Google has released the promised online tool to enable Bluetooth support on the Stadia controller. This gives the cloud-streaming gamepad a second life, allowing owners to use it with PC, iOS or Android devices, preventing the platform’s central accessory from becoming a glorified paperweight. Stadia will close its doors for good at 11:59 p.m. PT on Wednesday.
Stadia controller owners can go here web-based tool to unlock Bluetooth. The process is quick, simple and easy to follow. First, you need to connect your controller to your computer with a USB-C cable and make sure it has at least a 10 percent charge. You can then open the tool in Chrome and follow the website’s instructions.
Google announced in September that it would discontinue its cloud gaming service. It refunded all game and hardware transactions as of November, and several game studios stepped in to help with porting progress. For example IO interactive released a promised Progression Carryover tool assassin players, and Ubisoft is offering free PC copies of its games purchased through Stadia.
I dusted off my Stadia controller to test the tool. After half an hour of charging (it had been in a box for two years), I connected it to my MacBook, fired up Chrome, and had no problem completing the process. When you’re done, you can hold the Stadia button and the “Y” button to pair it with compatible devices.
The Bluetooth tool disables the controller’s Wi-Fi, required for Stadia gameplay, so you might want to wait until after the shutdown if there’s a chance you want to play one last time. You can even take the opportunity to worm game Google released last week as a “thank you” to its loyal users. Stadia had its share of enthusiastic and devoted fans; they fell just short of the number needed to keep the service running.
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