[Update] It's been forever, but Stadia finally works on Android TV
Coming June 23 - way to get it in just under the wire, Google.
Update, June 23, 2021: Stadia support has arrived on Android TV
What you need to know- Over half a year after launching the Chromecast with Google TV, you'll finally be able to officially play Stadia games on it.
- On June 23, Stadia comes to the Chromecast with Google TV and a half-dozen Android TV devices.
- For non-supported Android TV devices, you'll still be able to play Stadia through an experimental opt-in.
- Stadia players will be able to use the Stadia controller or compatible Bluetooth controllers on Android TV.
One of the most glaring holes in the Chromecast with Google TV, when it launched back in October, was that it didn't support Stadia - you still had to spend more for the four-year-old Chromecast Ultra if you wanted to use Google's streaming game service on your TV. Stadia support for the Chromecast for Google TV was slated to arrive in the first half of 2021, and Google has hit that deadline, barely.
Stadia is now supported on Android TV models from a half-dozen manufacturers, not just the Chromecast with Google TV, but if your Android TV model isn't listed below, don't worry! You'll still be able to get Stadia on your Android TV, but you'll have to opt into "experimental support" before you install it.
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Hisense Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G, U9G)
- Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV Pro
- Onn FHD Streaming Stick and UHD Streaming Device
- Philips 8215, 8505, and OLED 935/805 Series Android TVs
- Xiaomi MIBOX3 and MIBOX4
Stadia on Google TV and Android TV will work with the Stadia controller and "compatible Bluetooth controllers," so wired controllers are out, but you most likely weren't using a wired controller with your Android TV box, anyway. The best Stadia controllers are wireless, but I'm also interested to see how the NVIDIA Shield Controller does with Stadia since that's also the best way to browse the Android TV interface.
Are you excited to finally see Stadia arrive on your Chromecast with Google TV? Or are you already using Stadia with the sideloaded app on your Android TV? Especially as Stadia gets even more great games, the ability to use it on Google TV and Android TV should hopefully make the platform more enticing.
Time to playChromecast with Google TV
Watch what you like, then play what you love
Google's best Chromecast ever finally has the last feature that made people buy an older, more expensive Chromecast Ultra, and so you can do yourself a favor and buy this instead. If you're going to use it with Stadia, I'd recommend using the savings on a USB-C hub so you can use Ethernet for a more consistent connection.
$50 at Best Buy$50 at Walmart$50 at B&H
Update, June 23 (10:00 am ET) Stadia support has arrived on Android TVThe Google Stadia app is now available through Google Play on the Chromecast with Google TV and the other officially supported Android TV boxes. I believe I speak for us all when I say:
If you're looking for a good game to break Stadia in on your Android TV, might I suggest something from our best Stadia games roundup? Resident Evil Village is made for the big screen, and Elder Scrolls Online is heating up with the Blackwood Chapter.