In today’s world, portable consoles are gaining popularity once again, and the good news is that there is something for everyone. We have the ever-present Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck which has revolutionized PC gaming, and machines like the Asus ROG Ally that prioritize raw performance.
Logitech didn’t want to miss out on the party and introduced its own portable console, the Logitech G Cloud. What sets it apart from other consoles is its focus on cloud services. This is both its biggest strength and its greatest weakness.
- Great display
- Quality control of the console
- Ergonomic design
- Good performance when emulating and streaming local games
- Price is quite high
- Internal specifications out of date
Main features of the Logitech G Cloud
| Logitech G Cloud | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions and weight | Linear haptics 6-axis IMU sensor Ambient light sensor |
| Screen | 7-inch IPS FullHD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) 18:9 aspect ratio 60 Hz refresh rate 450 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 720G |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Internal storage | 64 GB expandable with microSD cards |
| Battery | 6,000 mAh Up to 12 hours of autonomy |
| Software | Android 11 customized by Logitech |
| Connectivity | WiFi ac Bluetooth 5.1 USB Type-C 3.5mm jack |
| Buttons | ABXY D-Pad 2x joystick L1, R1 L2, R2 G-Button Power button Volume buttons |
| Audio | Stereo speakers 2 x noise-canceling microphones aptX Adaptive |
| Others | Linear haptics 6-axis IMU sensor Ambient light sensor |
| Price |
Design: Superior Comfort and Premium Build
The Logitech G Cloud feels instantly familiar and comfortable when you hold it in your hands. Very few devices offer such a satisfying grip, which speaks volumes about its ergonomic design. While everyone’s hands and preferences may differ, the Logitech G Cloud fits like a glove.
The console is made of high-quality plastic that feels sturdy. The wide and rounded grips provide a secure hold, even for those who tend to sweat while gaming.
At 463 grams, the Logitech G Cloud strikes a good balance between being lightweight and well-balanced, ensuring that you won’t experience fatigue during long gaming sessions. In fact, you can easily hold the console with one hand while sipping on a cup of coffee with the other.
The absence of active cooling allows the console to remain compact and lightweight. While this limits the hardware’s performance, it’s a worthwhile trade-off considering the intended focus on cloud gaming.
The button and connector placement is well thought out. At the bottom, you’ll find the speakers, headphone jack, and USB-C port. The USB connection is conveniently located both at the top and bottom, but the 3.5mm jack at the bottom is more preferable.
The speakers, however, would have been better placed on the front for improved audio quality and an immersive experience. This would have also partially compensated for their relatively low volume.
While the speakers do a decent job, for a superior audio experience, it is recommended to use wired or wireless headphones.
On the top edge, there is a microSD card slot for expanding the storage capacity, volume controls, sleep switch, bumpers, and triggers.
The triggers provide a smooth response, making rapid pressing easy, while the elongated horizontal design of the triggers may require some adjustment for games that require precise control over a larger range of motion.
The buttons and sticks on the front of the console may feel unusual at first, but they offer precise controls, good range of motion, and tactile feedback. Despite the lack of a pronounced concave shape, they are comfortable to use and deliver a great gaming experience.
During a private media presentation, I inquired about the infamous stick drifting issue that affects many controllers. Logitech assured that they have taken this concern into consideration both in terms of design and software, allowing users to adjust the dead zone of the sticks if needed.
The D-pad is worth mentioning for its precision and tactile feedback. Its ergonomic shape and design make diagonal movements in 2D games effortless and enjoyable.
Beneath the D-pad, there is a Logitech-branded button that serves various functions depending on the context, such as opening the Steam menu in Steam Link. On the right side, you’ll find the Home button, the second stick, and the classic ABXY buttons that work flawlessly.
Located near the top edge of the console are the Start and Select buttons, which double up as screenshot buttons when pressed simultaneously. In the center, there is a stunning screen and two microphones.
