Which Controllers Work With Stadia, PS Now, xCloud, and Nvidia GeForce Now?

Game streaming platforms like Google's Stadia, Sony's PlayStation Now, and Microsoft's upcoming xCloud promise to let you play games on hardware you already own; no need to buy another expensive console.

One thing you might need to purchase, however, is a game controller. If you've played games over the last decade, there's a decent chance you already have a compatible controller lying around somewhere, but it can be a mess to figure out which controllers actually work with each streaming platform. Below, we'll go through each service and the controllers they currently support so you can jump right into a game.

Stadia

Stadia is one of only two game-streaming platforms officially out of beta, but controller support is still scattered. If you don't mind adding a minor potential latency step via Bluetooth, you can use almost any recent console controller. The official Stadia controller is the most ideal controller for reducing latency, but it's supported on the fewest platforms.

• Stadia Controller: Designed to work with the Chromecast Ultra, the $69 Stadia controller connects to Wi-Fi in order to reduce input latency. You can use the Stadia controller when playing in the Chrome browser or on certain Pixel phones, but you'll need to connect using a USB-C cable.

• Xbox One/PS4 DualShock Controllers: Your Xbox One and PS4 controller can be used to play Stadia under certain conditions. They are compatible with Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop, and with Pixel phones from the Pixel 2 onward. While they can be connected via USB or Bluetooth, neither controllers are compatible with Chromecast, so you can't play on the TV with them.

• Switch Pro Controller: This controller can be used over USB or Bluetooth to play in Chrome. However, it can't be connected to Android devices or Chromecast.

• Keyboard and mouse: Stadia currently supports keyboard and mice over USB and Bluetooth when playing in Chrome on a computer, but peripherals are not compatible with phones or TVs yet.

Stadia is still very much a work in progress and Google is actively developing support for more devices and controllers. You can find more information (and watch for updates) at Stadia's support page.

PlayStation Now

PlayStation Now works on very few devices. You can stream games to your PS4, or to a compatible Windows PC, and that's it. There are no streaming TV devices, phones, or browser-based apps that support PS Now, which also means you can't play on Mac or Linux-based devices.

Even within that narrow set of devices, Sony only officially supports its own controllers. The DualShock 4 controller can be used on the PS4 or PC, while the DualShock 3 controller can also be used on PC for PS3 games only.

However, unofficially, some users have reported success using an Xbox One or Switch Pro controller. In some cases, this required using software workarounds, and games that require motion controls won't work with these devices. For these reasons, it's not a route we can really recommend, but if you're in a DIY mood (or these are the only controllers you have available), give them a try.

Microsoft xCloud

Microsoft's xCloud service is currently in preview, which means it only works on Android devices right now. The company plans to launch it officially later this year and roll the feature into its popular Game Pass subscription. For that reason, we'll break compatibility down into what's supported now, and what Microsoft has promised support for in the future.

Current Support:

During the current Preview test period, Microsoft is only officially supporting Bluetooth-compatible Xbox One controllers. Unfortunately, not every Xbox One controller supports Bluetooth, and it's confusing on how to tell the difference.

Controllers that have the Xbox symbol button embedded in the plastic on the face of the controller are Bluetooth supported. However, the older models have the Xbox symbol as part of the plastic on the top of the controller, which indicated that it does not support Bluetooth.

Future Support:

Microsoft has committed to support DualShock 4 controllers in 2020, but it hasn't said when this will happen or which devices the controllers will work with when support rolls out.

The company has also said that it plans to support third-party Bluetooth gamepads from Razer. While it hasn't said which ones, Razer's Raiju Mobile controller seems like an ideal candidate with its built-in dock for holding phones.

Microsoft has also said it plans to test xCloud on Windows 10 PCs this year, which raises the question of keyboard and mouse support. The company has been vague about whether it will allow keyboards and mice to be used on console versions of games, or if xCloud will instead stream PC games.

Nvidia GeForce Now

Nvidia's GeForce Now recently emerged from beta and supports a number of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android and the Nvidia Shield set-top box. Controller support, however, remains uneven.

• Xbox One/360 Controllers: Nvidia supports both Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers in wired mode on PC, Mac, Android, and the Shield. You can also use the Xbox One in wireless mode with Android if you have the Bluetooth version of the controller.

• PS4 Controllers: The PS4 DualShock controller can be used on PC or Mac in either wired or wireless mode. It can also be used with the Shield or on Android, but only when connected via a USB cable.

• Keyboards and Mice: Generally, Nvidia supports most USB keyboard and mice when connected to PC, Mac, or the Shield.

• Shield Controllers: Nvidia sells its own controllers for the Shield (and sometimes bundles them together). Naturally, these controllers also work with GeForce Now, but only when played through the Shield itself.

• Logitech Gamepads: Nvidia supports Logitech's third-party wired F310, F510, and F710 gamepads when connected to PC or Mac.

• Razer and SteelSeries Gamepads: If you're playing on Android, Nvidia also calls out support for the Razer Raiju Mobile, SteelSeries Stratus Duo, and SteelSeries Stratus XL as ideal controllers to use with the platform.

Unboxing the Google Stadia Founder's Edition: Just What IS Stadia, Anyway?