A few hours before the disappearance of Stadia, Google puts online the tool that allows you to transform the controller into a universal Bluetooth pad. We explain how it works.
This Wednesday, January 18, is the last day of Stadia, a cloud gaming service that Google hasn’t even lasted for more than three years. The decision to stop everything was accompanied by a refund campaign, both for purchased games and peripherals. However, the fate of the controller, which worked in Wi-Fi on Stadia, remained to be defined. Thanks to a tool available online since January 17, it can be transformed into a universal Bluetooth pad.
There was indeed the risk that the Stadia controller would become useless after the death of the streaming platform, given its limitations in Bluetooth (technology only used for configuration, as it stands). It would have been a shame to throw away an accessory with appreciated ergonomics and exemplary finishes. Thanks to an update, we can pass “ Stadia Controller in Bluetooth mode to continue playing wirelessly on your favorite devices and services. »
How to turn the Stadia controller into a Bluetooth pad?
To transform your Stadia controller, you need:
- A Stadia Controller with at least 10% battery;
- A USB-C cable to connect the controller to your computer;
- Internet access;
- The Chrome browser (108 or later).
Then you just have to follow the four steps set out by Google, consisting of installing an update in the controller after having checked and unlocked it. Be careful, this transformation, which takes less than three minutes watch in hand (if you don’t encounter any problem), is final. Another clarification: the utility allowing the transition is available until December 31, 2023.
How do I connect my Stadia controller to a Bluetooth device?
To connect the Stadia controller via Bluetooth, you must switch it to pairing mode. To do this, simply press the Y+Stadia buttons for two seconds, which will cause the LED to flash orange. You should then find the controller in the Bluetooth settings of your device, provided it is compatible. In FAQs, Google specifies that Windows 10/11, MacOS 13, ChromeOS, Android and Steam are supported. No iOS therefore, for the moment. We still tested on an iPhone: the smartphone can connect to the controller, but only recognizes it as a simple Bluetooth device, preventing its use. At first glance, a future update may fix this issue.
Last point to know: it is not possible to use the jack port to connect headphones or earphones when the controller is connected via Bluetooth. It will only be active when there is a wired connection. As for the haptic feedback, it varies depending on the connected device.
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