Car Manufacturer Aims to Integrate Gaming Consoles in Its Vehicles

In the modern world, entertainment systems in various modes of transportation have evolved significantly, offering a wide range of options to keep passengers engaged. This article compares the entertainment systems in cars, airplanes, and trains, focusing on their features, connectivity, personalization, audio quality, and user control.

In-Car Entertainment Systems

In-car entertainment systems in 2025 have become highly advanced, featuring large high-resolution touchscreens, seamless wireless smartphone integration (both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), voice control, and sophisticated sound systems with digital signal processing (DSP) for superior audio quality. These systems now support functionalities like streaming music apps, HD Radio, satellite radio tuners, video playback, and customizable audio settings, making the multimedia experience highly interactive and personalized.

Compared to airplane and train entertainment systems, car systems typically provide more direct integration with personal devices, more responsive touchscreens, and advanced Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, allowing hands-free control through voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant.

However, the integration of gaming consoles into cars is a new trend, with a German car manufacturer planning to integrate the AirConsole gaming platform into vehicles, allowing multiplayer gaming. Another manufacturer is considering integrating gaming consoles for in-travel entertainment.

Airplane Entertainment Systems

Airlines offer a wide range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, music, games, live TV, and more. Compared to car systems, airplane IFEs are often more centralized, featuring seat-back screens with curated content libraries but usually less personalized device integration or responsiveness.

However, airplane IFEs can offer a wider-media library and offline movies, TV shows, games, and sometimes Wi-Fi-based streaming depending on airline and aircraft. Many airlines offer special children's programs, Wi-Fi for streaming, and interactive features like games or meditations.

Train Entertainment Systems

Many trains still rely on communal screens or require passengers to bring their own devices to access entertainment over train Wi-Fi. Some advanced trains (e.g., high-speed or premium services) have seat-back touchscreens with curated content, but these are typically less interactive or personalized than car systems that leverage continuous wireless phone connectivity and advanced sound tuning.

The German railway company offers a wide range of services on long-distance routes, including travel information, digital menus, and entertainment selections. Their entertainment offerings include movies, TV shows, audiobooks, podcasts, magazines, newspapers, and games. The gaming feature is currently available in certain models like the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron in the USA.

Comparison Table

| Feature | In-car Entertainment Systems | Airplane Entertainment Systems | Train Entertainment Systems | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Screen | 7" to larger HD touchscreens, capacitive, responsive | Seat-back screens, often non-touch | Seat-back or personal device-based, limited touch | | Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Bluetooth | Limited to airline content library, Wi-Fi based | Wi-Fi streaming or seat-back with limited library | | Content Personalization| Full smartphone integration, voice control, apps | Fixed content, less device integration | Limited personalization, some Wi-Fi streaming | | Audio Quality | High-end audio with DSP, advanced speakers | Basic headphones, airline-provided audio quality | Basic or passenger device-dependent | | User Control | Full control via touchscreen and steering wheel buttons| Basic remote control, less interactive | Varies, often limited control |

In conclusion, in-car entertainment systems today are more interactive, customizable, and integrated with personal technology than airplane or train entertainment systems, which are constrained by shared usage, hardware limitations, and infrastructure. However, the integration of gaming features in these systems is a growing trend, with manufacturers focusing on providing a more immersive travel experience.

Strict rules for distracting content in Europe could delay the integration of this gaming feature, highlighting the need for balance between entertainment and safety. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see further improvements in the entertainment systems of various modes of transportation.

Car Manufacturer Aims to Integrate Gaming Consoles in Its Vehicles