You simply need the software to run the service, and that's it. Interface and GamesĬloud gaming, by its nature, doesn't require you to download any games. You can, however, use your PlayStation and Xbox controller wirelessly via Bluetooth or via the web browser and on mobile devices. I didn't notice any slowdown in controller inputs when using a physical cable. Until then, you need to connect your controller to your device via a USB C cable. Unfortunately, wireless connectivity for smartphone, tablet, and computer play isn't available at launch. To ensure that inputs from the wireless controller are responsive, Google requires you to connect your Stadia controller to the same Wi-Fi network your Chromecast Ultra is connected to. I wasn't able to determine if it ran at 60 frames per second (the max Stadia offers to ensure a smooth play experience) but games ran without issue. On my TV, Stadia played at the max 4K resolution with HDR active.

I ended up playing on a Pixel 3a, a Chromecast Ultra, and on my Mac.Īt home, I played on both the Pixel 3a, and my 4K, HDR TV via a Chromecast Ultra, both through my home Wi-FI router's 5GHz connection, something Google recommends. In fact, Google doesn't have any definitive timeframe available for when you'll be able to play on those. If you've got another kind of Android device or use an iPhone or iPad, you're out of luck for now. Stadia, however, currently only works with certain Pixel smartphones, Chrome OS tablets, the Chromecast Ultra, or on your PC or Mac via the Chrome browser. If you press the button on your controller, and there isn't an immediate on-screen reaction, similar to what you would see with a traditional console, then cloud gaming would be a total bust.īut as internet speeds have increased, and companies like Google and Microsoft ( MSFT) have built out their cloud infrastructure by constructing data centers throughout the world, cloud gaming has become a reality. The issue with cloud gaming has always been lag.

When on my home network, the experience was spotless. At least as far as my early use goes - which admittedly could change as more users come online - I didn't experience more than one or two instances of slowdown or hiccups, and those only occurred while playing on a slow connection. Let's get one thing out of the way: Google's ( GOOG, GOOGL) Stadia works, and it works well.

Google stadia on macbook pro