Researcher Uses Nintendo Switch 2 to Steer a Tesla via CAN [VIDEO]

Automotive cybersecurity researcher Matthew KuKanich shared a video on Reddit showing a Nintendo Switch 2 controlling his Tesla. According to KuKanich, his setup provides “full access to vehicle functions,” including steering, the accelerator and brakes, turn signals, the horn, shifting, and the windshield wipers.

How It Works

KuKanich did not modify the Tesla itself. He jailbroke a Switch 2 and built a custom app named CAN Commander that issues commands over the car’s CAN bus, the internal network used by vehicle components to communicate.

“I built the custom Switch 2 software and the external CAN control system for my Tesla,” KuKanich explained on X.

The app maps car functions to Switch controls: the left stick steers, ZR accelerates, ZL brakes, and A toggles between Drive and Reverse. L and R operate the turn signals, X triggers a single wipe, and Y sounds the horn. It also displays live data from the car on-screen, including speed, steering angle, the current gear, and a connection status. KuKanich says the system includes several safety features, and holding B exits the app.

In the demo, the car remains parked while moving the left stick turns the Tesla’s steering wheel to match, with turn signals blinking on cue.

Driving my Car with a Switch 2
by u/Martarts in switch2hacks

Not His First Controller

KuKanich has previously controlled his Tesla with an Xbox controller and a Wii Remote, the latter using motion controls so the steering wheel turns as he tilts the controller. Some of his videos also show these steering experiments on the road.

The project arrives as Tesla pushes further into self-driving. Tesla’s Robotaxi service now runs 24/7 in every city it operates in, and the purpose-built Cybercab does not have a steering wheel.

KuKanich has not released the code yet but said he may upload it to his GitHub page. This remains a research demonstration and is not intended for use on public roads.