For the first time since launch, Google’s video game streaming service will work on phones other than the Pixel series.
It seems fair to say that the launch of Stadia last year did not make quite the splash Google would’ve been hoping for.
A lack of exclusives, faulty hardware, and out-of-date games didn’t make for the best of headlines and there’s still a heap of missing features, including the non-subscription based version of the service and YouTube integration.
There’s still no word on any of that, but Google has announced that Stadia will now work with mobile phones other than from their Pixel range. Although the list is still fairly short:
Google Stadia compatible phones
Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
Samsung Galaxy Note8
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S9+
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Samsung Galaxy S10
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Samsung Galaxy Note10
Samsung Galaxy Note10+
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Razer Phone
Razer Phone 2
ASUS ROG Phone
ASUS ROG Phone II
You’ll be able to start using the new phones from Thursday, 20 February, as well as laptop and desktop PCs or on a TV by using Google Chromecast device.
You’ll need Wi-Fi as well, obviously, but while there is an official Stadia joypad other Bluetooth controllers are compatible if you’re using them through your phone.
Google recently announced that 10 timed exclusives would be coming to the service before the end of July this year, although it’s still yet to name any of them.
Whether any of them will be anything more than indie titles is unknown but Google will no doubt be increasing its efforts to establish Stadia as a major format this year, as the hype increases for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, and follow us on Twitter
MORE: Google: more than 10 Stadia timed exclusives coming by July
MORE: Borderlands 3 launches on Stadia; is already two months old
MORE: Darksiders on Stadia costs more than PC version and no one knows why
