Idk why this headline says it requires 130$ down, I got the same email as everyone else....
"Stadia: What you need to know about Google's game streaming service
Google's vision for the future of gaming has been revealed.
Google has a new platform called Stadia, and rather than coming to market with another console or PC competitor, Stadia's a new service that allows you to play your favorite games on all of your devices using powerful streaming technology.
Similar to NVIDIA GeForce Now and Shadow, Stadia a platform that allows you to play video games on virtually any device thanks to streaming technology. Rather than launching a new physical console that accesses Stadia, you'll just use it on the tech you already own. This includes phones, tablets, computers, etc. At its demo during GDC, Google showed Stadia working on a Pixelbook, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel Slate, and on a TV using a Chromecast Ultra.
Stadia has its own controller that will be available in three color options.
At launch, Stadia will allow you to stream games in up to 4K quality and 60 frames-per-second. In the future, Google says that it'll allow for streaming in 8K at 120 frames-per-second. In other words, it'll be just as powerful as the Xbox One X at launch and only get better as time goes on.
How does Stadia work?
Unlike a regular subscription service like Netflix — where you pay a monthly fee and access all the content available — you'll have to buy games individually on Stadia. Google is also acting as a storefront similar to Steam, where you can pick up games that you want to play on the service.
For instance, if you're interested in The Elder Scrolls Online, you'll first have to buy the game on Stadia before you can play it. You'll likely have to shell out the same $60 that you pay for a AAA title like Elder Scrolls on Xbox or PlayStation, but the advantage here is that you don't have to invest in a console. Just buy the game and load up the service on any device — even a Chromebook, and you'll be able to play at 60fps.
What sort of internet connection do I need?
Since Stadia is entirely internet-based, you obviously need a good connection in order to play. The better your speed, the better your experience will be.
At the bare minimum, Google recommends you have speeds of 10Mbps. This will enable you to play in 720p at 60fps with stereo audio. At 20Mbps, things are amped up to 1080p, HDR, and 5.1 surround sound.
Lastly, if you want the best possible Stadia gameplay and need that crispy 4K goodness, Google recommends having a connection of at least 35Mbps.
So how much does Stadia cost?
Google has revealed two Stadia tiers: Stadia Pro and Stadia Base. The company did not specify what other tiers might become available down the road.
Both Stadia Pro and Stadia Base will have access to any games that come to the service. Their differences lie within their quality and benefits, with Stadia Pro offering higher resolution games and additional incentives to purchase it over the free version. Here's the breakdown between the two tiers:
Category Stadia Pro Stadia Base
Price $10/month$10/month$10/month$10/month $10/month Free
Resolution Up to 4K Up to 1080p
Frame rate 60fps 60fps
Sound 5.1 surround sound Stereo
Access to free games Yes No
Exclusive discounts Yes No
If you're just looking to play at 1080p, Stadia Base is a great option. But if you're looking to play on your 4K TV at 60fps, you'll want to spring for Stadia Pro. You'll also get regular free games (Destiny 2: The Collection being the first one) along with "exclusive discounts on select game purchases" with Stadia Pro.
If you find that you don't want to keep paying $10/month for the service, you can terminate it without any penalties. Any games that you purchased while a Stadia Pro subscriber will be available to you on Stadia Base without a subscription.
What is the Stadia Founder's Edition?
The Stadia Founder's Edition bundle is $129 and includes all you need to get started gaming on Stadia. You get a limited-edition Night Blue Stadia Controller, a Chromecast Ultra, and three months of Stadia Pro for free along with a three-month buddy pass for a friend.
You also get the opportunity to lock in your Stadia username early and access to the first free title released with the Stadia Pro subscription, Destiny 2: The Collection.
Stadia is designed to work with most USB or Bluetooth-enabled controllers and will be available to play on most any computers with the Chrome browser installed or on a Pixel 3 or 3a device at launch. If you own one of the latest Pixel phones, have a favored Bluetooth controller in your collection, and are pretty confident that your home set up is more than good enough to handle Stadia already, the Founder's Edition Bundle might not sound all that enticing.
However, when you consider that buying a Stadia controller and Chromecast Ultra separately would end up costing about the same as the bundle itself it's really a no-brainer. You'd also be missing out on getting your first three months of subscription costs covered along with the buddy pass you can give to a friend, and won't get early access to locking down your preferred username.
What games are coming to Stadia?
Google Stadia is coming with 31 games at launch and will be the home of Baldur's Gate 3, as well a new Tom Clancy game, Ghost Recon: Breakpoint. Each game will be available to purchase separately, but if you choose to subscribe to Stadia Pro or pick up the Founder's Edition, you will get Destiny 2: Shadowkeep for free. Here's the full list:
Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
Baldur's Gate 3
Borderlands 3
The Crew 2
Darksiders Genesis
Destiny 2
The Division 2
DOOM Eternal
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
The Elder Scrolls Online
Farming Simulator 19
Final Fantasy 15
Football Manager 2020
Get Packed
Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Grid
Gylt (Google Stadia exclusive)
Just Dance 2020
Metro Exodus
Mortal Kombat 11
NBA 2K
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Rage 2
Samurai Showdown
Thumper
Tomb Raider Trilogy
Trials Rising
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
When can I start playing?
Stadia will be launching in 14 countries to start: U.S., Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and U.K.
Stadia Pro is going live in November, and Stadia Base will be available sometime in 2020. "