Google Stadia has been one of the most speculated products announced this year. Some wonder if it will result in the end of consoles, others think it will be quickly phased out and everything in between. However, today Google finally released some basic information on Stadia, up to and including that it’s set to release in Nov. 2019.
From what we’ve learned, there are two basic tiers and it will be less grand than initially thought. The Pro plan starts at $9.99 a month and allows players up to 4K graphics, 60 FPS, 5.1 surround sound, exclusive discounts and “free games” released “regularly,” with the first one being Destiny 2: The Collection. As for the base plan, it’s set to release sometime next year and does up to 1080p, 60 FPS and stereo (2.1). Some have already noticed some basic similarities between the Pro plan and PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold.
As alluded to above, Stadia will not offer a catalog of games like Game Pass, but instead cycle out games and sell others. Right now the following games have been confirmed for Stadia:
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Borderlands 3
- Darksiders Genesis
- Destiny 2
- DOOM
- DOOM Eternal
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
- Farming Simulator 19
- Final Fantasy XV
- Football Manager
- Get Packed
- GRID
- GYLT
- Just Dance
- Metro Exodus
- Mortal Kombat 11
- NBA 2K
- Rage 2
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Samurai Shodown
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider
- The Crew 2
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- Thumper
- Tomb Raider Definitive Edition
- Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint
- Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
- Trials Rising
- Wolfenstein: Youngblood
In addition to an idea of how Stadia will work, Google posted an FAQ that gives further insight. The most important being 10 MBPS recommended for 720p, with the Stadia Founder Edition page listing 20 MBPS for 1080 and 30 MBPS if you want 4K, Pixel 3/3a being the first phone to get it and televisions need a Chromecast Ultra.
Those without a Chromecast Ultra or like the idea can purchase the founder edition for $129.99 or just the controller for $69. Given a Chromecast Ultra is about $69, that makes the bundle a no brainer if you need both. Those who opt for it will get a unique Night Blue controller, three month pro subscription, buddy pass and a unique badge to show you were a founder.
