Google Stadia: Fine Printing for Google's Gaming Platform

During the Stadia Connect presentation, Google was not very clear about this, but you will have to buy the $ 129 Founder's edition to play Stadia in 2019. You will have to wait until 2020 to become a Pro or Based. It's a little disappointing, but at least the Base subscription will not cost you anything.

Device support and game purchases

If you own Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL, you can go away once Stadia is launched later this year. Those with non-pixel mobile devices will have to wait an indefinite amount of time for help with Stadia.

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However, Pixel and non-Pixel devices will be able to use the Stadia app from the first day. The application, which works on any device running at least under iOS 11 and Android Marshmallow, allows you to buy or manage Stadia games. It's not the same as playing Stadia games, but at least you can watch what's available.

Stadia could eat up your data limit

During its presentation on Stadia Connect, Google also talked about the bandwidth requirements of the platform for streaming games. On a 35Mbps connection, you get 4K, 60fps and HDR resolution. Going down to 10Mbps, you get a resolution of 720p at 60fps, while 20Mbps gives you a resolution of 1080p and 60fps.

Whether you are a hardcore or casual player, the numbers do not give you a good picture. If you have a monthly data and transmission speed limit that's fast enough for 4K streaming, you need to be smart about your game volume during the week.

Related: Is your Internet connection sufficient for Google Stadia? It's complicated.

Stages will not use cellular data. For the moment.

You can play Stadia on any supported device for as long as you do not use cellular data. Unfortunately for truckers, Google's product management director, Andrey Doronichev, confirmed with The edge "You do not have to expect your existing cellular connection to work."

That said, the door is open for the 5G to change things. According to Doronichev, Google is optimistic about the potential of 5G to change the inability to play Stadia on a cellular data connection. Based on early speed testing, 5G could deliver on its promise to dramatically speed up data speeds.

A lost connection does not always mean a lost game progression

With Stadia constantly sending data to the cloud, you will not have to worry about manually backing up your game. However, you are afraid of losing your progress if you lose your Internet connection.

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The good news is that your game will not improve if it happens, but only for a short time. If you lose the connection, Stadia will keep the game where it was interrupted for "several minutes". The service will also adjust the quality of streaming if your bandwidth fluctuates.

All Google Accounts will not work

Since Stadia is a Google product, you will need a Google account to use it. However, only standard Google accounts work with Stadia. Those who own Google for work, Google for Education and "some other Google managed accounts" are out of luck.

Controller support is weird

Google

You do not have to use the Stadia controller to play Stadia – you are free to use other controllers. However, the controllers must be HID compatible and connect via a USB cable if you play Chrome or mobile.

In addition, you must use the Stadia controller if you want to play on your TV. Third-party accessory manufacturers could theoretically release compatible controllers as part of the "Made for Google" program. However, they must connect directly to Chromecast Ultra, which is also required to play on your TV. In the meantime, your only option on the TV is the Stadia Controller.

The United States will not all have a stadium

With Google based in the United States, it makes sense for the company to become one of Stadia's launch destinations at the end of this year. However, Google has discreetly clarified that Stadia will not be available in Hawaii, Guam or the US Virgin Islands. Those in Puerto Rico and Alaska are safe and will receive stadiums.

Google has not explicitly stated why, but the company has hinted that Hawaii, Guam and the US Virgin Islands were too far from its data centers. Google has also insinuated the possible launch of Stadia in the three regions mentioned above, but nothing is yet engraved in stone.

Stadia is online only

The most important distinction about Stadia is its total dependence on an internet connection. Even when you buy games on the platform, there is no offline game on Stadia. For example, you can not download titles to your device for reading on an airplane.

This is already a problem for those who do not have the best Internet connections, but Google's bad reputation for privacy is even more serious. The company, along with other large entities such as Facebook, has received much criticism regarding its data collection practices and its approach to privacy.

If you think we're missing something, let us know in the comments below. During your stay, tell us if the above mentioned information has changed the way you think about Stadia.