The Logitech G Cloud is not a Steam Deck competitor, and it’s not trying to be. While the bulk of the conversation around handhelds lately has been whether it can compete with Valve’s portable PC, many companies are trying to find their own niche and deliver something different. That’s exactly what Logitech is trying to do with the G Cloud.

Built as a handheld cloud streaming device, the Logitech G Cloud is designed with a focus on services like xCloud and GeForce Now. Cloud streaming has become better and better as time has gone on, but there aren’t a ton of devices that target the market. Moreover, there are not a lot with the brand recognition of Logitech.

Logitech G Cloud Design

The design of the Logitech G Cloud is sturdy and comfortable, fitting a common form factor for the handheld market. It comes in one all-white version with some black and yellow accents, with a 7-inch FHD display that is plenty bright at 450 nits. The screen supports touch menu navigation, or users can switch between apps using the d-pad, joysticks, XBAY buttons, and some dedicated buttons as well.

Its offset joysticks have enough texture on them to be easy to use and the triggers offer enough resistance to not feel cheap. The triggers are a bit bulky and rounded compared to some traditional controller offerings, but not enough to be a dealbreaker. The handheld also supports haptics for a nice rumble touch where applicable.

Overall, what Logitech has put together is a well-built device that should meet the standards of any gamer that has used a Switch or Steam Deck before. Its stereo audio speakers have no noticeable distortion or make games sound bad, and it has a set of built-in microphones for those that might venture into multiplayer. There is also a headphone jack and Bluetooth support to cover all the audio bases. Using a handheld with a large screen in the center does take some getting used to for the uninitiated, but Logitech has paid attention to what does and doesn’t work on these types of devices and made sure the G Cloud doesn’t venture outside of the familiar.

Software and UI

Using the Logitech G Cloud is intuitive thanks to a UI that is clear and informative. Logitech has opted for a tile view for its apps that allows the user to cycle between them by moving/swiping left or right. Granted, there are not a lot of cloud streaming apps out there, and even less so once Stadia officially shuts down, but menu navigation is intuitive and simple.

Logitech has also built the G Cloud to easily switch from a handheld mode with easy gaming app access to a full PC browsing mode. With the touch of a button and a few confirmations, the Logitech G Cloud can become a handheld tablet for pulling up a browser tab or doing some light PC work. It’s obviously not going to replace a PC or a dedicated tablet, but the option is there.

In our testing, the Logitech G Cloud pairs well with the cloud streaming apps that it offers. Jumping through cloud-based games on Game Pass is quick and easy and, internet quality notwithstanding, is as close to a handheld console experience as users can get.

GeForce Now was a bit more finicky with the service sometimes struggling to acknowledge that the handheld was, in fact, a handheld. This is something that Logitech can easily streamline by working with Nvidia but it seems like the recognition might vary between games. It’s not too dissimilar from the experience of trying to use a controller on PC, and usually an app restart would clear up any issue we experienced.

Logitech boasts that the G Cloud can offer up to 12 hours of battery life but mileage will vary when gaming. We got close to about 9 hours without making any major adjustments and could squeeze out another hour by tweaking the brightness. Nonetheless, that’s an impressive amount of gaming time for this type of handheld and will keep users occupied on the go.

But while the Logitech G Cloud succeeds in delivering a cloud streaming handheld device that feels comfortable in the hands, supports the current standards for streaming apps, and has a great battery life, the price is what makes it hard to recommend. As of this writing, the Logitech G Cloud is on sale for $299, but its usual price point is $349. That’s on par with the Nintendo Switch, but without any exclusive games, the Logitech G Cloud feels more like an add-on. It’s like a travel console but without being a dedicated gaming device. As mentioned, there are still going to be limitations when it comes to cloud-based streaming, specifically the strength of a Wi-Fi connection (G Cloud currently does not offer a 5G option).

There is definitely a niche within the gaming world that will find the Logitech G Cloud meets all their needs, but it seems pretty narrow at this point. What the device offers is impressive; however it doesn’t replace or add in the way a Switch or Steam Deck do. Not to mention that larger mobile phones with a Backbone or Razer Kishi attachment will be able to mimic the Logitech G Cloud experience, albeit at a higher price but smart phones are an essential piece of tech these days.

Those that see cloud gaming as an essential piece of their gaming lives should check out the Logitech G Cloud, especially during the current sale. What Logitech has put together is very well-made and has that same pick-up-and-play functionality that a lot of great handhelds offer.

Logitech G Cloud is available now. Game ZXC was provided a unit for this review.