Google’s cloud game streaming service called Stadia is shutting down today, but before that, the company is allowing users to use the wireless stadia controller as a Bluetooth controller that can be connected to other devices.

Converting a Stadia controller into a Bluetooth controller is a manual process and won’t happen automatically for the users. Also, it’s an irreversible process, which means once it’s converted to a Bluetooth controller, you cannot go back.

The company has also revealed that the last date for users to make the switch for the controller is 31st December 2023. After that date, any unconverted Stadia controller will work as a wired gamepad but won’t get wireless connectivity support.

After the device has been enabled with Bluetooth mode, it can be connected to other devices by pressing the Y and Stadia buttons simultaneously for a couple of seconds. When the Stadia light flashes orange, it indicates that the controller is now in pairing mode. Once it’s paired with a device, it will auto-connect to the last paired device whenever turned on.

If you are an owner of a Stadia controller, then you can visit this web-based tool to unlock Bluetooth on the device. The process is quick, simple, and easy to follow. Make sure that the device is charged at least 10 percent before you attempt to start the process and is connected to the computer using the USB port.

A few months ago, Google announced that it would shut down the Stadia cloud gaming service, and then the company refunded all the game and hardware transactions starting November 2022. Some game studios also started offering free PC copies of the games purchased through Stadia.

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Google announced Stadia – its game-streaming platform back in March. The idea behind Stadia is to allow users to play console-level games without owning a console. All the processing power required for the game is handled by Google’s data centers. Users will be able to play these games on their TV, desktop, laptop, and smartphones.

Today, there was a second event where Google announced more details including pricing, list of games and the countries the service will be rolling out to first.

Requirements

Stadia will be accessible on your TV (Chromecast Ultra required), desktop, laptop, and smartphones (starting with Pixel 3/3XL and Pixel 3a/3a XL).

You will be able to use your existing controllers including your keyboard, mouse, PS4 and XBOX controllers. There is also a Stadia Controller that costs $69 which has a Google Assistant button and a capture button for taking screenshots and saving video clips from your gameplay.

Stadia will be able to stream at up to 4K 60fps with 5.1 surround sound audio. However, not everyone has got a superfast internet connection. The recommended minimum is 10Mbps which will allow you to stream at 720p 60fps with stereo audio. You will also be able to steam at 1080p 60fps with 5.1 Surround Sound if your connection reaches 20Mbps.

Games Coming to Stadia

These are the games coming to Stadia. Some of them are confirmed to be available at launch (we are sure of the first eight):

• Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
• The Division 2
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
• Just Dance 2020
• Trials Rising
• The Crew 2
• Tomb Raider Trilogy
• Final Fantasy
• DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2
• DOOM Eternal
• Wolfenstein: Youngblood
• Destiny 2
• Power Rangers: Battle For The Grid
• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Metro Exodus
• Thumper
• GRID
• SAMURAI SHODOWN
• Football Manager 2020
• Get Packed
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• NBA 2K
• Borderlands 3
• Farming Simulator 19
• Mortal Kombat 11
• Rage 2
• FINAL FANTASY XV
• Gylt
• Darksiders Genesis

Launch Date and Price

Stadia launches in November in 14 countries. These countries are Belgium, Finland, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the USA (excluding Hawaii and Guam).

The service will roll out to more countries in 2020 and beyond.

Stadia will have a free mode called Stadia Base that will be available next year. Users will be able to buy games whenever they want but won’t get free games or discounts on select purchases. Free users are also limited to stream at 1080p and 60fps.

There is also Stadia Pro which cost $9.99/month. Users will be able to buy games whenever they want, get discounts on select purchases and get free games regularly such as Destiny 2: The Collection. They will be able to stream in 4K 60FPS and get 5.1 surround sound.

If you cancel your Stadia Pro subscription, you will still be able to play already purchased games on Stadia Base.

Stadia is selling a Founder’s Edition bundle that is priced at $129. It includes the exclusive Night Blue Stadia Controller, a Chromecast Ultra, 3 months of Stadia Pro subscription, exclusive Stadia Name, a buddy pass, and access to Destiny 2: The Collection.

UP NEXT: Google plans to make more affordable Pixel phones

The post All you need to know about Google Stadia: price, games, and availability appeared first on Gizmochina.

In the weeks leading up to GDC 2019, there were rumors Google would announce a gaming console of some sort that would allow users to stream games online. Today, the tech giant announced Stadia, a cloud gaming service which is not only for gamers but also for those who like to watch others play and also those who build games.

Stadia is a cloud gaming service that doesn’t require you to purchase new hardware. All you need is the hardware you already have such as tablets and phones (Pixel), Chromecast-enabled TV, or the Chrome browser on your PC (laptop or desktop). You also don’t need to download the game you wish to play.

At the event, Google demonstrated how Stadia works using a variety of devices including a desktop PC with basic specs. Not only did the games play seamlessly on all of these devices, but you can also start playing on one device and switch to another.

Stadia works with your existing controllers. It will even work with your keyboard or mouse. Or you could just purchase Google’s own Stadia Controller which doesn’t look very different from the controllers you are used to, though it does have some unique features of its own.

The Stadia Controller connects via Wi-Fi which should make switching from one device to the other easier. It has the usual XYAB action buttons, dual joysticks, D-pad, and shoulder buttons. It also has a Google Assistant button and a capture button that allows you live-stream your game to YouTube. The controller will come in three colors but Google didn’t reveal its price.

You might be wondering how Stadia will be able to run the games on its platform. All the work is handled by Google’s data centers which pack a lot of power. Google shared the specs of the data centers and the GPU is much more powerful than that of the Xbox One X and the PS4 Pro. Stadia will be able to stream at 1080p and 4K at 60fps when it launches but in the future, it will also support streaming in 8K and at up to 120fps. It will also support cross-platform play.

Stadia isn’t just for gamers but also for game developers. There are tools available for developers that will make it easy for developers to bring their design styles to games made for the platform. All developers have to do is drop an image with the preferred style and a machine learning tool applies the style all through.

There is also State Share for YouTube creators which allows them to share exact links to specifc parts of a game. Players will be able to call up the Google Assistant to get walkthroughs for games other players have completed. There is also a feature called Crowd Play which will let you play multiplayer games against your favorite content creators.

READ MORE: Google Foldable Phone Patent Surfaces Online; See Details

Google will create its own game studio which is called Stadia Games and Entertainment and will also partner with others to develop content for the platform. Stadia will launch later this year first in the US, and then Canada, UK, and Europe. More details will be revealed at Google I/O in May.

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