Google's new Chromecast doesn't support Stadia at launch

Google's latest $50 Chromecast with Google TV dongle is launching without access to the company's game-streaming service, Stadia.

The new dongle, which was revealed at the Google Late Night In event last night, won't have Stadia functionality at launch, with Google estimating Stadia becoming available on the device in 2021.

No specific date was given, but the company suggests a Stadia app may arrive on the device within around the first six months of the year.

“Chromecast with Google TV will be supported on Stadia in the first half of 2021," reads a tweet from the Stadia account. "We’d suggest keeping an eye on our social channels and community for updates.”

Reporters at The Verge have managed to get Stadia running on the device via side-loading, though, so if you're desperate to stream games to your TV via the device, you have options.

In the meantime, though, you're probably better off sticking with the Chromecast Ultra if you want the easiest access to Stadia.

It's worth noting that if you don't already own a Chromecast Ultra, Google no longer sells them individually – but they are still available as part of the Stadia Premiere Kit Edition, which you can grab for $100/£90.