Unfortunately, Google Stadia is shutting down imminently, and as of tomorrow, we will no longer be able to access the pioneering streaming game platform. However, it is going out with a bang by releasing a final game and confirming the liberation of the Stadia gamepad so it doesn’t become more electronic waste or a beautiful, free, and useless paperweight.
Stadia developers promised that “in a few days,” they would release the self-service tool to free the Stadia Controller and allow its use as a regular Bluetooth controller. This simple web application has now been published on the Stadia website, along with all the necessary information.
Below, you will find the links needed to complete the process, but here at GoStart.Biz, we will provide you with everything you need to know about this procedure, which will only take you 5 minutes…
Bluetooth Mode for Stadia Controller, Guide, and Installation
How to Use Google Stadia Controller with Bluetooth
First, you should know that any Stadia gamepad can be unlocked until December 31, 2023, using the link provided earlier, so there is no rush unless you want to start using the controller with your compatible mobiles, PCs, or consoles.
The second thing is that the change to ‘Bluetooth mode’ is permanent and cannot be reverted. However, this won’t matter much because, without the Stadia platform, it will be impossible to use the controller in Wi-Fi mode ever again.
The process is straightforward, and the application will guide you automatically after connecting the controller to your PC using a USB-C cable that supports data transfer. The only requirement is to use Chrome 108 or higher.
Once the process is completed, the Stadia Controller will become a standard Bluetooth Low Energy gamepad, like any other on the market, and can be used with any compatible smartphone as well as PCs, tablets, consoles, and generally any remote device with Bluetooth LE.
To pair it, press the “Y + Stadia” buttons for 2 seconds, activating the pairing mode (the LED will flash orange) and allowing you to link the controller in a matter of seconds. Once properly paired, the Stadia Controller should display a steady white light.
The Stadia Controller itself will store the last pairing configuration, so as long as you don’t change devices, it will automatically connect to the last known device.
Lastly, Google confirms that the ‘Assistant’ and ‘Capture’ buttons will not do anything in the new Bluetooth mode until they are reassigned using any button mapping service on the linked device. This means we can use them for any function we want within our games.
Stadia is leaving us, but at least we can continue using the excellent Stadia Controller with our other platforms… Run, you fools!
