So I saw this controller for sale for 20. I figured that there ought to be a way to hack it to do something useful so it may be fun. Turns out all it needs is a re-flash of new firmware and it’ll become a generic controller.

All you need to do is peer it to your computer, go to https://stadia.google.com/controller and follow the prompts.

You might be slightly scared that the browser can talk directly to bluetooth devices, including the unlock, and re-programming the controller.

And yeah after that it’s all unlocked and good to go!

Not sure if it matters all that much, but for anyone wanting either a controller on the cheap, or if you bought into Stadia when it was a thing (did anyone remember other than the announcement and the expected cancellation?).

I guess it’s nice that google is providing an unlock service but I’m sure that won’t be around forever, so yeah. yay.