Logitech G Cloud review: a pricey, but compelling cloud handheld

The title form of offers it away, however our Logitech G Cloud evaluate takes a have a look at one thing that is not PC gaming {hardware}. That is to not say it will not enchantment to some fans on the market, because the system is a testomony to how far sport streaming has come for the reason that darkish days of OnLive. That is largely as a result of it showcases simply how shiny companies like Nvidia GeForce Now can shine, however there are a number of the explanation why the system will not be changing my Steam Deck any time quickly.

At $349.99 / £329.99, the Logitech G Cloud is something however low cost, particularly when you think about alternate options each on the console and handheld gaming PC market. I’m not saying you need to rush out and purchase an Asus ROG Ally simply to play a couple of video games at evening when you need to be sleeping, however even the Nintendo Change OLED prices lower than this cloud-powered contraption.

Regardless of this, there’s quite a bit I actually like in regards to the Logitech G Cloud, and streaming shenanigans permits it to tug off issues Valve and Asus can’t obtain with native {hardware}. It could be one thing of a one-trick Pegasus, however in case you place that and the expense to at least one facet, it’s doubtlessly probably the greatest methods to play Nvidia GeForce Now video games.

That will help you navigate the skies of our evaluate, I’ve included a couple of useful shortcuts that hyperlink to particular sections:

Logitech G Cloud specs

Armed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G and a pocket stuffed with desires, the G Cloud shares extra similarities with an Android pill than a handheld gaming PC or console. After all, that’s totally on objective, as Logitech has picked environment friendly specs that carer on to cloud gaming, quite than dealing with issues natively.

Inner chip gubbins apart, the G Cloud additionally boasts a 7-inch 1080p IPS show, Bluetooth, stereo audio system, and a microSD card slot. All commonplace for a handheld in 2023, however the latter expandable storage is barely amusing given that you just received’t actually be downloading any video games to the system. I imply, you may obtain apps by way of the Google Play Retailer, however there’s quite a bit to be desired performance-wise.

Logitech G Cloud options

In a approach, much less is extra in relation to the G Cloud, as Logitech has created a transportable that fully avoids two handheld cardinal sins – lowered battery life and fan noise. For the reason that system leaves the heavy lifting to streaming companies and your web connection, there’s no want for power-guzzling APUs and cooling techniques. In flip, meaning the G Cloud is totally strong state, which offers it with a pleasingly skinny chassis, reduces its weight to 463g, and facilitates a fan-free expertise.

The G Cloud additionally makes use of Android, accompanied by a customized console-like UI that bears resemblance to the Change. Logitech has partnered with firms like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Valve to make sure companies like GeForce Now and PC Sport Cross Final are (virtually) good to exit of the field, however you may theoretically obtain any app you want from the Play Retailer.

Naturally, the G Cloud’s very promoting level doubles up as its best pitfall, because it depends on these further companies and your at-home broadband connection. Merely put, in case you’re already signed as much as a bunch of cloud subscriptions and also you aren’t planning on venturing outdoors, Logitech’s handheld will verify a lot of the containers. In search of one thing to take outdoors or on a practice, aircraft, or another sort of vehicle? You’re fats out of luck.

Logitech G Cloud design

Logitech is aware of a factor or two about {hardware} design, and the peripheral maker actually exhibits off its strikes with the G Cloud. Whereas the hand held’s sticks and buttons observe a reasonably commonplace blueprint, the system nails issues on the aesthetic entrance. The mix of matt white accented by hints of yellow and black banding offers the moveable its personal persona, and its curvy kind issue pulls off being playful whereas avoiding low cost and/or infantile vibes.

Once more, Logitech could be new to the moveable console scene, but it surely is aware of how you can put collectively a controller. The G Cloud’s sticks visually remind me of one in all my favourite gamepads, the ‘Cordless Motion Controller’ for PlayStation 2, which I nonetheless use to today. After all, Logitech improves upon its legacy with a higher emphasis on tactility, because the menu and shoulder buttons use clicky switches quite than membranes.

I can’t imagine I’m about to say this since I dunk on the Steam Deck for a way vast it’s a lot, however I feel the G Cloud might be doing with a stretch. I’m a giant fan of its asymmetrical structure, however the face buttons might be doing with some area off to the best. The ‘A’ button specifically is barely obstructed by the stick under, that means you’ll doubtlessly must angle your thumb otherwise.

The G Cloud’s triggers might be doing with a bit extra of a lip, as they’re pretty slender in comparison with different gamepads and handhelds. I wouldn’t say you’ll endure whereas taking part in FPS video games, however the Steam Deck’s triggers are superior by way of each really feel and kind issue. That mentioned, Nintendo’s JoyCons form of commit the identical sin, so I assume it’s a essential caveat in case you’re aiming to maintain issues trim.

Logitech G Cloud efficiency

Usually, I’d reserve this a part of the view to bang on about benchmarks, however that’s not potential with the Logitech G Cloud. As an alternative, I’ll give a rundown of my expertise utilizing the moveable’s core companies along with whether or not I might see the cloud strings hooked up. Finally, that narrows issues right down to how the hand held handles Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Steam Hyperlink.

