After months of anticipation and leaks, Google has finally unveiled the date for its game streaming service called Stadia but the controller’s wireless capability will be limited at launch.
Described as the ” Netflix for games”, Stadia leverages Google’s global network of data centres to make games accessible over the internet on a variety of platforms, including computers, tablets, smartphones and TVs connected to Chromecast.
But if you were planning to play Stadia games on your computer or phone while using its official controller, you’ll have to get used to being tethered to your device with a USB-C cable, at least for the time being.
The Google Stadia controller’s wireless capability will only work on TV at launch, the tech giant has revealed in a Stadia subreddit .
“For wireless gameplay, this is limited to Chromecast Ultra.
“When plugged in via USB cable, the Stadia Controller acts as a standard USB HID controller and may work on other platforms depending on the game and setup,” a Google community manager stated.
Gamers will be able to launch games on Stadia and start playing in as little as five seconds with “no downloads, no updates, no patches and no installs,” according to the company. Titles are streamed in 4K resolution with a frame rate of 60 fps – which is better than most consoles can manage.
Google said Stadia will eventually be able to achieve 8K resolution and a frame rate of 120 fps. Players will be able to get big – and relatively recent – releases like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Mortal Kombat 11 over the service.
Those who pre-ordered it – as part of the Google Stadia Founders Edition – will start being able to play on 19 November. The Founder’s Edition is worth £250, but will only cost you £119.
It includes:
– A Chromecast Ultra
– A limited-edition Night Blue Stadia Controller
– Three months of Stadia Pro (£8.99/month after the free 3-months
– A three month Buddy Pass to bring one friend along for the ride
– Dibs on selecting a Stadia Name
With Stadia Pro, users will get free content, as well as discounts on titles they buy.
The first free game is Destiny 2 which will come with the base game, all previous add-ons, the recent Shadowkeep expansion and the annual pass.