Screen: Impressive Display with Optimal Aspect Ratio for Gaming
The screen of the Logitech G Cloud is undoubtedly its standout feature. Although the technical specifications may not seem extraordinary, consisting of a 7-inch IPS panel with FullHD resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate, the gaming experience it delivers far exceeds expectations.
The IPS panel offers excellent image quality, with suitable contrast levels. While the contrast may be slightly higher than perfect, it is well-suited for gaming. Additionally, the color configurations can be adjusted to personal preference, just like any other Android device.
The aspect ratio of the screen is especially noteworthy. As someone who often plays games using Microsoft’s cloud gaming service, I find the black bars on the sides of my phone screen to be bothersome. However, the Logitech G Cloud, with its native console and PC game aspect ratio, eliminates those black bars, allowing games to fill the entire screen. Despite its 7-inch size, the wider aspect ratio gives it a comparable visual experience to larger phone screens. Overall, it is well-suited for gaming, considering the usual viewing distance.
The touch sensitivity of the screen is fantastic, although the glossy finish tends to attract smudges and fingerprints. The pre-applied screen protector is recommended to keep the display protected, and if removed, a tempered glass screen protector compatible with the console’s format can be added for added durability.
While the glossy finish does cause occasional reflections, the brightness of the display compensates for them. With a brightness rating of 450 nits, the screen remains easily readable even outdoors under indirect sunlight. An ambient light sensor is present to automatically adjust brightness, although it did not seem to function correctly during my two weeks of testing.
Performance and Experience: Power of Android and Xbox Series X in the Cloud
When it comes to cloud gaming, the screen and controls are essential, but let’s not overlook the internals of the Logitech G Cloud, as they play a crucial role in its overall performance.
Let’s start with the hardware. The heart of the console is the Snapdragon 720G, a SoC from early 2020 that may be outdated by today’s standards. With 64 GB of storage (of which ‘Diablo Immortal’ and ‘Honkai: Star Rail’ already occupy more than half), accompanied by 4 GB of RAM, the limitations become apparent. It is worth noting that some Android games may not support physical controls, necessitating the use of touch controls.
While the hardware may seem modest, it is more than sufficient for cloud gaming, as the SoC does not bear the burden of running the games. However, the limitations become evident when considering the console’s broader capabilities as an Android device.
For instance, while playing ‘Diablo Immortal’, I had to lower the settings to the lowest and limit the frame rate to 30 FPS, as my hardware supposedly did not support higher frame rates. Even with these settings, the frame rate was not entirely stable in certain areas of the game.
Considering the console’s price, Logitech could have opted for a more current mid-range SoC, either from MediaTek or Qualcomm. While it doesn’t detract from the console’s intended purpose of cloud gaming, it does limit the performance of native Android games.
Despite the hardware limitations, the SoC does not exhibit any signs of overheating. During my testing, the console’s temperature remained well within comfortable limits, even when playing games in the cloud and recording the screen simultaneously.
The console’s system offers convenient features accessible through a quick access bar that appears when the Home button is held down. From here, you can activate airplane mode, adjust brightness and volume, access system sound effects, and enter sleep mode.
Regarding the system, the user experience is excellent. The Logitech G Cloud runs on Android 11, customized with Logitech’s own skin. During the initial setup, users can choose between a tablet format (pure Android interface) or a console format with Logitech’s custom skin. From my experience, the console format is the optimal choice. It is designed for seamless control with the console’s buttons, offers smooth performance, and is free from any significant bugs or issues. It is evident that attention to detail has been given to the UI animations and overall user experience.
The system’s design is well-engineered, with a central carousel displaying recently used apps, the Play Store conveniently located in a fixed position, and a space below for pinning commonly used applications. Personally, I have pinned gaming services and YouTube for quick access. The top of the screen houses the gallery, user profile, and settings.
Now, let’s discuss the gaming experience. It may be surprising that I have reached this point in the review without discussing it in depth, considering the console’s primary purpose. However, the answer is not so straightforward; it largely depends on your internet connection. With a symmetrical 1 Gbps connection, achieving speeds of around 300 Mbps in speed tests, my internet connection has proven more than sufficient for optimal gaming conditions. Interestingly, the Logitech G Cloud performs better on 2.4 GHz networks compared to 5 GHz networks, even when in close proximity to the router.
