Insiders earn affiliate commissions when purchasing from links. learn more.
- Logitech G Cloud is a handheld console that supports cloud gaming.
- You can stream games from services like Game Pass, or act as an Android tablet.
- The device has great battery life, but it’s expensive and can only stream games over Wi-Fi.
The Logitech G Cloud is designed as a handheld console dedicated to mobile and cloud gaming. It combines the build of a portable system like the Nintendo Switch Lite with the utility of an Android tablet.
However, unlike Switch, G Cloud doesn’t have its own dedicated library of games. Instead, the device facilitates the use of a cloud gaming subscription service that works like Netflix for the video game industry.
Stream popular Xbox and PC games directly to your handheld over Wi-Fi instead of downloading titles and pops to cartridges. And since the games are streamed from more powerful hardware, you get high-end graphics.
G Cloud also has access to the Google Play Store, so you can also install popular Android games like Fortnite and Minecraft, but the performance of downloaded titles is limited by G Cloud’s built-in processor.
After testing the G Cloud, we were impressed with the device’s solid streaming performance, lightweight design, and long battery life, but there are a few limitations that make it the ultimate cloud gaming handheld.
Logitech G Cloud is a handheld Android device built for mobile and cloud gaming. It has an integrated controller and supports services like Xbox Game Pass. Performance over Wi-Fi is solid, but a little pricey for what you get.
G Cloud has an HD touchscreen and long battery life
Game Pass is one of several cloud services you can access with G Cloud.
Kevin Webb / Business Insider
G Cloud has a form factor similar to other handheld consoles such as the Nintendo Switch. It feels light in the hand, but is solidly built.
The integrated gamepad will feel familiar to anyone with previous console experience. The G-Cloud also has a rounded rear grip with grooved plastic, making it more comfortable to hold during long play sessions compared to the Switch.
G Cloud uses a relatively standard LCD touchscreen with Full HD resolution 1080p. The display looks good, but lacks the contrast enhancements found in the OLED screens found in newer iPhones and Switch OLEDs.
The headphones and USB ports on the bottom of the device are unobtrusive, making it difficult to put the handheld on a stand while charging or using tablet mode. It also has a built-in microphone for chat.
The G-Cloud’s battery might be the most impressive feature, lasting over 12 hours under normal playing conditions. You can easily use it for a week without charging and play regularly before the battery runs out.
G Cloud lets you stream games from popular services like Xbox Game Pass
Screenshot of Forza Horizon 5 streamed on Logitech G Cloud using home Wi-Fi connection.
Kevin Webb / Business Insider
As its name suggests, G Cloud promotes cloud gaming as one of its main features and supports all major players in this space. This device comes pre-installed with Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now and Steam Link apps.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is our most popular service. This is a $15/month subscription that gives members access to hundreds of streaming titles from his PC and Xbox consoles. If you have an Xbox Series X or One X console, you can also stream games from these systems to G Cloud on your home network for free.
Once you subscribe to the service, you need a strong and stable internet connection to stream games from the cloud. G Cloud has built-in Wi-Fi so you can connect to your home network. Unfortunately, the device doesn’t support mobile data, but you can connect it to your phone’s mobile hotspot to stream games on the go.
If you have a good connection, cloud gaming looks great on your handheld. And since many cloud games actually run on Xbox consoles and powerful PCs, the graphics are much higher than playing directly from G Cloud’s hardware. Even games originally made for Android, like Fortnite, look better streamed than played with the device’s onboard graphics.
On the downside, game streaming introduces a slight lag in controls.Input lag can be frustrating when playing fast-paced shooters like Doom or Call of Duty, but a sufficiently strong internet With a connection, the streaming experience feels surprisingly similar to playing games locally.
It’s handheld, but it relies on Wi-Fi, so it’s not very portable.
The G Cloud may be a handheld console, but it doesn’t feel like it was designed for portability outside the home. It means the Cloud has to rely on hotspots for cloud gaming while traveling. This can affect gameplay quality due to weak connections.
G Cloud makes it easy to play downloaded Android apps on the go, but their games are already available on smartphones and usually have the option of touchscreen controls. Ultimately, it’s easier and cheaper to carry your phone and a separate controller with a clip for mobile gaming than to carry your G-Cloud around in public or while commuting.
The lack of dedicated mobile data also makes it difficult to use the G Cloud as a standard tablet when not gaming. , is how often you can actually make full use of its features outside the home.
G Cloud lets you switch between normal tablet interface and game mode
The Logitech G Cloud’s “game mode” UI is easy to navigate, but not great for multitasking.
Kevin Webb / Business Insider
Logitech developed its own version of Android for the G cloud, so you can choose to run the device with a standard tablet interface or a special game mode. This means that games and apps from Google Play Store such as Spotify and YouTube are fully compatible with G Cloud.
Game Mode gives you easy access to recent games and saves apps to your toolbar, using an interface similar to the PlayStation and Switch home screens. However, G Cloud cannot run apps and games in game mode at the same time, so you can’t listen to Spotify while playing games, for example.
However, Game Mode seems to improve battery life. We found that game mode drained less battery overall compared to running the same game in tablet mode. Popular apps like YouTube, Google Drive, and Netflix all work fine, and the G Cloud’s touchscreen keeps navigation simple.The handheld rotates to portrait mode for apps that need it. can also do.
Logitech G Cloud vs. Competitors
The Logitech G Cloud (top) build is similar to the Nintendo Switch (bottom), but not as good.
Kevin Webb / Business Insider
It’s important to realize that even with a similar design and price point, the G Cloud isn’t a direct competitor to the Nintendo Switch. Both are handheld gaming devices, but the Switch is built entirely with dedicated games, a dock for easy connection to your TV, local multiplayer with built-in wireless controllers, and a social network for players to connect online. provide a fully integrated platform.
G Cloud, on the other hand, runs on Android and expects users to rely on existing services such as Xbox Game Pass and Google Play to take full advantage of their capabilities. This means that there are many other devices that can play the same games as G Cloud for similar or lower prices.
However, the G Cloud is less expensive than the Steam Deck, a $400 handheld PC released in 2022, but not as powerful. Steam Deck can independently run hundreds of PC games in addition to cloud streaming capabilities. However, with less hardware load, the G Cloud has much better battery life.
Buyers should also keep in mind that more direct competitors are on the horizon. Razer is launching its own cloud gaming handheld powered by Verizon called the Razer Edge. It’s more expensive than the G Cloud, but it has a better display and mobile data options.
The Edge uses Razer’s Kishi v2 controller. It’s removable and uses USB-C when connected. The Razer Edge starts at $400 for the Wi-Fi model, but pricing for the 5G model has yet to be announced.
Logitech G Cloud spec list
should you buy it?
Amazon
After about a month with the Logitech G Cloud handheld, I’m happy with the overall performance, but unless you’re a very specific type of gamer, it’s hard to recommend.
Ultimately, the G Cloud is perfect for players who want a handheld that they can use around the house to stream popular Xbox and PC games. Also suitable for people.
But the $350 G Cloud is a bit pricey, and the lack of mobile data makes it less appealing for travel than handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch. Where Switch lets you plug in a cartridge and play AAA games on the go, G Cloud requires access to Wi-Fi to reach its full potential.
If you already have a PC or Xbox as your primary gaming device, G Cloud is a great supplement for streaming games without hogging your TV, offering great performance for mobile titles and emulation. But if you’re a casual gamer, you’ll likely save money and get better service by simply pairing your phone with the controller.
