05 August 2023 , 12:00
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The Logitech G Cloud is a handheld gaming device from Logitech that allows you to play games via cloud services like Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now.
Following the enormous success that devices like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck and more recent Asus ROG Ally have enjoyed, Logitech decided to throw its hat into the ring of gaming handhelds and, honestly, I wish it hadn't. The main difference between the above devices and the Logitech G Cloud is that this device can only stream games over Wi-Fi, whereas the others can run games natively.
The Logitech G Cloud doesn't seem to have a use-case in the current gaming market, with the majority of mobile phones, tablets or iPads being able to do exactly what the Logitech G Cloud can do, but better. You don't get any 4G/5G support with the Logitech G Cloud, meaning you can only play games on it when you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Given all of the above, you'd expect this device to at least come in at an affordable price point. But no, because the Logitech G Cloud will set you back a hefty £329.99 / $349.99 (Australian pricing is yet to be confirmed but conversions come out to roughly AU$515). Keep in mind that the Nintendo Switch, which can be used in both handheld and docked modes, runs games natively and has a massive range of exclusive first-party titles to pick up, costs less than this at £259.99 / $299.99 / AU$469.95.
Logitech G Cloud Design
The Logitech G Cloud comes wrapped up in a plastic white casing to match the cloud element of its name, with neon yellow accents, which complement it well. You get a relatively ergonomic design including textured grips on either side, making the device easy to hold for long periods.
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Those who are used to Xbox layouts will be familiar with the buttons here as you get asymmetrical joysticks and an XYAB format. All of the inputs on the device feel okay, they're not too tacky but not particularly great either, with the Xbox Wireless controller feeling significantly more satisfying to use.
When spending over £300 on a dedicated cloud gaming device, you know you're not spending money for the internals, meaning the externals really have to deliver. In this instance, they didn't, the device just didn't feel satisfying to use in any way.
Coming in at just 463g, this handheld is one of the lightest on the market in terms of weight, however, this is likely down to the fact that the internals are much less impressive compared to alternatives since games cannot run on the device natively. Despite this, the Nintendo Switch is still lighter, coming in at just 297g.
Logitech G Cloud Specifications
The Logitech G Cloud's technical specifications aren't particularly impressive, since the device doesn't need to natively run games, just needing enough power to stream the games over an internet connection. You have a decent processor and small internal memory, but there is room for a micro SD card should you need to upgrade.
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (SD720G) Octa-core CPU up to 2.3GHz
- Display: 1920 x 1080 LCD touchscreen, 60Hz, 7"
- Audio: Stereo speakers and Dual microphones
- Storage: 64GB ROM
- Weight: 463g
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-Polymer lasting 12 Hours
You're able to access Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Link and the Google Play Store on the Logitech G Cloud. (Logitech G)The Logitech G Cloud certainly doesn't pack a punch in terms of hardware especially considering the high price point. It will be able to run games via Cloud streaming services smoothly and display them in a higher resolution than that of the Steam Deck, but being able to get to a higher graphical quality when gaming will be dependent on your Wi-Fi connection. You're able to access Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Link and the Google Play Store on the Logitech G Cloud.
Realistically, most modern mobile phones will be able to live up to if not surpass the level of output provided by the Logitech G Cloud, even when looking at specifications alone. In fact, you can find the exact same processing chip in the Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 which were both released back in 2021. The former currently comes in at £449 / $449.99 / AU$621 but can typically be picked up much cheaper since it's somewhat older now and does a whole lot more than what the Logitech G Cloud does. Such as being able to make phone calls and text, as well as stream games.
Logitech G Cloud Performance
The Logitech G Cloud performed about as well as you'd expect, streaming games at a decent resolution. The quality and colour grading of the screen was pretty good, making for a vibrant experience, but that's all she wrote. The sound quality on the device was also average at best, which was a little frustrating when playing games like Hi-Fi Rush, where the soundtrack makes or breaks the experience.
There's not much else to talk about performance-wise for a device which is entirely cloud-based, as things like framerates and inputs are usually based on your latency and what computer or service you're using to stream. As the Logitech G Cloud doesn't have 4G or 5G support, I was limited to playing in my house, where I knew I could access a stable internet connection. Bear in mind that the bandwidth needed to stream games is quite high, which automatically crosses public Wi-Fi out as an option.
Every time I played on this device I was questioning who on earth would buy this device. I could have the same, if not a better experience using my phone with my Backbone controller, which provides the same ergonomics and inputs, and overall, comes in much lighter. And the best part, I already have a phone, I wouldn't need to go out and spend over £300.
Overall thoughts on the Logitech G Cloud
I honestly cannot recommend the Logitech G Cloud, considering its price point. It is extremely overpriced for what it is: a device that provides an adequate cloud gaming experience, which you could easily replicate by using a mobile phone and a compatible controller instead. Arguably, you'd have a better experience using a decent phone, as you'd have the advantage of 4G/5G and would be able to stream games on the go. I'm really struggling to see a use case for this device.
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If you're on the lookout for a handheld gaming device, then the Nintendo Switch Lite or Steam Deck are significantly better options, with the former also being cheaper than the Logitech G Cloud. And, you can actually use them outside the house, on the go, without needing to worry about a stable internet connection. The Steam Deck is slightly more expensive, granted, but is well worth the additional cost compared to the Logitech G Cloud.