Google revealed its own wireless Stadia Controller with the launch of its cloud game streaming service. And although the Stadia Controller looks much like every other wireless controller, it’s functionality is a little different from everyone else.

As you may remember, Stadia’s controller uses built-in WiFi to directly connect to Stadia servers when you are playing games. That means it will be able to reduce input lag, and possibly offer a better experience for those who don’t have a really strong internet connection.

But here’s the problem: Stadia Controller’s wireless play functionality will only be available to those playing on their TV using a Chromecast Ultra at launch. That means if you are playing Stadia on any of the other supported devices when the service launches, including the Pixel Slate, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a, Acer Chromebook Tab 10, or the HP Chromebook X2, you will need to connect to the controller via a USB cable, reports Android Police.

This is obviously quite a bummer as playing with a wired connection especially on a phone is going to be clunky and it kind of reduces the benefits of being able to play games wherever you go. Google isn’t saying exactly when wireless play will be available for the Stadia Controller on phones and other devices, so you kind of just have to wait and see.

Tagged with Google Stadia, Stadia, Stadia Controller