When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Playing Google Stadia on Chromebook
How to play Google Stadia on Chromebook? – Google Stadia is a prominent cloud gaming service that allows you to play games directly on a Chromebook.
Don’t settle for expensive gaming consoles when you can play on your Chromebook. Google Stadia has heard what the gamers want – high-end gaming on their laptops.
If you ask about what a Chromebook is, it is a laptop that runs on Chrome OS – a Linux-based operating system.
Most applications you will see are cloud-based and you need not install specific ones. Generally, a Chromebook is not explicitly designed for gaming purposes.
Google Stadia has expanded the gaming possibilities on Chromebooks, which were traditionally not designed for high-end gaming.
For the games, maybe you are fans of Reigns, Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), or Assassin’s Creed; Stadia promises better performance.
Stadia supports streaming games up to 4K resolution, although achieving this on a Chromebook depends on the device’s display capabilities and your Stadia subscription level.
How To Play Google Stadia on Chromebook? – Getting Started With It
You want the best gaming experience but don’t want to spend more on PlayStation or Xbox. Further, you love the experience of your laptop’s portability.
It is where Google Stadia comes to help by giving you the best possible gaming experience.
Besides Chromebook, the best part of Stadia gaming is playing games using the Chrome browser.
That is the beauty of cloud computing, and even a personal computer can run those games.
While Stadia’s performance on a PC might benefit from a good GPU, Chromebook users can enjoy Stadia games without needing a high-end graphics card, thanks to cloud processing.
Without further ado, let us discuss how to set up a Chromebook. Follow a few steps and then get excited to engage in the PC gaming rig.
Setting up Chromebook
As you are getting ready to play games using Stadia on Chromebook, don’t worry about the device’s strength.
Google has made it possible to do so without paying a huge price to play your favorite games. However, the gaming performance will depend on your internet speed as well.
Talking about the setting procedure is an easier one. The initial step in preparing your Chromebook for Stadia gaming is ensuring your device’s operating system is current.
You can check that by going to the about section. If you see some updates, let them complete before you start playing the games.
Choose Your Gaming Controller
Don’t worry about connecting the gaming controller; it isn’t rocket science. Setting them up is pretty straightforward. To enhance your gaming experience, connect supported controllers such as PlayStation, Xbox, or the Stadia controller to your Chromebook.
- PlayStation 4 DualShock controller
Sony’s best controller for PlayStation – the DualShock controller works best with Chromebooks. You can connect it using a wired USB-A cable or via Bluetooth.
Just set it up using the Bluetooth pairing mode, and when done, the controller light bar blinks.
- Xbox One controller
Similar to the PS4 connector, you can connect Microsoft’s Xbox One controller. You can either connect it using a wired USB-A cable or via Bluetooth.
Hold down the Xbox button, and the logo light will blink when it pairs successfully. Another extra feature of the Xbox One controller is its 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Nintendo Switch controller
Yet another gaming controller from Nintendo that connects with Chromebook using a USB-C port or via Bluetooth. Meanwhile, when the controller is connected, the light keeps blinking.
But rest assured, you have paired it successfully with a Chromebook to play Stadia games.
- Google Stadia Controller
It’s just the best controller that completely pairs with a Chromebook. Google Chromecast Ultra, as well as TVs. The best thing is that you can connect the Stadia controller wirelessly to all Google devices.
With the recent update, you can connect Android smartphones wirelessly to play games.
If you use a PlayStation or Xbox One controller, you must pair them using Bluetooth. Meanwhile, the Google Stadia controller has the best options when it comes to connectivity.
Connect the Stadia controller to your Chromebook via USB-C for wired gameplay or use Wi-Fi for a wireless connection. Further, you can also record your gameplay or take screenshots with the Stadia controller.
- Using Keyboard and Mouse as Controllers
Besides the controllers mentioned above, you can also play games with the basic keyboard and mouse.
That somewhat depends on your comfortability; you use the joystick-based controllers, keys, arrows, mouse, or touchpad.
Do you love playing multiplayer games? Don’t worry; you can connect multiple keyboards and mice with controllers. Up to 4 people can link to a Chromebook while playing Stadia games.
Tip: Chromebook also allows you to connect a pair of headphones while playing games. You can enjoy this feature using Google Stadia.
See Also
Signup For Stadia – Get Into The Action
Now, as you have set up your Chromebook and connected the game controller, it is time to get into action.
Visit the Stadia home page here (https://stadia.google.com) and sign in with your Google account.
The next step is where you accept the terms. After that, you can pick an avatar for your gaming profile.
Then, choose your unique gamer name. Remember, you can change your avatar later but cannot change your name once set.
New users may be eligible for a one-month Stadia Pro trial when signing up for Stadia, subject to Google’s current offers. You can enjoy instant access to a variety of games.
After one month, you will be charged for the monthly subscription as it auto-renews until canceled.
Buying & Playing Games
For this purpose, you must install the Stadia app on your Android smartphone. Once installed, launch the app and pick the game you want to buy.
The purchased games will be added to your library, which can be played further on Chromebook.
The next step is to head to the library, pick your purchased game from the library, and launch the game. The gameplay is instant, as you have set up the controller already.
You can claim it and buy your favorite games if you have an invite code such as Buddy Pass, Pro Pass, etc.
What Happens If You Cancel Your Subscription
You opted to play games using Stadia on your Chromebook but want something extra. Maybe you are not satisfied with the small form factor of the laptop.
There may be other reasons, and you are looking forward to buying a PS5 or Xbox One X. You want to opt out of the recurring subscription but are worried about the paid games.
Don’t worry; you can still play the games you already own and buy new ones. However, you lose some perks when your subscription expires or is canceled. Take a look.
- Without an active Stadia Pro subscription, you lose access to games claimed for free during the subscription period but can still play purchased games.
- You can play games at Full HD 1080p resolution but not 4K. For the sound, you get stereo and not surround sound.
It is your call to continue the subscription with the benefits. Google might give discounts on new games being a Stadia Pro member.
Wrap it up
This demonstrates the versatility of Chromebooks, transforming them into portable gaming devices through Google Stadia.
Ensure your laptop is connected to a wall adapter so the battery doesn’t drain. Grab your gaming rig and play your favorite games. The excitement has just reached the next level.
See Also
