Streaming everything online has become common be it for music or for movies. So, why not gaming? Google announced streaming service that lets you play games without the need for a dedicated console or gaming PC dubbed as Google Stadia at the annual Game Developer Conference (GDC) 2019, back in March. Let’s get deep into it.
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What Is Google Stadia?
Well, in a layman’s term, Google Stadia lets you play latest games on just about any device you own irrespective of the internal hardware it holds, as Google server will handle all the processing power for playing from its cloud, which also means that there is no download or installations to worry about, as in you can play high-end games in Google Chrome browser and Google will take care of the rest.
Google Stadia (at the launch) will support play on your TV (using a Chromecast Ultra), desktop, laptop, tablet and (also) smartphones starting with the Pixel 3 and 3a models. The only thing that needed for this whole process to smoothly run is a proper internet connection and the subscription (of course).
The Google Stadia Controller?
Along with Google Stadia, the company has the Stadia controller. However, Google Stadia supports a wide range of controllers as well as a mouse and keyboard setup, but if you want to play Stadia the way Google intended, you can buy a Google Stadia controller for $69 / £59.
The Stadia controller uses your WiFi to connect directly with whatever game is being streamed from Google’s servers, with the classic dual joystick, D-pad, face button, and shoulder button layout most closely resembling the DualShock 4 controller. It also has two additional buttons which let you easily capture footage or activate the Google Assistant.
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Google Stadia Controller Specifications
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac connectivity
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth Low Energy 4.2 (BLE)
- Headset jack: 3.5mm headset jack for headsets with or without a microphone
- USB: USB-C port for charging, wired gameplay, and accessories such as USB-C headsets. HID-compliant
- Weight: 268g
- Dimensions: 163mm x 105mm x 65mm
- Google Assistant: Google Assistant button to trigger the microphone
- Capture button: Quick access to image and video capture
- Battery: Internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery
Google Stadia Games Lineup
Coming to the gaming titles available on Stadia is impressive, especially considering that you don’t need a console or powerful PC. Well, here are all the confirmed games coming to Google Stadia, with more on the way;
- 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
- The Crew 2
- The Division 2
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Ghost Recon Breakpoint
- Trials Rising
- NBA 2K
- Borderlands 3
- Farming Simulator 19
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Rage 2
- Final Fantasy 15
- Gylt
- Tomb Raider Trilogy
- Darksiders Genesis
- Just Dance 2020
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Google Stadia Launch Date and Pricing?
Google Stadia is set to launch in November 2019. It will be available in 14 countries, which includes the USA, the UK, Canada, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. No, India is not included, but will soon expand there soon.
What’s launching in November is Stadia Pro, a subscription-based gig. So, for $9.99/month, you can get access to a catalog of free games (starting with Destiny 2), 4K, 60fps streaming with HDR and 5.1 surround sound, but will require a 35Mbps internet connection. On the other hand, 20Mbps for 1080p at 60fps with 5.1 surround sound.
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Google will launch Stadia Base in 2020, which will be available for free for everyone, but the twist is you will have to buy games separately, just as you would with the stream. Streaming will also be pegged at 1080p, but that means you’ll get away with a 10Mbps internet connection.
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