BERLIN: Google’s cloud gaming service Stadia, initially thought to be the future of console-free gaming, has been shut down since January 18, leaving many gamers with Stadia controllers wondering what to do with them.
Fortunately, gamers can still use their controllers, both with a USB cable connection and Bluetooth, after installing a software update.
To turn your Stadia controller into a universal Bluetooth controller for Windows, MacOS and Android devices, follow these steps:
- Charge the battery to at least 10% and connect the controller to the computer via USB cable.
- Open a Chrome or Edge browser and head to the on stadia.google.com. Select the option “Switch to Bluetooth mode”, accept the conditions and then off you go.
Once your computer has recognised the controller, you’ll need to select and activate it using the “Connect” button. To do this, you’ll need to unplug the USB cable and then plug it back in while holding down the three-dot key.
After that, unlock the controller by pressing the three-dot button, the assistant button, Y and A simultaneously.
Once the download is finished, the new firmware will be installed. To do this, you need to select the controller now called “USB Composite Device”.
Once the update is installed, the controller can be wirelessly paired with various kinds of computers, smartphones and tablets. A list of compatible devices is available from Google Support.
Note: Google says the Bluetooth mode cannot be undone, and this update is permanent. The firmware must also be installed by the end of 2023. To put the controller into pairing mode, press the Stadia button and Y at the same time.
One downside of Bluetooth mode is that the headphone jack no longer works. If you want to connect headphones to your controller to listen to your game’s audio, then you’ll need to connect your controller to your gaming device by USB cable.
