Google Stadia shut down for good on Jan. 18, however that doesn’t imply the wi-fi Stadia controller — which got here in Stadia’s premium bundles at its 2019 launch — is now ineffective. In fact it could actually nonetheless be used as a wired USB gamepad, however there’s additionally a course of by which it may be switched to a Bluetooth controller that works with PCs and cell units.
There are just a few catches: The primary is that this course of should be performed by Dec. 31. The second is that it’s a fairly involved process, presumably as a result of the controller usually performed Stadia video games over a Wi-Fi connection to a pc. The third is that this swap is everlasting, however that shouldn’t be a lot of a difficulty, as a result of Stadia is now ker-plunk.
Right here’s the best way to make the change.
Open Stadia’s controller replace software
The software is a browser-based utility. Your Stadia gamepad should be plugged into the pc with a USB knowledge cable — that is not the cable that got here together with your controller — and charged for half-hour.
Open the Google Stadia controller update page in a Chrome browser. On the prime of the web page, you’ll see a pink button that claims “Switch to Bluetooth mode.” Click on that, and also you’ll be taken to a second web page that asks you what you need to do. Click on the blue “Start” button on the left within the “Switch to Bluetooth mode” field, then settle for Google’s phrases of service to proceed.
Confirm the controller
On the subsequent web page, click on Permit Chrome to confirm, which can open a drop-down window on the higher left of your browser window. It’ll say that stadia.google.com desires to attach, and your Stadia controller must be listed beneath that. Click on “Connect.”
Unlock the controller’s firmware
You’ll have to enter some button instructions on the Stadia controller now to unlock its firmware. Right here is the method so as:
- Unplug the controller and energy it off. It ought to energy off as quickly as you unplug it. If it stays on, or powers up once more, shut it down by holding the Stadia button (with the brand, between the thumbsticks at backside) for 4 seconds.
- Maintain down the Choices button whereas plugging the controller again in. The Choices button is the one that appears like an ellipsis (…) on the higher left. The controller’s standing mild (beneath the Stadia button) ought to stay unlit; if it comes again on, begin this course of over.
- Press these 4 buttons all on the identical time. (You’ll most likely have to set the controller down on a desk and use each palms for this.) The buttons to press are Choices, Google Assistant (the one simply beneath it; it has 4 different-size circles), Y, and A. There gained’t be any controller suggestions whenever you do that, so don’t count on any rumble or a lightweight.
Obtain the Bluetooth mode replace
Go to the subsequent step; the browser will connect with the gamepad the identical approach it did when it was verified. Click on “Allow Chrome to download,” and one other drop-down menu will seem. The gadget could not have the identical title because it did earlier than. It could possibly be Stadia Controller, USB Composite System, or SP Clean RT Household; that is nonetheless your controller. Now, click on on Join.
Set up the Bluetooth mode replace
The following step is straightforward. On the subsequent web page, choose the controller (once more, beneath any of the names it used on the earlier step), and ensure the set up. The controller is now a Bluetooth-compatible controller; it additionally works by wired connection.
How to pair the Stadia Bluetooth controller
Pairing Mode on the Stadia gamepad is activated by holding the Stadia button and the Y button collectively for 2 seconds. The Stadia button’s standing mild will glow orange, confirming it’s in pairing mode. Go to the gadget you need to pair it in and use its Bluetooth management panel to pair the gadget as regular. Once you activate the Stadia gamepad later, it’ll robotically connect with the final gadget it was paired with.
