TL; DR
- Google will be rolling out third-party controller support for its Stadia cloud gaming service on large-screen TVs on September 27th.
- The new function supports Android TV-based televisions as well as Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV.
- You can even take your Android or iOS mobile device and turn it into a touchscreen controller for Stadia on your TV.
In addition, this new feature will also turn iOS and Android smartphones into touchscreen controllers for Stadia on TVs. The touchpad controls contain Google Assistant icons when you want to access the digital helper. There is also a record button for taking screenshots or recording gameplay videos. This new feature will be introduced on September 27th. Here’s how to get the new controller support up and running.
Add controllers with supported Stadia Android TV televisions and Google TV
- First, launch your Stadia app on your TV.
- Then you need to use your TV remote control to select your avatar.
- Then select the controller icon.
- Launch the Stadia app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the controller icon.
- Then tap the controller that you want to use to play Stadia games.
- Then tap Play on TV.
- You should see a code on your TV. Simply tap the D-Pad and the face button icons to enter this code.
- You should be ready to play games on your favorite controller.
Add controllers with Stadia via Chromecast Ultra
- On your TV, you’ll need to switch to the input that the Chromecast Ultra is connected to.
- You should see the shortcut code on the Chromecast’s Ambient Mode screen.
- Launch the Stadia app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the controller icon.
- Then you need to connect your third-party controller to your mobile device using either a Bluetooth wireless connection or a USB cable.
- Once you’ve connected and found that controller in your app, tap on it.
- Then tap Play on TV.
- Finally, you can now tap the D-Pad and face button icons to enter the shortcut code that appears on the screen.
Add touchpad controllers for mobile devices with supported Stadia Android TV televisions and Google TV
- First, launch your Stadia app on your TV.
- Launch the Stadia app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the controller prompt and you’re done.
Add touchpad controllers for mobile devices with Stadia via Chromecast Ultra
- Go to the input where the Chromecast Ultra is connected to your TV.
- You should see the shortcut code on the Chromecast’s Ambient Mode screen.
- Launch the Stadia app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the controller icon.
- Then tap Phone touch gamepad.
- Then tap Play on TV.
- Finally, you can now tap the D-Pad and face button icons to enter the shortcut code that appears on the screen.
The new feature is likely to be welcomed by Stadia gamers who are no longer restricted in what types of controllers they can use while streaming games on a large TV screen. Remember, we’re still waiting for LG to add Stadia support in their smart TVs too.