Volkswagen is further enhancing its digital offerings with the integration of the PAC-MAN Championship Edition into its AirConsole in-car gaming platform. Available as an optional feature in selected models, the game can now be played on the infotainment system when the vehicle is stationary, with smartphones serving as controllers.
Volkswagen becomes the first carmaker to dynamically integrate the classic game with vehicle-specific features, including ambient background lighting and, in compatible ID. models, the ID. Light interface. This immersive enhancement allows the interior lighting to respond in real-time to game progress and player interactions, creating a more engaging and interactive gaming experience within the cabin.
The PAC-MAN Championship Edition retains the core mechanics that made the original 1980s arcade game iconic. Players navigate PAC-MAN through a maze, consuming dots while avoiding capture by ghosts. Once a maze is cleared, the player advances to the next level. The Volkswagen edition introduces several new visual elements and in-game rewards. Players can earn additional points by interacting with silhouettes of legendary Volkswagen vehicles such as the Beetle, VW Bus, and the Golf IV R32, as well as brand identifiers like GTI, GTX, and R. Power pellets now appear in the form of the Volkswagen brand logo, offering new ways to combat the Ghost Gang.
Developed by AirConsole, the in-car gaming app is the first platform of its kind tailored specifically for automotive use. It transforms compatible vehicles into interactive entertainment hubs by utilising the infotainment system, sound system, and ambient lighting. The game portfolio is designed with casual players of all ages in mind, offering a family-friendly and nostalgic experience for drivers and passengers alike.
This latest addition to the gaming suite reflects Volkswagen’s commitment to enhancing the digital lifestyle of its users and follows direct feedback from customers. Developed in collaboration with partners N-Dream and Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., the inclusion of PAC-MAN is part of a broader strategy to position in-car gaming as a shared social activity that bridges generational divides.
The AirConsole app is currently available in numerous European markets for the all-electric ID.7, ID.5, ID.4, and ID.3 models (equipped with ID. Software 4.0 or higher), as well as for the Tayron, Tiguan, Passat, Golf Variant, and the 2025 model year Golf. To use the app, users must have a Volkswagen ID account, an active VW Connect Plus subscription, and an internet-connected smartphone. The AirConsole application must be initially downloaded from the In-Car Shop to activate its features.
Volkswagen’s innovative fusion of digital entertainment with automotive design marks a bold step in redefining the in-car experience, transforming travel downtime into moments of interactive enjoyment.
