Hyundai Ioniq 5 Gets £49 Upgrade To Counter ‘Game Boy’ Theft Devices

Hyundai is offering Ioniq 5 owners in the UK an optional £49 ($65) security upgrade to combat a wave of high-tech car thefts involving a handheld “Game Boy-like” emulator. While multiple electric vehicle brands have been affected by the theft device, Hyundai Motor Group’s EVs have been the predominant victims.  

The Game Boy-like device reportedly costs around €20,000. It can unlock and start certain keyless vehicles without a physical key. Hyundai’s upgrade fixes the hardware and software of its cars to address vulnerabilities in the Ioniq 5’s entry system.

How the Game Boy-like devices Bypass Hyundai’s Security

The theft tool resembles Nintendo’s classic handheld but is packed with radio transmission hardware capable of exploiting weak encryption protocols in Hyundai Motor Group’s keyless systems. When a driver touches the car’s door handle, the theft device emits a signal that the device intercepts. It then decodes the algorithm and sends a false “key present” message, unlocking the doors and enabling the car to start instantly.

Unlike a relay attack, which amplifies the signal from a real key, the emulator operates independently, making it harder to detect and trace. The Game Boy-like device’s speed and autonomy make it particularly attractive to organized car theft rings, which have been linked to the rising use of the device in Europe.

Targeted Models and Hyundai’s Response

The issue affects certain Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs, including the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, alongside models from Nissan and Mitsubishi. In the UK, the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 ranked among the most stolen vehicles in 2024. Hyundai’s £49 update is currently available only for Ioniq 5 EVs in the UK. The car maker has not rolled out an anti-theft upgrade in the U.S.

Hyundai says the upgrade includes physical component changes and encrypted software patches designed to block the emulator’s access. The move underscores growing industry concerns over weaknesses in keyless entry systems, as car thieves increasingly adopt advanced hacking tools.

To check if Hyundai’s anti-theft update is applicable to your IONIQ 5, click here.

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