Google Extends Stadia Controller Bluetooth Activation Deadline

Google has extended the deadline for activating Bluetooth on the Stadia controller. Instead of the previous deadline at the end of this year, users now have until December 31, 2024, to activate the feature, ensuring they have more time to transition and update their controllers.

Owners of the Stadia controller should be aware that once Bluetooth mode is enabled, the controller will not function with Stadia via Wi-Fi. However, it will still work when connected via USB. Given that Stadia’s game streaming service ceased operations some time ago, users are encouraged to quickly complete this brief activation process.

To activate Bluetooth on the controller, users simply need to visit a specific website via Chrome. By offering this Bluetooth activation, Google is providing a renewed purpose for the Stadia controller, making it compatible with a variety of devices including PCs, consoles, smartphones, and tablets.

Launched in 2019, Stadia was Google’s ambitious venture into cloud gaming. Despite its initial promise with unique features and access to quality games, the platform faced challenges in gaining traction against competitors with more established game libraries and business models.

Issues such as latency, high bandwidth demands, and a more limited game selection compared to other platforms hindered its growth. Unlike other services like GeForce Now and Game Pass Ultimate, Stadia required users to purchase games directly from the platform.

The decision to shut down Stadia in January 2023 marked the conclusion of its tumultuous journey. Despite earlier assurances from Google about Stadia’s continuity, the company made the unexpected decision to discontinue the service, catching many by surprise.

Nevertheless, Google handled the shutdown responsibly by offering refunds for hardware purchases made through the Google Store and reimbursing users for games, additional content, and subscriptions. The final game released on the platform, Worm Game, served as both an introduction and a conclusion to Stadia’s brief history in the gaming world.