Google Stadia Recommends a 25 Megabit Internet Connection

Google Stadia, the newly-revealed games streaming service, recommends a 25 megabits per second internet connection to provide 1080p, 60 frames per second gameplay.

The requirements for the service are detailed in an interview Kotaku conducted with Google Stadia boss Phil Harrison.

“To get 1080p, 60 frames per second, required approximately 25 megabits per second,” Harrison said of the tests they conducted last October. “In fact, we use less than that, but that’s where we put our recommended limit at.”

Since those tests, Google has been able to innovate and refine their streaming and compression technology, which will allow for stronger results. “When we launch, we will be able to get to 4K but only raise that bandwidth to about 30 megabits per second,” Harrison said. He did not clarify if 4K resolution will still run at 60 frames per second with that 30mbs connection speed.

Harrison also revealed that the Stadia system is able to dynamically adjust its output based on your bandwidth, so those with weaker connections will be provided with a lower resolution. This will certainly make the system more accessible, but poses the question of what players actually want: the stable, high resolution of traditional home consoles, or the instant access of streaming technology?

Google revealed Stadia at GDC yesterday, and announced that the system is more powerful than the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One combined. It will feature a bespoke controller which is used to play via Chromecast, although if you opt to play through the Chrome browser on your PC you can use any USB controller. Alongside Stadia, Google has set up a first-party games development studio, headed up by Jade Raymond.

Matt Purslow is IGN UK's News and Entertainment Writer, and you can access his Twitter feed with a humble 56kbs internet connection. Follow him at @mattpurslow.

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