Google Stadia Review: The Perfect Father’s Day Gift

Just days away from Father’s Day, the Google Stadia Premiere Edition would make a perfect gift for gamer dads and dads who want to get into gaming. Google Stadia is a cloud-based gaming console that allows users to stream games on any device (TV, phone, or computer). Users have to install the Stadia app on their devices (or a web browser for PC, iPad, and iPhone users). Game progress is saved and synched to all devices that are used to play the games. At $100, the Stadia is cheaper than other gaming consoles, which makes it a great product for beginners or cost-conscious gamers. You can play certain games for free, but there is also a subscription plan ($10 a month) that gives users access to more games and features.

Unboxing

The Google Stadia Premiere Edition includes a Google Stadia controller, a USB-C cable for the controller, a Google Chromecast, and power adapters for the Stadia controller and Chromecast. There are instructions included to help you get started with setting up your Stadia. Also, the Stadia app guides you through every step on how to setup your Stadia controller.

Controller

What’s great about the Stadia controller is that you don’t have to use this controller to play games; you can also connect your DualShock 4, Xbox controller, or keyboard and mouse to play games. The Stadia controller has a similar feeling to the DualShock 4 and Xbox controller. When comparing to the DualShock 4, the Stadia controller is a little bigger and heavier. This controller has the typical buttons of a console controller: a D-Pad, left and right sticks, left and right bumper and trigger buttons, and the ABXY buttons. There is also a Google Assistant button and a capture button for screenshots. The controller buttons are a little harder to press down than the DualShock 4, but it doesn’t affect gaming. Overall, the Stadia controller is well designed.

Google Stadia Controller

Performance

Google recommends that your Internet speed is at least 10Mbps to play any game, and at least 35Mbps to play in 4K at 60 fps. On my PC, I played a free trial of DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age. My PC is a distance from my router, so I ran into lagging and blurry gaming. Sometimes, my controller inputs wouldn’t register and would be delayed; I could press a button and the game wouldn’t recognize my input until 5-10 seconds later. I also played a demo of Chorus and Super Animal Royale with the Google Chromecast. Since I was closer to my router while playing on my TV, I was able to play both games smoothly without lag; it didn’t feel like I was playing over Wi-Fi. This demonstrates that you must have a stable and strong Internet connection in order for the Stadia to work smoothly.

Games

Stadia’s gaming library started out with a limited selection of games compared to other gaming consoles, but the selection has increased over time. There are still some popular games that currently aren’t available on Stadia. Some games have free trials, such as Cities: Skylines and HUMANKIND™. With a Stadia Pro subscription, you can instantly play games such as HITMAN and Saints Row IV.

Plans

Google Stadia has a free plan where you can instantly play a few games, but most games are included in the Stadia Pro subscription. For $10 a month, the Stadia Pro subscription gives users access to new games each month, discounts on games that can be purchased in the Stadia store, and the ability to play games in 4K 60fps, HDR, and surround sound. With some games, you have to purchase them at full price in the Stadia store, no matter which plan you have. You can also purchase an Ubisoft+ subscription with Stadia, which allows you to gain access to even more games.

Summary

The Google Stadia is a great gaming console for people who want to play games anywhere and on any device. It’s also great for people who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on gaming consoles. Since it’s cloud-based gaming, your Internet connection must be stable for games to run smoothly. Also, you may miss out on popular games since Stadia’s gaming library is limited compared to its competitors. Overall, the Google Stadia is a great Father’s Day gift. The Google Stadia Premiere Edition can be purchased for $99.99 from Google.

• Tags:
• Gaming
• Google
• Stadia
• Tech Review

COMMENTS.

comments