published: 2022-09-28T17:55:28
Updated: 2022-09-28T17:55:51
Logitech G has unveiled their Android-based Cloud Gaming Handheld, which allows gamers to stream games from the cloud via Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), GeForce NOW and more.
Since the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, handheld game consoles have become increasingly popular.
The Ayaneo Air Pro and the oh-so-popular Valve Steam Deck are both popular handheld PCs, but what about gamers who love to play mobile games but also stream games from the cloud?
Logitech G is here to solve that problem with the Cloud Gaming Handheld. The company is launching for $349.99 and is offering a pre-order special that will lower the price to $299.99 from September 21 to October 17.
We’ve had the device in our hands for about a week now and are excited to share the first look at it.
Technical specifications:
- Operating system: Android 11
- Processor: Snapdragon 720G
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz/5GHz – Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C
- Display: 7″ IPS touch screen, 1080p, 60hz
- Battery: 6000mAh, lasts 12 hours (under normal playing conditions)
- Storage: 64 GB, supports MicroSD expansion
- Weight: 463g
- Price: $349.99
- Other possibilities: Haptic feedback, 3-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C headphone support, fast charging
What’s in the box: Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld, Power Adapter, USB-A to USB-C Cable, User Documentation
Design and comfort
The Logitech Cloud Gaming Handheld comes with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), GeForce NOW and Steam Link.
If you’ve played the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode for a while, you already have a pretty good idea of how the device looks and feels in your hand.
On the front, it has an Xbox-esque control layout. On the left, you’ll see the back button, the left stick, the d-pad, and a bright yellow button with the Logitech G logo that works similarly to Microsoft’s Xbox button.
On the right you can see the home button, the ABXY button cluster, the right stick and the home button of the device which sends you back to the well-designed gaming overlay.
If you look at the top of the Cloud Gaming handheld, you’ll see the left and right buttons and triggers, as well as volume controls, a power switch, and the MicroSD expansion slot. Turn it down and you’ll see the fast-charging USB-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack for your favorite headset. The Cloud handheld also supports your favorite headset via Bluetooth.
The Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld has improved the comfort of their device compared to the Switch with more rounded, ergonomic handles with textured backs. During our testing, we found that the grip was perfectly designed for our hands, as our fingers fell right into place and we didn’t feel any discomfort yet.
Set up the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld
The Logitech Cloud Gaming Handheld also allows you to remap all buttons on the device.
Since the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld is an Android 11 device, setting it up is quite simple.
Once you boot up the device, you’ll be given the option to sign into your Google account to access the included Play Store and other Google apps like YouTube Music, Google Drive, and more.
You then get the usual options to share information with Google and Logitech, and you get the option to choose between normal or gaming mode, which takes you to the usual Android tablet UI or the gaming overlay.
From there, find (or download) your favorite apps, log in, and get started.
What’s it like to game in the cloud?
The Logitech Cloud Gaming Handheld also comes with the Google Play Store, so you can install other apps without any hassle.
With Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta), we were able to quickly log into our Microsoft account and get a wide variety of games to jump into right away. In You Suck At Parking and Disney Dreamlight Valley, we noticed very little latency, and our gigabit internet connection was able to provide near-perfect graphics.
Nvidia’s GeForce NOW allowed us to play most of our own PC collection through their own cloud-based streaming with minimal loading times and access to more games beyond what’s available on Game Pass. It also offers up to 1080p at 60 fps gameplay.
However, Steam Link is the streaming app that we believe offers the best gaming performance on the Logitech G Cloud. It plugs into your PC’s Steam installation and gives you close to 1:1 performance in terms of both latency and rendering performance.
We launched Deathloop through the app and couldn’t see at all that we were streaming it from our PC in the other room, which is a huge plus for anyone who wants to play PC games without having to sit at your setup.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld is the perfect device for those who want to take advantage of Cloud Gaming.
It is lightweight, fast and provides suitable gaming performance for a vast majority of gamers who want to play their favorite titles on the go in an extremely comfortable device made by one of the most popular companies in the industry.
Stay tuned for our full review of the Cloud Gaming Handheld coming in the near future.
In paid partnership with Logitech.
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