Handheld gaming has been on the rise since the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017. Many traditional gaming experiences have been taken on the go such as first-person shooters, JRPGs, and open-world adventure games. The momentum continued with the recent launch of Valve's Steam Deck in 2022, and Logitech and Tencent are teaming up for a new handheld gaming solution.Alongside native games on handheld devices such as Steam Deck and Switch, publishers have introduced cloud streaming into the mix. If deemed unfeasible on Switch, publishers may introduce cloud versions of major games such as Dying Light 2: Stay Human and Hitman 3, so Nintendo fans could try games that were unable to be ported over natively. Xbox also developed its own cloud streaming service, Xbox Cloud Gaming, to allow mobile users to stream major first-party titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite from an Android smartphone. Xbox Cloud Gaming is also accessible on PC alongside Nvidia's widely known GeForce Now streaming service.Logitech and Tencent announced a partnership to develop a new cloud gaming handheld console with a release planned for later this year. The new console will combine Logitech G's expertise in hardware with Tencent Games' expertise in software services. Additionally, Logitech is working with Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now cloud streaming teams for official support on the new console. Multiple cloud gaming services are expected to support Logitech and Tencent's new handheld platform.
“Logitech G’s leadership in PC and console gaming gear make them an ideal partner to help us realize the vision of bringing a better gaming experience to gamers around the globe,” said Daniel Wu, general manager of Tencent Games Smart Solution Innovation Lab. “Today marks the start of a new opportunity for our companies to further push the frontiers of gaming devices.” Logitech G general manager Ujesh Desai adds: “As one of the leading global platforms for game development, publishing and operations, Tencent Games has been at the forefront of innovation, and it’s why we partnered with them.”
The new partnership provides another handheld gaming option to stand alongside Steam Deck, Switch, and portable PC devices like the AOKZOE A1. Cloud gaming continues to grow with technological advancements, and the new console could introduce cloud gaming to players in regions such as Asia, one of Tencent's key markets. If developed to its highest potential, the new console may legitimize cloud gaming as a viable option for players who may be skeptical of the technology.
Unfortunately, it appears Logitech and Tencent's new console does not support native gaming through traditional means. Some players may still prefer Switch, which allows them to play native games and utilize cloud streaming for a number of games. Steam Deck offers similar benefits through a large catalog of Steam Deck compatible games and Xbox Cloud Gaming through Microsoft Edge.
Source: Logitech