Google Stadia was first announced a few months ago, but because that event was focused on how the gaming service will work, we didn't get any info about the pricing or the games that'll be available. That info is now coming out today.
Google Stadia is launching this November, and folks who want in right away can pre-order a Stadia Founder's Edition today. Priced at $129, Stadia Founder's Edition customers will first access to Stadia when it launches, a Chromecast Ultra so that you can play on your HDTV, and a limited edition Night Blue controller (shown below). You'll also get a three-month Stadia Pro subscription for yourself and another for a friend as well as first access to a Stadia name. Rounding out the Stadia Founder's Edition is the "complete Destiny 2 experience".
A Stadia Pro subscription will cost $9.99 per month. Google says that Stadia Pro customers will get the best possible streaming quality for their games, which is 4K HDR, 60 frames per second, and 5.1 surround sound. Stadia Pro subscribers will also get access to free games that will be released regularly and discounts on select game purchases.
A free version of Google Stadia will also be available that'll let you stream games that you purchase. This Stadia Base service is coming in 2020 and will be limited to 1080p streaming at 60fps with stereo sound.
At launch, Stadia will be available in Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S. Google plans to bring Stadia to more countries in 2020.
When it comes to streaming quality, Google recommends that you have at least a 35Mbps internet connection to get the best quality, which is 4K HDR at 60fps and with 5.1 surround sound. Customers with a 20Mbps connection can expect 1080p video but will still get HDR, 60fps, and 5.1 surround sound. The minimum recommended connection speed for Stadia is 10Mbps, at which you can expect 720p video, 60fps, and stereo sound.
At launch, you'll be able to play Google Stadia on an HDTV with a Chromecast Ultra or on your desktop, laptop, or tablet with a Chrome browser. You'll also be able to play on a Pixel 3 or Pixel 3a smartphone using the Stadia app. Google plans to add support for more smartphones in the future.
Of course, you'll need a controller to play games on Stadia. Google says that Stadia controllers will cost $69 each and will be available in Just White, Clearly Black, and Wasabi color options. These controllers connect to Google's servers over Wi-Fi to give you the best possible connection, and they've also got dedicated Capture and Google Assistant buttons. The controllers include Bluetooth Low Energy, a USB-C port for charging and wired gameplay, and a 3.5mm headphone jack as well.
Google Stadia also supports other controllers if you don't feel like plunking down for a new Stadia controller. On a computer or phone, you can play using a PS4 DualShock 4 controller, Xbox One controller, or another supported controller, and Stadia users on a computer have the option of using a mouse and keyboard, too.
And now for the games. Google has confirmed that there will be lots of high-profile titles available on Stadia, including Baldur's Gate 3, DOOM Eternal, Mortal Kombat 11, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and Tom Clancy's The Division 2. Here's the full list of games that've been confirmed for Google Stadia so far:
So there's all of the info for Google's hotly anticipated game streaming service. The idea of being able to stream games on your TV, computer, or phone without needing a dedicated game console or expensive PC is definitely intriguing, and we're looking forward to seeing how Stadia performs once it launches to the public.
Now that we've got game, price, and launch info, what do you think of Google Stadia? Are you pre-ordering a Stadia Founder's Edition pack?
