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Why a Nintendo Switch 2 Is the Best Upgrade from Tesla Arcade

Exploring how the Switch 2 can replace Tesla Arcade with portability, deeper libraries, and multiplayer.

Why a Nintendo Switch 2 Is the Best Upgrade from Tesla Arcade

Updated: 2025-11-24

If you loved loading up quick games in your Tesla but are now moving on from the car, the Nintendo Switch 2 is one of the easiest ways to keep that “on the move” gaming feeling. This guide looks at how a Switch 2 can stand in for the Tesla Arcade, what kinds of games and accessories you need, and how it fits into a broader portable gaming setup alongside options like the Steam Deck, travel rigs, and the full game library you can keep playing anywhere.

Portability beyond the car

The most obvious advantage is mobility. Tesla Arcade works only when the car is parked. A Switch 2 can be played anywhere: on the sofa, in bed, while travelling, or during a break at work. The hybrid design allows it to be used as both a handheld console and a docked system for the television.

In effect, what began as a novelty for parked charging stops becomes a fully fledged portable console you can rely on every day.

Saves and continuity

Tesla Arcade saves are held locally, with no option to transfer them elsewhere. The Switch 2, like its predecessor, uses cloud saving through Nintendo Switch Online. This ensures that progress is backed up and accessible across devices.

If you are used to playing Stardew Valley or Vampire Survivors in your Tesla, you can continue your journey on the Switch without worrying about losing progress. The consistency is reassuring, especially for games that build over many hours.

Multiplayer done properly

In a Tesla, multiplayer depends on how many USB ports you can plug controllers into, and it is restricted to local play. The Switch 2 improves on this in several ways. Joy-Con controllers allow two people to play immediately. Pro Controllers add comfort and precision for longer sessions. Local wireless lets multiple Switch consoles link together, and online play is available through Nintendo Switch Online.

This means that titles such as Boomerang Fu, Stardew Valley, and Vampire Survivors are no longer confined to quick couch co-op but open up to proper multiplayer experiences with friends and family.

A practical replacement and more

For Tesla owners considering selling their car, or for anyone who simply wants to carry the Tesla Arcade experience into a wider context, the Switch 2 offers the most logical upgrade path. It takes the novelty of in-car gaming and expands it into a complete ecosystem, with portable play, cloud saves, downloadable content, and robust multiplayer.

In short, the Switch 2 does not just replace Tesla Arcade. It transforms it into something far more useful, flexible, and enjoyable.

Similar games with more depth

Several titles available in Tesla Arcade are also on the Switch platform, often in more complete forms.

Cuphead includes the full campaign as well as the Delicious Last Course expansion.

Stardew Valley brings farming, building, and community to life with co-operative multiplayer.

The Battle of Polytopia appears with additional tribes and downloadable content.

Cat Quest is joined by Cat Quest II, which allows two-player co-op.

Vampire Survivors is available with its full suite of downloadable content, running smoothly with the option for multiplayer sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Switch 2 powerful enough to replace my Tesla Arcade?
For most indie and family-friendly games, yes. Many titles that appear in Tesla’s arcade, like Cuphead or Stardew Valley, also exist on Switch, and the Switch 2 has more than enough power to run them smoothly in handheld or docked mode.
Can I use my existing Switch controllers with the Switch 2?
In most cases, yes. Nintendo usually maintains controller compatibility across generations, especially for first-party controllers like the Pro Controller and Joy-Cons. Always double-check the official compatibility notes before buying new hardware.
Do I need an online subscription for cloud saves?
If you want cloud backups and online play, you’ll typically need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. It is optional, but very helpful if you move between multiple consoles or worry about losing your save data.
Can the Switch 2 fully replace my in-car gaming setup for kids?
In practical terms, yes. A Switch 2 plus a small travel dock, a screen or TV, and a couple of controllers can recreate the same ‘quick game while waiting’ experience you had in the car, with the added benefit that you can take it anywhere.

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