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

The title type of offers it away, however our Logitech G Cloud evaluation takes a take a look at one thing that isn’t PC gaming {hardware}. That’s to not say it gained’t attraction to some fans on the market, because the gadget is a testomony to how far sport streaming has come because the darkish days of OnLive. That’s largely as a result of it showcases simply how vibrant companies like Nvidia GeForce Now can shine, however there are a number of explanation why the gadget gained’t 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 just a few video games at evening when you have to be sleeping, however even the Nintendo Swap OLED prices lower than this cloud-powered contraption.

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

That can assist you navigate the skies of our evaluation, I’ve included just a few helpful shortcuts that hyperlink to particular sections:

Logitech G Cloud specs

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Armed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G and a pocket stuffed with goals, the G Cloud shares extra similarities with an Android pill than a handheld gaming PC or console. In fact, that’s completely on objective, as Logitech has picked environment friendly specs that carer on to cloud gaming, slightly 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 customary for a handheld in 2023, however the latter expandable storage is barely amusing given that you just gained’t actually be downloading any video games to the gadget. I imply, you possibly can obtain apps through the Google Play Retailer, however there’s lots to be desired performance-wise.

Logitech G Cloud options

In a means, much less is extra relating to the G Cloud, as Logitech has created a conveyable that utterly avoids two handheld cardinal sins – decreased battery life and fan noise. For the reason that gadget 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 gives it with a pleasingly skinny chassis, reduces its weight to 463g, and facilitates a fan-free expertise.

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The G Cloud additionally makes use of Android, accompanied by a customized console-like UI that bears resemblance to the Swap. Logitech has partnered with firms like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Valve to make sure companies like GeForce Now and PC Recreation Go Final are (virtually) good to exit of the field, however you possibly can 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 the event you’re already signed as much as a bunch of cloud subscriptions and also you aren’t planning on venturing exterior, Logitech’s handheld will verify many of the packing containers. Searching for one thing to take exterior or on a practice, airplane, or every other kind 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 customary blueprint, the gadget 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 type issue pulls off being playful whereas avoiding low cost and/or infantile vibes.

Once more, Logitech is likely to be new to the moveable console scene, however it is aware of how one can put collectively a controller. The G Cloud’s sticks visually remind me of certainly one of my favourite gamepads, the ‘Cordless Motion Controller’ for PlayStation 2, which I nonetheless use to at the present time. In fact, Logitech improves upon its legacy with a higher emphasis on tactility, because the menu and shoulder buttons use clicky switches slightly than membranes.

I can’t imagine I’m about to say this since I dunk on the Steam Deck for the way broad it’s a lot, however I believe the G Cloud could possibly be doing with a stretch. I’m an enormous fan of its asymmetrical format, however the face buttons could possibly be doing with some area off to the appropriate. The ‘A’ button specifically is barely obstructed by the stick beneath, that means you’ll doubtlessly need to angle your thumb in a different way.

The G Cloud’s triggers could possibly 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 undergo whereas taking part in FPS video games, however the Steam Deck’s triggers are superior when it comes to each really feel and type issue. That mentioned, Nintendo’s JoyCons type of commit the identical sin, so I assume it’s a vital caveat in the event 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 a substitute, I’ll give a rundown of my expertise utilizing the moveable’s core companies along with whether or not I may see the cloud strings hooked up. In the end, that narrows issues all the way down to how the hand held handles Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Steam Hyperlink.

Let’s kick issues off with the very best 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 remains to be restricted by that 1080p display screen, however you’ll have the ability 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 unbelievable, 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 be able to entry on the G Cloud utilizing your PC Recreation Go Final membership. For those who’ve ever dabbled with related companies up to now, you’ve doubtless picked up on compression and artifacts related to streaming, and so they’re all current inside Microsoft’s take. Don’t get me fallacious, having the ability to play something from Forza Horizon 5 to the traditional Blinx: The Time Sweeper immediately on a conveyable is a big boon, however it pales in comparison with what Nvidia can ship through GeForce Now.

Utilizing Steam Hyperlink on the G Cloud can be an choice, and it’ll allow you to entry your PC assortment utilizing your individual rig and community. The final time I dabbled with the app characteristic was when the bodily TV gadget launched means 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 fluctuate 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 working the cell model of Honkai Star Rail on the G Cloud, simply to see whether or not it’d maintain up in opposition to the PC model. The outcome? Effectively, that Snapdragon 720G processor isn’t actually as much as the job, and even the beautiful Interstellar practice menu background chugged away. I wasn’t in a position to verify exact body charges, however it’s secure to say it was working beneath 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 when it comes to 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. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t say issues are seamless, as leaping out and in of the likes of GeForce Now typically prompts the app to restart, which is a little bit of a nuisance.

Maybe I’m feeling spoiled after utilizing the Steam Deck day by day and testing the Asus ROG Ally, however I want this cloud machine was in a position to 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 method cloud platform method. Maybe it’ll be a chance sooner or later on condition 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 gadget now helps digital button mapping, analogue stick customization, and lifeless zone set off choices.

Logitech G Cloud battery life

At this stage, you is likely to be questioning why you should purchase a tool that, in follow, features extra like a Wii U gamepad than a Nintendo Swap? Effectively, other than it being a lot lighter than that former lovable failure, the G Cloud’s battery life is extraordinarily engaging. I used to be in a position to 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 value

Every little thing else apart, pricing presents itself because the G Cloud’s largest downside. $349.99 is lots 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 present PC to entry your whole Steam library.

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

Logitech G Cloud verdict

I wish to keep away from selecting on the Logitech G Cloud for being a cloud-reliant moveable, as I do suppose there are a number of advantages linked to ditching native {hardware} innards. I’d go so far as to argue that in the event you’re in search of a simple method to relax 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 must be actually dedicated to the cloud trigger to justify the funding. In any case, you should utilize GeForce Now on Steam Deck and different handheld units, 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 value and performance gripes, I’m glad the Logitech G Cloud exists, because the peripheral maker’s handheld debut holds promise. My largest 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).