Google extends switch deadline for ‘forgotten’ gadget – check yours now before it’s rendered completely useless

GAMERS have been given a reprieve to upgrade a Google gadget they may have forgotten about before it’s rendered completely useless. Users were originally given until the end of this year . But Google has revealed that Google Stadia owners will now have until the end of 2024, giving them a whole extra year to make the switch.

In case you forgot, the platform was meant to be the start of the “Netflix of gaming”. It relied on nothing more than a controller and a Chrome device – either a Chromecast or Chrome web browser on PC. But the cloud streamed service failed to take off and Google decided to shut it down at the end of 2022.

This left loads of gamers with controllers they could no longer use. So, Google released a special tool that converts the Stadia controller into a standard PC controller so you can use it with other games. The tool was supposed to disappear on December 31, 2023 but now any gamers who have forgotten to upgrade – or are holding off – can wait until the end of 2024 instead.

Before you do anything, your Stadia controller needs to be charged up as the process won’t work with less than 10 per cent battery. Then, open the Chrome web browser on your PC and go to this Stadia web page . Hit the Start button.

Tick the accept box if you’re you want to go ahead with the Stadia controller conversion process, followed by the Start button. Plug your Stadia controller into your PC with a USB data cable and click Continue . Now click Allow Chrome to verify .

A popup box should then appear and you’ll need to select the controller from the list, followed by Connect . Hit Next . Now, unlock the Stadia controller.

This is done by first unplugging it. Then plugging it back in while holding the three dot button – the status light should stay off. Finally press the three dot button, the Google Assistant button, A and Y at the same time.

To continue, click Next step on the Chrome browser again. Now you’ll have to click Allow Chrome to download , which lets Chrome download the update to put on the controller. Select SP Blank RT Family from the list, then Connect .

The download will then start. Once it’s done, click Next step , which is the installation stage. Click Allow Chrome to install .

From the popup box, select USB COMPOSITE DEVICE and Connect . The installation will then begin – make sure you don’t unplug the controller or turn off your computer. You can now use your Stadia controller for other wireless gaming services.

Once your Stadia controller has switched to Bluetooth mode you’ll want to know how to actually use it with other gaming services. Just hold the Stadia button and Y for about two seconds until the status light flashes orange – this will get it into pairing mode. On the gaming device, search for a Bluetooth accessory and select it from the list.

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