When stuck at home, Google Stadia is one way to keep your brain exercising. It’s a cloud gaming service that requires users to buy games to stream through Stadia as opposed to Netflix that asks you to buy access to the games library.
It is capable of streaming up to 4k resolution games at 60 frames per second. Players are supported by high-dynamic-range via the company’s several data center’s globally. To access the best of Google stadia, you must have access to a high-speed internet connection.
You can access it via Google Chrome web browser on pixel smartphones, personal computers, Samsung supported smartphones, Asus, Razor, and OnePlus. If you are using television, then you need Chrome OS tablets and Chromecast. If you are looking for this, we're going to tell you about it next.
What Games Work With Stadia
All third-party games that you find on any gaming console, you can access with Stadia. In case other third-party developers want to bring their games on Stadia, they can do it at stadia.dev. As of January 29, 2020, several third-party games were confirmed with Stadia.
The list is here. This list is expected to grow exponentially since Google has said that more than 120 games are to be added onto the list. Endeavor to keep checking the updated list so that you know what games have been added.
On top of standalone titles, Google plans to support select game subscription services. While it’s not known yet whether EA Access will be incorporated onto the platform, Ubisoft’s Uplay+ will be accessible.
It costs $14.99 per month and gives you access to 100+ titles including upcoming and new games together with all DLC packs plus other post-launch content.
Stadia Controllers Give the Best Gameplay Experience
The platform is designed to work with most game keyboards, controllers and mice. Moreover, Google has also added a new Stadia-specific controller. The controller has a typical design including a directional pad, analog sticks, and bumpers, among others.
This controller is available in three colors of Just Black, Clearly White, and Wasabi. It also features two stadia specific buttons namely the Google assistant button and a share button.
The share button allows users to instantly share gameplay straight onto YouTube. If the users want to keep the shared video private, have it publicly viewable or send it to certain friends, they can control it. When the stream is shared, it can be available to more than 40k at 60FPS.
The Google Assistant button, it works with the controller’s built-in microphone. It allows you to issue voice commands the same way you would with other Assistant-enabled devices.
Play Stadia on TV
You need a Google account that is not compatible with Google or G Suite for Education accounts. Also, you need a Stadia Premiere or Founder’s Edition which includes a Stadia controller and Google Chromecast Ultra. Then download the stadia app on your phone. It is available for iOS and Android phones.
Pair the Stadia controller to Chromecast Ultra and launch games onto your TV. You can also invite friends using a Stadia Buddy pass. Still, you require Stadia and Chromecast Ultra to play on your TV.
To Play On Phone
It is available on a number of pixel devices. They are Pixel 2 and 2 XL, Pixel 3 and 3XL, Pixel 3a and 3a XL, and pixel 4 and 4 XL. You’ll also require a Google account that is not compatible with Google or G Suite for Education accounts.
You’ll also need an active stadia account that is activated when purchasing a premiere/ founder’s edition or through a Buddy Pass invitation. Then download the stadia app on your pixel phone.Using a Stadia Controller requires a wired connection with a USB-C to USB_C cable.
You can also pair Xbox One or PlayStation DualShock via Bluetooth or use any other Android-compatible Bluetooth controller.
Summary
Google Stadia is a Google cloud gaming service. It is capable of streaming clearer videos of up to 4k resolution at 60 frames per second. It is accessible through the Google Chrome web browser on most devices. You can also access it on your iOS and Android phones.