The standout feature of the Logitech G Cloud is its compatibility with Game Pass (a separate subscription is required). Games optimized for the console deliver excellent controls and gameplay. Titles such as ‘Forza Horizon 5’, ‘Halo Infinite’, 2D platformers, and fighting games feel incredibly immersive, especially when combined with the Logitech G Cloud’s exceptional controls. Precision-heavy games like ‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ are easily playable without any issues.
While the visual quality may not be the best due to the nature of cloud gaming, it remains perfectly playable with more than decent video compression. That being said, certain games like ‘Deathloop’ or ‘Ghostwire Tokyo’ have slightly stiffer controls and camera acceleration, making them slightly more challenging to master. The same applies to ‘Redfall’, although it is worth noting that I would not recommend playing ‘Redfall’, as highlighted in the review by my colleagues at 3DJuegos.
I frequently use Steam Link, and in terms of visual performance, it surpasses the Xbox gaming service. While it requires a powerful PC for certain games, the proximity of the “server” elevates the experience. Additionally, Nvidia GeForce Now is also available, although I personally use it less frequently due to my PC’s capabilities. Ultimately, Steam Link is my preferred choice.
The cloud gaming experience on the Logitech G Cloud is excellent overall. Combined with the stunning screen and exceptional controls, I have not powered on my Xbox Series X for several weeks. However, it is worth noting that the console lacks built-in 4G or 5G connectivity, limiting its portability. While it is possible to use your phone as a hotspot, doing so drains your phone’s battery. It would have been beneficial for the console to include dedicated antennas for improved mobility. Perhaps this is something Logitech can consider in future iterations, as there are similar proposals that prioritize mobile connectivity.
Battery Life: Over 10 Hours of Gameplay without Compromises
Regarding battery life, there is little to complain about. With a 6,000 mAh battery, Logitech claims that the console can provide up to twelve hours of gameplay with volume and brightness set to 50%.
In my experience, it is difficult to deplete the battery completely, and Logitech’s estimates are accurate. During one hour of gameplay under the specified parameters, the battery level only dropped by nine percent.
The console charges linearly and takes approximately three hours to reach full capacity. The included 18W charger is nothing extraordinary, but the console can be charged with any compatible charger, including power banks for gaming on the go.
Logitech G Cloud: Veredict and opinion
Concluding this review of the Logitech G Cloud, there are mixed emotions. The console’s design is exceptionally comfortable, thanks to its ergonomic grips, well-placed buttons, and responsive controls.
The sticks, despite their unconventional feel, offer precise control and a good range of motion. The D-pad is one of the most comfortable and precise D-pads I have encountered on a controller. The screen is outstanding, the weight distribution is excellent, and the overall build quality showcases Logitech’s expertise in hardware design.
Although the hardware may seem outdated, it still performs admirably in the realm of cloud gaming—a testament to the SoC’s optimized purpose. The Logitech G Cloud proves itself in its intended role as a cloud gaming console.
However, there are two significant limitations to consider. Firstly, the lack of built-in 4G or 5G connectivity prevents true portability, requiring users to rely on their phone’s data. Secondly, the dynamics of cloud gaming, particularly with Xbox Game Pass, depend heavily on the availability of games in the catalog. While this may not be a significant concern, it is something to keep in mind.
Interestingly, despite featuring relatively outdated hardware compared to other consoles, the Logitech G Cloud will fare better in the future as it primarily relies on the cloud for gaming experiences. If you fully embrace cloud gaming and seek an alternative to the black bars on your phone’s screen, the Logitech G Cloud is undoubtedly worth considering. After all, it competes against your phone—the device you already have in your pocket.
See Logitech G Cloud price
Long-Battery Life, 1080P 7-Inch Touchscreen, Lightweight Design
Recommended accesories forLogitech G Cloud price
Protective Hard Exterior, Detachable Strap - Black
