A wide number of Android smartphones and tablets now support Google Stadia.
Up to this point, the cloud streaming service only worked on select Android devices. Specifically, it was limited to Chrome OS tablets like Pixel Slate and Acer Chromebook Tab 10 as well as Google Pixel smartphones.
However, our friends over at Hardcore Droid report that Stadia now works on a wider range of Android devices. In fact, according to the Google Play product page, devices with Android 6.0 and up should support it.
Of course, you also need a fast and steady internet connection since most of the heavy lifting is done on Google’s servers. As we’ve previously mentioned, this is problematic because internet speeds still vary widely across the US.
But if you have a good internet connection and don’t mind using touch-screen controls, it has the potential to be a powerful new way to play games on your smartphone. So I differ a bit with other writers who call Stadia a “total bust.”
Aside from touch controls, the Stadia app through Google Play also lets you use the Stadia controller via a USB cable. However, the Premiere Edition – previously known as the Founder’s Edition – retails for a decidedly steep $99.99. And this is down from an initial price of $129.99.
At least Google is now offering a free trial of Stadia Pro for one month (it was two free months not long ago). After that, you’ll have to pay $9.99 per month for the service or else revert to the free version.
My Take
Google Stadia is slowly making strides. It has a long way to go, but it does have potential if Google really invests in the platform and makes it a much better value proposition. But is it too little, too late? Maybe.
