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Tesla Arcade disappears from EVs in Hong Kong

It's not clear why the feature left Tesla cars locally, but the latest software update notes explicitly note its removal.

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No more of this for those in Hong Kong.

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owners in Hong Kong no longer have access to the Tesla Arcade in their electric cars .

Following the latest software update for Tesla vehicles (designated 2020.28.6), the automaker mentions the Arcade function has been removed from cars in Hong Kong. Tesla Arcade lets drivers and passengers play games on the car's screen while the car is stationary.

"Due to local regulations, the Tesla Arcade has been removed from your car," the notes read. What regulations Tesla Arcade violated isn't clear. The automaker did not immediately return a request for comment.

Other tech companies recently said that they're pausing the review of Hong Kong government requests for user data as they look more closely at a new national security law China imposed on the region that has curbed political expression.

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It's not the first time Tesla removed a feature from its cars running about Hong Kong. Though we never received an answer, the electric carmaker removed Tesla's in-car internet browser from vehicles in the area. Again, the notes at the time said the action came because of "regulations."

Tesla Arcade is not available while the vehicle moves, so it's even stranger why the company had to pull the games. At any rate, Tesla Arcade sticks around in the US and the company most recently added mobile games like Fallout Shelter.

Read more: Generation China: Exploring the nation's technological ambitions

Watch this: Tesla Arcade just made in-car gaming way more fun
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on August 6, 2020 at 2:10 PM PDT

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
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