Let’s kick issues off with the most effective of the bunch, GeForce Now. The GPU big’s Final package deal makes use of an Nvidia RTX 4080 in a far-off land to ship premium PC efficiency over the web, and it’s a sight to behold on the Logitech G Cloud. Positive, moveable play continues to be restricted by that 1080p display screen, however you’ll be capable to max out settings in video games like The Witcher 3 with none notable body dips or points. Even on the decrease decision show, the expertise is fairly unimaginable, and it visually exceeds what’s remotely potential utilizing native {hardware}.

Sadly, the identical can’t be mentioned for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which you’ll entry on the G Cloud utilizing your PC Sport Cross Final membership. If you happen to’ve ever dabbled with related companies prior to now, you’ve seemingly picked up on compression and artifacts related to streaming, and so they’re all current inside Microsoft’s take. Don’t get me incorrect, having the ability to play something from Forza Horizon 5 to the traditional Blinx: The Time Sweeper immediately on a transportable is a big boon, but it surely pales in comparison with what Nvidia can ship by way of GeForce Now.

Utilizing Steam Hyperlink on the G Cloud can also be an choice, and it’ll allow you to entry your PC assortment utilizing your personal rig and community. The final time I dabbled with the app characteristic was when the bodily TV system launched approach again in 2015, however I figured maybe issues had improved since then. Sadly, my expertise was largely the identical, laced with intermittent lag and stutters that I used to be unable to resolve. Your mileage might range relying in your at-home setup, however I used a Gigabit broadband connection throughout testing, so take from that what you’ll.

As an added bonus, I made a decision to attempt operating the cellular model of Honkai Star Rail on the G Cloud, simply to see whether or not it’d maintain up towards the PC model. The consequence? Nicely, that Snapdragon 720G processor isn’t actually as much as the job, and even the gorgeous Interstellar practice menu background chugged away. I wasn’t capable of verify exact body charges, but it surely’s protected to say it was operating under 30fps more often than not.

Logitech G Cloud software program

I’ve already touched on the efficiency facet of the G Cloud’s software program, however I’d prefer to flesh out my ideas by way of performance. For essentially the most half, utilizing every app on Logitech’s handheld is simple, and that customized Android UI ties the whole lot collectively properly. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t say issues are seamless, as leaping out and in of the likes of GeForce Now generally prompts the app to restart, which is a little bit of a nuisance.

Maybe I’m feeling spoiled after utilizing the Steam Deck each day and testing the Asus ROG Ally, however I want this cloud machine was capable of collate video games in a hub of types. That is one thing the moveable PCs above do inside their respective working techniques and apps, and I really feel prefer it’d streamline the G Cloud’s strategy cloud platform strategy. Maybe it’ll be a chance sooner or later provided that Logitech is partnered with mentioned firms, however having to change between companies is a little bit of a ache.

On that notice, the Logitech G Cloud has already improved on the software program entrance since its 2022 debut, because the system now helps digital button mapping, analogue stick customization, and lifeless zone set off choices.

Logitech G Cloud battery life

At this stage, you could be questioning why you can purchase a tool that, in apply, features extra like a Wii U gamepad than a Nintendo Change? Nicely, apart from it being a lot lighter than that former lovable failure, the G Cloud’s battery life is extraordinarily enticing. I used to be capable of squeeze round 9 hours of playtime out of Logitech’s featherweight moveable, and it felt bizarre given I’m used to reaching for my Steam Deck charger after round three hours or so.

Logitech G Cloud worth

Every part else apart, pricing presents itself because the G Cloud’s greatest downside. $349.99 is quite a bit to ask for a tool that requires further paid companies and a comparatively first rate broadband package deal, to not point out you’ll want an current PC to entry your whole Steam library.

If the G Cloud was capable of undercut the likes of the Steam Deck and Nintendo Change by a big quantity, it’d be simpler to advocate the hand held as an accompaniment to your current residence setup. I’d even be inclined to level you in the direction of it if it might deal with high-spec cellular video games, however testing proves that’s not one of many moveable’s strengths.

Logitech G Cloud verdict

I need to keep away from choosing on the Logitech G Cloud for being a cloud-reliant moveable, as I do assume there are a number of advantages linked to ditching native {hardware} innards. I’d go so far as to argue that in case you’re in search of a simple approach to sit back and dabble with streaming, this handheld will cowl all bases.

Sadly, Logitech’s pricing makes it a tough promote for the common consumer, and also you’d have to be actually dedicated to the cloud trigger to justify the funding. In any case, you need to use GeForce Now on Steam Deck and different handheld gadgets, so what you’re actually paying for is the corporate’s admittedly pretty {hardware} and customized UI.

Let me wrap issues up by saying that, regardless of my worth and performance gripes, I’m glad the Logitech G Cloud exists, because the peripheral maker’s handheld debut holds promise. My greatest hope is that if streaming isn’t the way forward for gaming, the corporate will use the console as a blueprint to create a handheld contender (or doubtlessly workforce up with Valve to create the Steam Deck 2, however that’s maybe a bit on the market).