Google recommends a connection of at least 10Mbps, for Switch-quality visuals – 720p with stereo output – and 35Mbps for full HDR 4K. I have a fairly good internet connection (100Mbps fibre to the home) and a fairly old TV (1080p, non-HDR, and a 5.1 set-up). But, for me, with the reflexes of a short-sighted journalist approaching 30, I couldn’t tell the difference. Doubtless, in the hands of a pro, the time lag matters. In a bold show of confidence, the reviewers’ kit for the Stadia includes not only Destiny 2, a fairly fast-paced shooter, but also Mortal Kombat 11, a fighting game that represents a genre where fans count individual frames for advantage. That not only goes for the visual quality, but also for input lag. Only once did I experience anything that looked like lag (when sending a picture message to my partner) every other time, it was perfect.

For “best performance”, Google recommends wiring the Chromecast up to a LAN, but doing so felt like overkill. That means the Stadia controller connecting to Google’s servers over wifi, and a Chromecast Ultra plugged into the back of my TV doing the same.

The bulk of my time on the Stadia was spent with the system in traditional TV mode. Once Stadia is up and running, the system is nearly indistinguishable from playing a game on a console sitting under your TV, except there’s no fan noise, no downloads or discs, and, well, no console. It works! For some, that’s all that matters.

Google stadia gylt