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American auto maker Tesla prides itself on futuristic innovation, so the last thing you’d expect from Elon Musk and company would be a step back in time. Yet, that’s exactly what Tesla has decided to do, after the car manufacturer announced a deal that would make Atari video games playable on Tesla’s futuristic dash-mounted touchscreens.
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Musk took to Twitter where he not only teased the release, but also apologized to investors for a recent poor earnings report.
Some of best classic @Atari games coming as Easter eggs in Tesla V9.0 release in about 4 weeks. Thanks @Atari!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2018
The sometimes erratic and over-the-top CEO also suggested those with video game programming skills could be of use to Tesla in the future, urging them to apply for a newly created position within the company, with the hope of eventually adding more content in the future.
If you’re into video game development, consider applying to Tesla. We want to make super fun games that integrate the center touch screen, phone & car irl.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2018
Included in Tesla’s version 9.0 update will be some of Atari’s most popular games, though Musk did not confirm which of those games will make the initial cut. He did, however say he “hoped” Pole Position, Missile Command and Tempest would be among the first playable games on Tesla’s dash-mounted touchscreens. Pole Position, a Formula One racer originally released in arcades in 1982 before being ported to Atari home consoles, could even be controlled using the vehicle’s steering wheel, though only when the car is placed in park thankfully.
In addition to adding Atari games, the 9.0 update also brings with it an updated Autopilot mode which could allow for Level 3 autonomous driving, which would allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel during particular driving conditions.
Musk plans to roll out the Atari-based update by the end of August.
