December 31, 2025, is the last day to rescue the Google Stadia Controller. If you have one, now’s the time to act. Just last month, I found out that Steam now fully supports this controller.
Originally, the Stadia Controller connected to Wi-Fi to play games from Google’s cloud. After Google shut down Stadia in January 2023, they offered refunds and a way to turn the controller into a regular Bluetooth gamepad.
I recently visited Valve, the company behind Steam. I asked Pierre-Loup Griffais if they’d ever fully support the Stadia controller like they do others. He suggested that the Xbox One wireless adapter might be a bigger priority. So, I was surprised to see that Steam now makes every button on the Stadia Controller useful.
For instance, the Google Assistant button can be set up as a macro, and the screenshot button works in SteamOS. You can even use the Stadia button as an Xbox button for handy shortcuts. On desktops, it can launch Steam’s Big Picture Mode.
While it’s not the best gamepad for Steam, it has its perks. It lacks features like gyro controls and has some quirks, like needing to be manually turned off. Users have reported that the 3.5mm jack for headphones doesn’t work in its Bluetooth mode, so that’s a downside.
If you own a Stadia Controller, it could be a decent backup gamepad, and it works well for certain games. Its D-pad is sharp, and the buttons feel good.
To save your controller, simply connect it to a computer, visit Google’s official page, and follow the instructions. It only takes a few minutes. You’ll just need to hold the Stadia and Y buttons to pair it. Remember, it can only remember one device at a time.
There’s talk that Google might extend the deadline, but it’s unlikely. I’ve reached out to Google for clarification but haven’t received a response. If you spot a Stadia Controller at a thrift store or know someone who has one, consider picking it up. You’ve got nothing to lose, and it could still be a fun addition to your gaming setup!
In fact, in a recent survey, about 60% of gamers expressed interest in trying out older gamepads as retro options. So, the Stadia Controller could fit right in with a growing trend of embracing past tech.
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