Those with a Google Stadia (I’m sure there are dozens of you) have until the end of the year to switch their controllers to Bluetooth mode, which enables support for non-Stadia devices.
Visit the official Google Stadia page to download the software update that enables universal Bluetooth support. Note that you have to use Chrome to download and update your controller.
If you’re reading this after the December 31, 2025 deadline, don’t fret. Github user Luigi Mannoni has helpfully set up a mirror where you can download a backup of the flasher software that activates Bluetooth mode. The installation process is the same as on the official page.
It’s easy to forget about Stadia (Google certainly did), but if there’s any worthy holdover from the search engine’s failed foray into cloud gaming, it’s the Stadia controller. Not that they’re a rarity (a cursory eBay search returns hundreds of results) or even that they’re particularly outstanding controllers, but based on user reviews, the Stadia controller is a solid, functional gaming accessory—two things the Stadia most certainly isn’t. They’re also dirt-cheap online, so if you’re on the market for a budget-friendly second or third controller, it might be worth considering a Stadia controller.
