Google’s much-awaited game streaming service was finally announced today. What was previously known by its Project Stream codename will be launched later this year as Stadia. It will stream games to a variety of different platforms via the Chrome browser and Chromecast in addition to Pixel smartphones. Conventional USB controllers will work but Google has made a dedicated controller for Stadia as well.
This is the only piece of hardware that has got anything to do with Stadia. The gaming service itself doesn’t require a console or set-top box. It runs entirely on Google’s cloud which is immensely powerful and has a global reach.
This wireless game controller will connect over Wi-Fi which will give it access to the Internet. That would explain why there’s a dedicated Google Assistant button on it and why it can let players share gaming moments directly to YouTube with the press of a button.
It doesn’t look all that different from a conventional gaming controller, some might feel it’s kind of like a mix between the Xbox One and PS4 controllers. Google hasn’t confirmed when the controller will go on sale and how much it will cost. It hasn’t provided a confirmed launched date for Stadia as well, only saying that it will go live later this year.