Google Stadia, the streaming service for video games from the IT giant Google, brings a seemingly obvious but not necessarily apparent advantage: You no longer need to buy a strong gaming PC to play in really good quality.
What kind of computer does Google “lend” me? You are basically renting the right to game on a PC that can easily compete with any upper mid-range gaming computer.
With the free “Stadia Base” option starting in 2020, you won’t even have to pay anything for it.
The only requirement: You need a reasonably good internet connection. If you want to play in 1080p Full HD at 60 FPS, your connection must reach at least 20Mbps download speed. Anything above that is of no use for the free option.
Do I really get a computer? No, Google does not physically provide you with a computer in your gaming room. You only receive virtual remote access to a PC located at Google.
This is the same principle as with Netflix or Amazon Prime. A content is streamed. In this case, even an entire PC.
Is this a problem in Germany? The recommended minimum is 10Mbps for still 720p. But both the HD option and the 4K option included in the Pro subscription should not be a problem for many users in Germany.
A maximum of 35Mbps is needed for the best resolution. According to the speed report from netzwelt.de, the average internet speed in Germany is currently 43.02Mbps (as of June 7 at 6:16 PM).
If you want to test your own connection, Google directly offers you a speed test.
Stadia: Stream games in HD without paying
Does it really cost nothing? No. Stadia Base will be free according to Google, but it will only be available starting from an unspecified date in 2020. The catch is that no games will be included.
If you want to play on Stadia for free, you will have to purchase the respective games through Stadia.
Stadia Base also offers “only” streaming at 1080p at 60 FPS. This means that you are basically borrowing an HD-capable computer for free. If you want to play up to 4K, you need Stadia Pro – and also a connection with at least 35Mbps.
However, it remains necessary to own a TV, PC with a monitor, or laptop to stream. Stadia itself only replaces the need for an expensive gaming computer.
This is Stadia Pro: The Pro subscription costs €9.99. In Stadia Pro, there will be a selection of free games available that you have full access to as long as your subscription is active. So far, only Destiny 2 is known. Otherwise, you will have to purchase the games normally.
Another advantage is that in Stadia Pro, games are offered at a discount, and even if you are no longer actively subscribed to Pro, you can continue to use the games you have purchased in the free Base version – just not in 4K and without surround sound.
Currently, the offer of games for Stadia is still not that large, but there are rumors that popular games like Red Dead Redemption 2 will come to Google Stadia and further publishers are expected to be announced soon.
Three months of Stadia for you and a friend are already included in the Stadia pre-order package for €129. This package offers you:
- a limited Stadia controller
- a Chromecast Ultra for streaming to a TV
- a badge and a name reservation
Whether it is worth it for you to pre-order the Founder’s Edition, we have examined in a separate article:
This is how Stadia works
How does streaming work? With Google Stadia, you have the ability to stream games. This means you do not need a console.
You have access to Google’s server structure with Stadia Pro and Stadia Base. You just access Stadia through the browser of your laptop, PC, or smartphone and click “Play” on the respective game.
If you prefer to game on larger screens, you can also get a Chromecast and connect it to your TV. In connection with the Stadia controller, Stadia can then also be used on the TV.
When can I use Stadia? Stadia will be available in Germany starting November 2019.
No matter how good Stadia sounds, it will not act like a popular series streaming service:
