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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

Google Stadia requires $130 upfront, $10 per month at November launch [arstechnica.com]

Players will have to pay $129.99 up front and $9.99 a month, on top of individual game purchase costs, when Google's previously announced Stadia game-streaming service [arstechnica.com] launches in November. A free tier will be available some time in 2020, as will a paid subscription tier that doesn't require the upfront purchase.

The Stadia Founder's Edition and its contingent Stadia Pro subscription will be the only way to get access to the Stadia service when it launches, Google announced today. That $129.99 package, available for pre-order on the Google Store right now [google.com], will include:

• A Stadia controller in "limited-edition night blue"
• A Chromecast Ultra
• Three months of Stadia Pro service and a three-month "buddy pass" to give to a friend
• First dibs on claiming a "Stadia Name"

After the first three months, Stadia Pro users will have to pay $9.99 a month to maintain their membership. For that price, they will get access to Google's highest-quality streams, at up to 4K/60fps with high-dynamic range (HDR) and 5.1 surround sound. In 2019, users will not be able to sign up for Stadia Pro without investing in the Founder's Edition hardware package, and Founder's Edition packages will only be available "in limited quantities and for a limited time."

Also at AnandTech [anandtech.com], The Verge [theverge.com], and Wccftech [wccftech.com].

See also: Is Stadia Already Screwed? [gizmodo.com]
Xbox One And PS4 Don't Need To Fear Google Stadia, Which Is Mired In Contradictions [forbes.com]

Previously: Google and Microsoft Eyeing Streaming Game Services [soylentnews.org]
Google Announces "Stadia" Streaming Game Service [soylentnews.org]
Microsoft CFO: Google Stadia Lacks Content, Local Experience Will Remain Superior to Streaming Games [soylentnews.org]

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