The Google Stadia has had a bit of a rough time since the service launched in 2019.Unflattering early Stadia reviewscriticized the service for its reliance on constant Internet connectivity. For many, the cost of upgrading to the Internet speeds that Stadia needs for optimal streaming would cancel out the low initial cost of joining. Although Stadia does not require that users have a Stadia brand controller, Google advertises the controller as being the optimal way to experience Stadia games, adding another potential expense.
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It’s important to note Stadia Pro begins with a month-long free trial. YouTube Premium members can claim the free Stadia hardware during their trial month, and then cancel Stadia Pro before they need to pay the next month. As long as they remember to cancel their trial prior to renewal, this means YouTube Premium members can get the new hardware for free, with no strings attached. If they end up disappointed by therelatively small game library, they don’t need to be disappointed, as they didn’t pay a cent.
It might be for the best to minimize investment in Stadia beyond the free hardware deal, as Stadia faces a difficult future. Its most immediate threat isAmazon’s new game-streaming platform Luma, which offers a comparable library at a competitive price. Amazon will also offer its own controller for the Luma, promising it is optimized for minimal latency on the Luma platform. If the Luma service ends up crowding Google Stadia out of the market, Stadia (and the Stadia Controller) might have less and less value as time goes on.
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