The best Google Stadia prices and sales in January 2020

Find the best Google Stadia price across all sales in the run up to launch.

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By Tabitha Baker, TechRadar

While the Google Stadia price is dependent on the subscription you purchase, there are also various pieces of hardware you might want to pick up before Google fully rolls out Stadia. For the full experience, players will need a Google Chromecast Ultra, Stadia controller, and a controller to use with their PC or Google phone. It's not exactly the "console-less" gaming experience we've been promised so far, but if you already have these items, the cost is reduced significantly. If you don't already known a Chromecast Ultra or secondary controller, you'll want to pick them up before Google unleashes the service fully next year. 

A basic subscription is free if you just want to purchase games, but the Stadia Pro subscription will cost $9.99/£8.99 a month. Currently, the service is only live for those who purchased the pre-order packs, but Google will be rolling out the system fully next year. If you want to be at the forefront of this public roll-out, you'll want to pick up your gear while it's still relatively cheap.

What do I need to use Google Stadia?

The basic Google Stadia experience doesn't require a subscription; players can purchase games as they please through their Google Chromecast, mobile device, or laptop and stream them as and when. The Stadia Pro subscription, however, is the main product. Patrons receive Google Stadia sales discounts on the games they want to purchase as well as up to 4K resolution with 5.1 surround sound options on those games. Members will also enjoy free games in a model similar to that of Xbox Games Pass and PlayStation Plus, all included in the Google Stadia price. 

To play your Google Stadia games on your TV, you will need a Chromecast however. Check out our best prices on the latest Google Chromecast Ultra model, which is the only model Google will be supporting with Stadia.

If you are looking to play Google Stadia games on your TV, you'll also need a Google Stadia controller, available for $69 in the US and £59 in the UK. The proprietary handset will provide you access to all the integrated Google sharing options that have been built into the Stadia experience, and is the only controller the Chromecast will recognize.

It may well be worth picking up this controller, as it's full of unique tech that makes streaming your games far more worthwhile. The controller communicates directly with the server that you're running your game from, dramatically reducing lag and other speed headaches many are worrying about as gaming takes a cloud-based leap.

That said, if you're keen to get playing on your laptop or mobile device, any bluetooth or USB controller can be used to dive into your favorite games. That means your DualShock 4 and Xbox controller can be used to play Google Stadia. Check out our top deals for these controllers below and pick up a bargain to get ready for Stadia.

If you want to keep your Google Stadia price down, it may be worth checking out a more budget controller. On PC and mobile, Google Stadia will work with any generic USB or wireless controller, so this is an excellent way to save some cash in preparation for launch day. Our top pick is the Logitech F310 GamePad, available for $22 at Walmart in the US, or £23.99 at Currys in the UK - it doesn't look like much but it'll get the job done for half the price.

What is Google Stadia?

Google marks its entrance into the gaming market with Google Stadia, a cloud gaming service that allows players to stream the latest games to their Chromecast, Google mobile device, or computer on a subscription basis. The Google Stadia requires no high price overhead in the form of a physical console, though you will need to pick up a Google Chromecast Ultra to play on your TV. 

What is the Google Stadia price?

The Google Stadia price depends on how you're going to use it and when you want to purchase. A Premiere Edition pre-order is still available and bags you a Clearly White controller, Google Chromecast Ultra and three months of Stadia Pro for $129/£119. If you don't manage to snag one of these kits before launch day, the Stadia Pro price for a subscription is $9.99/£8.99 a month.

What internet speeds do I need to run Google Stadia?

At the very bottom of the quality scale, you'll need 10Mpbs to start thinking about playing Google Stadia. You'll be able to stream at 720p with stereo sound. Many homes across the US and UK can already achieve this speed, so let's start talking about what you need for the best experience.

Once you get up to over 20Mbps you can start streaming in 1080p with 5.1 surround sound - a decent gaming experience if you're at the mid-low range of internet connectivity. At 30Mbps you're privy to 4K resolution at 60fps with HDR and surround sound. That's a lot to pack into those 30Mbps, and it's an achievable speed for most.

Time for an upgrade? Check out the best broadband deals in the UK or the latest prices from the best home internet service providers in the US.

When is Google Stadia available?

The Google Stadia launch date was November 19th for those who pre-ordered. The full Stadia experience is due out early 2020.

What games are available on Google Stadia?

The launch roster for Google Stadia opened the doors with a slew of Triple-A titles that, while may have already been played by many, offer a range of experiences with which to sample streaming.

• Assassin's Creed Odyssey

• Attack on Titan: Final Battle 2

• Destiny 2

• Destiny 2: Shadowkeep DLC

• Farming Simulator 2019

• Final Fantasy XV

• Grid 2019

• Gylt

• Just Dance 2020

• Kine

• Metro Exodus

• Mortal Kombat 11

• NBA 2K20

• Rage 2

• Red Dead Redemption 2

• Rise of the Tomb Raider

• SAMURAI SHOWDOWN

• Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition

• Thumper

• Tomb Raider Definitive Edition

• Trials Rising

• Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Google Stadia is a gamble for many, if you don't like the sound of a cloud-based gaming library or if you're not sure your internet is stable enough why not check out our collection of cheap PS4 bundles, or the best prices on Xbox One. If you still want that option to game on the go, these Nintendo Switch bundles might be what you're after.