incorporating digital and interactive elements into vehicles is becoming more important.