Google Stadia is finally available to purchase ahead of its November 2019 launch.
The cloud-based streaming gaming system, which was announced in March, is Google’s idea of the ideal console gaming experience, mating its Chromecast streaming device to its bespoke controller.
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Initially, the console will be available to purchase for a limited number of gamers for $129. Google’s calling these lucky few “Founders”.
Founders receive a few benenfits too. They get a Chromecast Ultra, “limited-edition Night Blue Stadia Controller”, a three-month “Buddy Pass” allowing a friend to join in on the fun, and first choice on a personal handle.
The Founders Edition also includes Stadia Pro, the top-level tier which allows gamers to play at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with 5.1 surround sound. Stadia Pro subscribers will also receive free games, similarly to Xbox Live and PlayStation Plus members. Stadia Pro will retail for $10 per month.
For non-founding members, an additional controller will retail for $70 and will be available in Just Black, Clearly White or Wasabi (shades of Pixel here).
As for the available games, Destiny 2: The Collection is headlining the initial offering. Others include:
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
- Doom Eternal
- Wolfenstein: Youngblood
- Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Metro Exodus
- Thumper
- GRID
- The Crew 2
- The Division 2
- Borderlands 3
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Football Manager 2020
- NBA 2K
- Tomb Raider Trilogy
- Just Dance 2020
And a number of other titles.
We should mention that Google has made no indication that Stadia will launch in South Africa. In any case, you’ll need a fibre connection of at least 10Mbps to play at 720p. You’ll need 35Mbps to even begin thinking about playing at 4K.
But there’s some hope.
“You’ll be able to access Stadia at launch this November in 14 countries: U.S., Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, U.K.—and we’re working to expand to additional countries in 2020,” Google concluded.
Feature image: Google
