About one year ago, Google has shaken the solid foundations of the gaming market by presenting the much discussed public to the public Google Stadia. After a fleeting test at Gamescom in Cologne, we had the opportunity to thoroughly test the Google service dedicated to video games. So let's find out all the advantages of Google Stadia in our review!
Google Stadia review
Before continuing this review and it is necessary to make one thing clear: Google Stadia is not a console.
We are in fact in the presence of one Streaming video game platform in style Netflix. This means that Mr. G owns a number of dedicated servers where a large number of video games are available. You can therefore have access to these titles in streaming without having a particularly powerful hardware available, without the need for a console or physical support. All you will need is a screen that could be a classic TV or with 4K quality support, a PC without a dedicated graphics card or even a smartphone. All of these devices allow you to connect Google's servers with the Stadia controller.
How does Google Stadia work?
To start using Stadia's services, you need to download the official app available for devices Android. From here you can manage all your account information, connect Chromecast and scroll through the available video game catalog.
To test its potential and its stability, we tested Google Stadia on three different devices: a TV, a PC and a smartphone. With a good connection (75,5 MB in download) and a TV with 4K support, the game runs smoothly with clear textures, good lighting effects, excellent definition. In short, the game (in our test, Tomb Raider) is very similar to the Xbox variant.
Anyone kick you off the TV? You can use a computer. You don't need any special tech specs or super gaming computers. Any laptop or desktop PC really works, as long as you have it installed Chrome - from version 77 onwards - or its derivatives. We, for example, used Microsoft Edge, based on Chromium, and we didn't have any problems. The result, even in this, is really satisfying. What's more, you don't need a controller: if you want you can use mouse and keyboard.
As for Google Stadia on smartphones, currently the service is available on Google's Pixel 4 - as our video testifies - but also on a series of devices from Samsung, Asus and Razer. Find the updated list here.
Regardless of the device chosen, the procedure for using stadia is the same: you have to download the Stadia application and use a Bluetooth controller or connected via USB-C. With a good connection you will be able to have a truly enjoyable gaming experience, provided of course that you are willing to play on a really small screen.
I forgot, one last note: the touch does not work. Once you have started the game, you will only have to navigate the menus with the pad.
READ ALSO: Google Stadia compatible controllers: the complete and updated list
Google Stadia Premiere Edition
Today, February 26, 2020, the Google Stadia Premiere Edition is the only version available. It costs 129 euros and allows you to take home:
- The Stadia controller
- Chromecast Ultra, necessary to play on TV and also very useful for broadcasting movies and TV series using compatible apps (including Netflix)
- A 3-month subscription to Google Stadia Pro,which includes free games every month, 4K support, 5.1 surround sound and a host of exclusive discounts.
However, things are bound to change. In fact, in the course of 2020 Google will make it the basic version of Stadia is accessible to anyone. You will therefore not need a subscription - which costs 9,99 per month - but you can simply buy the games that interest you.
The compatible devices will then increase, we will also be able to use any Chromecast and the video game library should arrive at exceed 120 titles.
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The idea behind Google Stadia
Data in hand and after having tried the Google service for a long time, we realized that the public has not yet fully understood its full potential. The product is certainly still unripe and the fact that it cannot be tried for free does not make us understand its real potential.
But imagine a user who has never played videogames and who would like to get closer to this world. Without spending too much money on a console or a performing PC, you can quickly access the latest generation titles in an immediate way.
Another argument should be made for the subscription to Google Stadia Pro. As anticipated, for only 9,99 euros per month, the subscription offers free titles, a series of discounts, surround sound and support for video quality in 4K.
To find out if the cost of the service is suitable for the advantages offered, just make a short calculation: if you donated the cost of a next-generation console to Stadia - which should be around 500 euros - you would cover about 4 years of Stadia Pro with free games. , 4K and all the related benefits.
On balance it is like buying a console but it includes free games for the next 4 or 5 years.
This is an advantageous trade-off and not very different from services such as PlayStation Now o Xbox Game Pass which, however, need the respective console to be fully exploited.
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Who is it dedicated to?
As anticipated, Google Stadia is mainly dedicated to those who want to approach the world of gaming without investing a capital, especially if you are willing to wait for the opening of the basic service and therefore free. For those who want something more graphically - connection permitting - and for those who are sure to dedicate several hours to gaming, there is the Pro variant that offers quality in 4K and free titles.
If, on the other hand, you are particularly fond of details, performance, texture quality and so on, know that, occasionally, you will notice some lag and any imperfections. Unless, of course, you have a super internet connection.
Finally, if you are a Pro Gamer or are madly in love with online FPS, we would advise against buying. This is because a small drop in the performance of your connection is enough to be defeated by the opponents, a situation that - considering the Italian networks - could be quite frequent.
Google Stadia: let's sum up
Google Stadia is certainly an innovative service that offers many advantages but also requires some small compromises. Surely it is not for everyone, surely it needs to improve, surely the free basic version could make a difference, but it is the future. Why not hug him?
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