Nio’s Firefly electric hatchback has received a playful software update that turns its infotainment screen into a gaming display. The latest OTA package adds Nintendo Switch casting, customizable lock and unlock sounds, new light animations and even a small performance increase.
The Firefly, an electric hatchback from Nio’s youth-focused sub-brand, now allows drivers to cast Nintendo Switch gameplay to the car’s central infotainment screen. The feature works through a physical connection rather than wireless streaming.
To use it, owners need a USB capture card connected to the vehicle’s two USB-C ports in the center console. One port supplies power, while the other sends data to the infotainment system. The other end connects to the Nintendo Switch console. Once connected, users select the “game casting” icon on the screen and can begin playing.
According to the source, the system works with both generations of the Nintendo Switch and supports both the full-size controller and smaller Joy-Con controllers.
For safety reasons, the Firefly’s game casting function only works when the vehicle is in park. The feature is designed for stationary use, such as while waiting, taking a break or playing multiplayer games inside the car.
The source notes that the Firefly’s display handled games smoothly, with no visible latency during the demonstration. Titles such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Pokémon Pokopia were tested on the car’s central screen.
The idea may seem unusual, especially because the Nintendo Switch is already a handheld gaming device. However, Firefly told the source that the feature was added in response to demand from existing drivers.
The feature may be most useful for people who want to play multiplayer games on a larger in-car screen while parked. It also fits Firefly’s positioning as a more youthful and personality-driven EV brand.
Nintendo Switch casting was not the only change included in the latest over-the-air update. The software package also added 20 horsepower to the Firefly and reduced its 0-100 km/h acceleration time by about 0.2 seconds.
The source does not list the updated total output or the final acceleration figure, but the update shows how software can continue to improve performance after delivery.
The Firefly also gains new customization features for its exterior lights and lock/unlock sounds. Owners can choose from new built-in sounds and animations or add their own audio to give the car a more personal character.
On Chinese social media platforms, Firefly drivers have already started experimenting with the feature. One example mentioned in the source involved a car flashing its headlights and playing the McDonald’s jingle when locked.
In-car gaming and playful software features are not entirely new in the EV world. Tesla has offered video games and high-end game streaming on some later models, while other automakers have experimented with similar ideas with varying success.
The source notes that hardware plays a major role in making these features possible. Tesla’s AMD Ryzen system and Firefly’s Qualcomm 8155 chip are cited as examples of the kind of computing power needed for smoother in-car gaming experiences.
While video games are unlikely to be a deciding factor for most EV buyers, features like Nintendo Switch casting, animated lighting and custom lock sounds help give the Firefly a more distinctive personality in an increasingly crowded electric car market.
