What’s that saying? Better late than never, which definitely applies to this bit of news. Google has announced that its cloud gaming service, Google Stadia, will finally arrive on other phones other than the Pixel line-up.
As of February 20th, 2020, Stadia will be available 14 different Samsung models, Asus ROG and Razer phones. The majority of phones, however, are mostly Samsung phones, including some devices that I had figured weren’t going to make the cut. Such as the Samsung Galaxy S8. While the newest Samsung flagship, the Galaxy S20 is also getting support. A device that won’t be officially released until early March 2020.
Here’s the full list of phones Google Stadia will work with as of February 20:
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Active
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy S10e
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S20
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Razer Phone
- Razer Phone 2
- ASUS ROG Phone
- ASUS ROG Phone 2
While this is a healthy list of Android smartphones, this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface, as notable lines such as those from OnePlus, Motorola, Huawei, and LG are absent. Google also has made any mention of what version of Android that needs to be installed to support Stadia. Something of Which Microsoft was transparent about with its Project xCloud.
At the very least, it’s good to see other phones being included. I just want to see more phones added, and more importantly more games. While Google finally ended its extended period of silence by announced five games making their way to the service, including the Panzer Dragoon Remake, it simply isn’t enough. Stadia needs to prove that it is an alternative to traditional gaming, more now than. With both Microsoft’s Project xCloud showing Google how this should be done, Google seems to be on the losing end of this cloud gaming kick-off.
I’ve been blunt with how I felt about Stadia since I had gotten my hands on the Founders Edition. On one hand, I like the idea and I want it to succeed. On the other than, it feels like Google isn’t even trying at times. A company that big, who put in all this time and money to develop the service, only to act like they don’t know the first thing about gaming. Or keeping its the audience in the dark, which doesn’t make much sense at all.
Hopefully, Stadia improves, and adding more phones to the service is a good step in the right direction.
