Google Stadia: Release date announced for new next-generation console

Streaming platform aims to take on Xbox and PS4 by playing games over the internet

A visitor plays the cloud-gaming based "Doom" at the stand of Google Stadia during the Video games trade fair Gamescom in Cologne, western Germany (INA FASSBENDER/AFP/Getty Images)

Google has announced a release date and more details for its next-generation Stadia console.

The streaming service will be released next month, in November, it announced.

Stadia streams games over the internet, rather than processing them locally. That allows it to be relatively cheap, but means that it relies on a fast internet connection.

Players will be able to get brand new games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Mortal Kombat 11 over the service.

Those who pre-ordered it – as part of the Google Stadia Founders Edition – will start being able to play on 19 November, Google said.

The first consoles will be shipped out in the same order they were bought, Google said. Soon after they are sent out, customers will receive a code that will allow them to get onto the streaming service.

For everyone else, the new streaming service will be available in 2020.

Google made the announcement during its Made By Google event, during which it also announced a new phone and new smart speakers for the home.