The Google Stadia cloud gaming service will shutter next week. However, the premium controllers, once locked with the service, would be usable with other gaming consoles, mobile devices, and PCs as well, confirmed Google. This means the controllers will not have to be discarded, dumped, or returned to Google. Google is now working to unlock the Stadia controllers and make them into premium device- and platform-agnostic gamepads.
Google has announced that it will unlock the Stadia controllers after shutting down the cloud gaming platform. The premium controllers will be untethered from the platform and can be synced with other devices, which is good news for users who invested in the controllers.
Google has been refunding all game and hardware purchases after announcing the shutdown of Stadia. While this is a responsible move from the tech giant, the gaming community had requested that Google unlock the Stadia controllers from the platform. It seems that Google has listened to these requests.
How Will Google Unlock The Stadia Controller?
In order to unlock the Stadia controller, Google will be releasing a system update that will untether the controller from the service. This update will turn the Stadia controller into a Google-branded, but generic, third-party accessory that can be synced with other mobile devices and consoles.
The Stadia controller's Bluetooth module was previously locked and only allowed syncing with Stadia hardware. However, Google is expected to release an OTA (Over The Air) update that will unlock the Bluetooth module. After the update, the Stadia controller will be able to sync with any device that accepts a Bluetooth controller.
According to Phil Harrison, Stadia's VP and GM, Google has decided to shut down Stadia because it hasn't gained the traction with users. In other words, Google wasn't able to convince a large number of gamers to use the service and pay for a subscription regularly, and is cutting its losses.