How to Use Different Controllers With Google Stadia

How's your to Use Google Stadia on Your PC

You may not know this, but you don’t need a Chromecast or even a special Stadia controller to access the service. And because it is a game streaming service, you don’t need a powerful PC, either.

All you need is the Google Chrome browser. Simply visit stadia.google.com, sign in with your Google account, and start playing. Google offers a trial period for you to sample its collection of games, and all you need is a controller.

For the best results, however, be sure to run a single Chrome browser window and tab for Stadia. This will ensure your browser doesn’t use too much of your computer’s resources for streaming games.

You Can Also Play Google Stadia on Mobile

In addition to a computer and the Chrome browser, you can play Stadia games on the following devices:

• Pixel 2, 2XL, 3, 3XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4XL
• Samsung S8, S8+, S8 Active, Note 8
• Samsung S9, S9+, Note 9
• Samsung S10, S10+, Note 10, Note 10+
• Samsung S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
• OnePlus 8, 8 Pro
• Asus ROG Phone, ROG Phone II
• Razer Phone, Razer Phone II

These are arguably the most popular Android phones available right now, so you can potentially take console-standard gaming anywhere. Of course, you’ll need a top-quality internet connection without a data limit if you’re not using Wi-Fi.

You’ll also need to have the Google Stadia app installed on your phone.

Download: Google Stadia for Android (Free) 

What Controllers Can You Use With Stadia?

If you own a computer or a current-generation game console, you probably have a controller that works with Stadia. Suitable controllers are considered to be:

• Xbox One controller.
• PlayStation 4 controller.
• Nintendo Switch Pro controller.
• Stadia controllers.
• A Keyboard and mouse.

Read on to find out how to connect your controller to the Stadia service.

Connect a Console Controller to Stadia

As you will have gathered, there are two ways to play Google Stadia with a game controller: on your computer or on Android.

Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux computers are all suitable for connecting controllers for playing games on Stadia. However, there is some difference in compatibility between them. As a rule, if you want to guarantee compatibility, use USB rather than Bluetooth.

Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch Pro controllers will all connect to your PC via USB. Furthermore, they will all be automatically detected by Chrome. As such, you’ll be able to play Stadia games using one without any fuss or bother.

Connect Console Game Controllers to Stadia on Your Computer

With a game controller hooked up to your computer you can play Stadia games. There are some differences between console controllers and the Stadia controller (see below) but otherwise the variation is minimal.

If you run into any trouble, it’s wise to check some online support groups. 

Connect Almost Any Game Controller to Stadia on Android

For playing games on Android, a controller is recommended. This isn’t just for Stadia; an increasing number of Android games support USB and Bluetooth controllers.

Android is flexible enough to connect almost any game controller. You’ve already seen above that the Switch Pro controller can be hooked up to your Android. 

Using Third-Party Controllers With Stadia

When using a non-Stadia controller with Stadia, there are some differences in the controls. While the overall similarities are clear, secondary buttons differ.

The Stadia menu can be opened by pressing your controllers Home button (Shift + Tab on a keyboard). However, this doesn’t work on Xbox Adaptive Controllers for Android, Linux, or Chrome OS.

Additionally, Windows users can’t use the Home button on Xbox controllers with Stadia without launching the Game Bar. The Shift + Tab keyboard shortcut should be used instead.

Just Use Your Computer’s Keyboard and Mouse

While perhaps not completely suitable for all titles, your computer’s keyboard and mouse is a good alternative for Stadia.

In fact, if you only have one game controller and fancy some multiplayer gaming, using the keyboard and mouse is the ideal solution for a second player.

While there aren’t a vast number of strategy games on Stadia, plenty of first-person shooters are available. PC gamers have long had an advantage over consoles in this regard, with the mouse/keyboard combination considered superior to controllers.

You have the perfect opportunity to find out if this is true.

Connect Stadia Controllers to Your PC’s USB Ports

To play Stadia games through your TV you’ll need a Stadia controller. This is a Wi-Fi enabled controller that syncs with your remote hosted games but does it work without a TV?

As Stadia can be accessed via your web browser, the answer is yes. Just connect your Stadia controller to your PC using the USB-C cable it ships with. Do this before starting your gaming session, however, to ensure that it installs correctly.

When you’re ready, head to the Stadia website, sign in, and play.