Google's cloud gaming platform is available across 22 countries, including the UK and US, in its paid and free forms.
Called Stadia, it is the company's "Netflix of games" - of sorts - with games hosted on remote servers and video streamed to connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers and TVs.
But what does Stadia offer? And how does it differ from other cloud gaming.
How Google Stadia works
Google Stadia is a cloud gaming service whereby games can be purchased and played, but don't have to be downloaded to a console or PC.
That's because, through multiple connected devices, including phones, laptops and TVs, you play the game in real time, but it's actually run on a remote Stadia server somewhere else in the world. The video of the gameplay is transmitted to your device over the internet, while the control codes from a game controller are sent in the other direction.
The biggest hurdle other similar services have encountered over the years is latency - the time it takes from the moment you move the controller thumbstick or press a button to the action occurring on screen.
But, where Stadia differs from some other platforms, such as Nvidia GeForce Now and PlayStation Now, is that its servers are placed in a vast number of locations around the globe. That shortens the distance between player and a server to stream from.
In addition, Google has developed a dedicated Stadia controller that connects to the internet directly via Wi-Fi, rather than your device (when you are playing at home, at least). That means it sends controller codes without having to submit them to your phone, tablet or other connected device first. That cuts down on milliseconds of latency and, in gaming, that really matters.
Usually on a cloud gaming platform, once you've pressed a button the signal has to be transmitted (most often through Bluetooth) to the receiving device, then sent over an internet connection. It is subsequently read by the source device, sent back to the receiving device, then transmitted to your TV (if not using a smartphone or tablet screen). Each of these actions take time and that can be vital to smooth gaming experiences as milliseconds can be the difference between avoiding a bullet or being shot in the face.
It also works with many third-party Bluetooth controllers (including the Xbox Wireless Controller) but they could introduce a little extra latency in comparison with the official controller.
Google Stadia compatible devices
Google Stadia doesn't need a dedicated device as it is playable through existing connected devices.
For computer use, Stadia works through the Google Chrome internet browser. It is therefore available on PC, Mac and Chromebooks without extra dedicated software or devices.
It can also be found on select Smart TVs, including some from LG and Hisense. Models featuring Android TV, such as those from Sony or Philips, can also access the Stadia app.
Alternatively, you can add an Nvidia Shield TV to your setup, as that carries Android TV too. Other Android TV set-top-boxes may be compatible.
Of course, Google's own Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV can be used to play Stadia games as well.
In terms of mobile use, both Android and iOS are supported, although the latter requires a bit of a work around.
All Android phones are compatible, although many only work in "Experiment" mode. That means they aren't officially supported unless they are on the optimised phone list below, so could exhibit some bugs.
Google Stadia supported mobile device list
Apple iPhone (through Safari)
Apple iPad (through Safari)
Asus ROG Phone
Asus ROG Phone II
Asus ROG Phone III
Google Pixel 2
Google Pixel 2 XL
Google Pixel 3
Google Pixel 3 XL
Google Pixel 3a
Google Pixel 3a XL
Google Pixel 4
Google Pixel 4 XL
Google Pixel 4a
Google Pixel 4a 5G
Google Pixel 5
Google Pixel 5a
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 6 Pro
LG V50 ThinQ
LG V50S ThinQ
LG V60 ThinQ
LG G7 ThinQ
LG G8 ThinQ
LG Wing
OnePlus 5
OnePlus 5T
OnePlus 6
OnePlus 6T
OnePlus 7
OnePlus 7 Pro
OnePlus 7 Pro 5G
OnePlus 7T
OnePlus 7T Pro
OnePlus 7T Pro 5G
OnePlus 8
As well as the dedicated Stadia controller, compatible phone users can link an Xbox Wireless Controller or PlayStation DualShock 4 controller to their device via Bluetooth to play Stadia games.
Touch controls are also now available when playing games on mobile devices, although the more complicated games are hard to play using the screen.
Can you play Stadia games over mobile data?
In October 2020, Google officially added the ability to play Stadia games over a 4G or 5G connection on a mobile device.
It could be used in beta form before, but it now works fully and can be switched on or off in settings.
How much does Google Stadia cost?
There are two levels of membership: Stadia Pro, which is paid for, and plain Stadia, a free access plan.
Stadia Pro membership costs £8.99 per month in the UK, $9.99 per month in the US, and €9.99 in other European countries. That gives users up to 4K HDR gameplay and 5.1 surround sound. However, you still have to buy the majority of games on top.
That's because, while Stadia Pro membership entitles users to add several free games per month to their libraries - a bit like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold - it isn't an all-you-can-eat service.
A Stadia Premiere Edition bundle is available as a kind-of starter pack. Priced at £69.99 ($79.99) it includes a Clearly White Stadia controller and a Chromecast Ultra capable of streaming 4K HDR gameplay to your TV. To keep the cost down (it was a lot more expensive previously), you no longer get a voucher code for Stadia Pro membership, but all new users get a free trial anyway.
It is available for free for one month, whether you purchase the Premiere Edition or not. It will then revert to £8.99/$9.99/€9.99 after the trial is over, but you can opt out easily before then.
The alternative plan was originally known as Stadia Base, but is now just plain old Stadia. It is a pay as you go plan - you have to buy games individually, as with Pro, but don't get any free monthly games included. Standard Stadia is also restricted to a maximum of 1080p and stereo sound. The benefit, however, is that you don't have to pay any monthly subscription fees.
You can revert to the free Stadia membership after your free trial of Stadia Pro is over.
With both membership options, purchased games will forever be assigned to your Stadia account and you can play them as often as you like.
Pricing for new games is determined by developers and publishers. They are around the same price as console titles.
Separate Stadia controllers are available in Just Black, Clearly White and Wasabi colourways at £59 ($69) each.
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