Logitech has introduced a handheld at its “LogiPLAY”. Externally, the device resembles the popular Nintendo Switch, but there are some differences. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann was able to try out the device.
What kind of handheld is this? A few weeks ago, there were persistent rumors that the manufacturer Logitech might announce a handheld for gamers. At its own LogiPLAY in Berlin, Logitech has now introduced exactly this device.
Logitech G Cloud Overview:
- 7-inch LCD display with Full HD resolution and touch functionality
- 463 grams and 12 hours of battery life.
- Xbox controller design with vibration, gyroscope, and customizable buttons.
- The price is $299 (preorder) and $349 in retail.
- Logitech is developing the device together with the Chinese giant Tencent.
I was able to extensively test Logitech’s new handheld. You can read about my first experiences in this article.
Ergonomics and display are noticeably better than on the Nintendo Switch
What is my first impression of the Logitech G Cloud? In an initial hands-on, I was able to extensively test the new handheld and also compare it with my Switch, which I had packed for testing purposes.
Right at the beginning, the ergonomics of the device are noticeable. The handheld feels great in the hand and is exactly the right size for me, similar to the Switch. The Steam Deck is significantly larger and bulkier in comparison.
In direct comparison to the Switch that I used in the test, I also increasingly prefer the ergonomics of Logitech over my Switch. The grips are wider, more pronounced, and feel particularly more comfortable during longer sessions. Here, the point goes to the Logitech handheld.
The display also makes my Switch a little envious. The LCD screen of the Logitech device is incredibly sharp with its Full HD resolution, the colors are quite vivid, and it is responsive.
Especially compared to the Steam Deck and the Switch, I am positively surprised. However, as soon as a lot of light from lighting or the sun disturbs, the display of the Logitech G Cloud starts to reflect. In that case, my Switch OLED has a slight edge.
Fun device that pleasantly surprised me
How does it play? I tested Forza Horizon 5 and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered on the device. Both are fast racing games that require a certain responsiveness.
Both games run very smoothly and stably. I do end up in the ditch quite regularly, but that is due to my inability to play racing games with a controller. In Forza Horizon, I slide through a South American-inspired city center while fleeing from the furious police in Hot Pursuit.
While playing Forza Horizon 5, there are some stutters, but that’s mainly due to the connection to the cloud, which fluctuates in the test area. When the cloud connection drops, the game stops.
Another positive experience: The model stays pleasantly cool throughout the session, and the temperatures do not get uncomfortably warm like with the Steam Deck or the Switch.
Switching between different apps or programs is smooth. If you want to switch from GeForce Now to Game Pass, you need to close the previous app. An employee explained to me that you can also easily stream Netflix and YouTube through the device.
Question marks behind battery life and availability
What don’t I like? The focus of the device is clearly on cloud gaming and streaming. Without a fast and stable internet connection, nothing works here. Depending on your location, the device is therefore not a solution for people looking for an alternative to the Switch or the Steam Deck.
The second point is indeed availability. Because the device is supposed to be available for purchase only in North America for the time being. According to Logitech, it is also supposed to be available in Europe in 2023. I suspect that Logitech is using the American market as a test to see how well the device ultimately sells.
A third point that I cannot assess either is the battery life. Logitech states that the handheld is officially supposed to last around 12 hours. This would easily suffice for an ordinary day. However, I would need to test this over a long term. The test devices at Logitech were plugged in after half a day of demonstration.
The Logitech G Cloud could fill an exciting niche
For whom is such a device worthwhile? Logitech is targeting its new model at people who game on the go and play a lot in the cloud. And this is precisely where Logitech could find its target audience.
Especially for those of you who prefer to play a few rounds on the smartphone in the evenings or are generally casual gamers, the G Cloud could become a real insider tip – if it indeed makes it to Europe in 2023.
Especially playing mobile games like Diablo: Immortal or Genshin Impact on the device would be very tempting to me. Also, playing a future Diablo IV via Game Pass on the Logitech G Cloud could become an exciting possibility.
Interesting mobile games: You can find more exciting games that you can play on your phone and may also run on the G Cloud in the following list on MeinMMO:
