Google’s cloud gaming service Stadia is finally arriving on more Android smartphones, including the latest Samsung Galaxy devices.
Currently, you can only stream games with Stadia on Google Pixel 2, 3, 3a, and 4 devices. But starting on Thursday, Feb. 20, support will expand to 19 other Android smartphones, including the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S20 models. Here’s the complete list:
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S8+
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- Samsung Galaxy Note10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Razer Phone
- Razer Phone 2
- Asus ROG Phone
- Asus ROG Phone II
The expanded support will help Stadia subscribers get more out of the fledgling service, which lets you stream games to laptops and desktops on the Chrome browser. You can also access the experience on a TV connected to a Google Chromecast Ultra dongle.
The big question is when Stadia will arrive on the iPhone. So far, Google has been recruiting users to test out Stadia on iOS devices; according to SlashGear, a small-scale beta launch may occur in the second quarter.
To join Stadia, you’ll have to pay $129, which will give you three months of access, a controller, and a Chromecast Ultra dongle. But Google plans to eventually offer the service in two tiers: a free option that offers streams at 1080p, and a $9.99-per-month Stadia Pro subscription, which upgrades the resolution to 4K and offers other perks.
However, the biggest stumbling block facing Stadia is how you have no way to transfer games you already own to the new service. Instead, you’ll have to buy them again, often at the full price. On the plus side, you’ll be able to enjoy the games without needing to own the actual gaming hardware. All you’ll need is a 10Mbps or higher internet connection. (That said, you may encounter lag here and there.)
If you want to play Stadia on your smartphone, Google recommends you buy a $15 accessory called the Claw, which works by slotting the phone on to the Stadia controller.
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