What is the Logitech G Cloud and should you buy one? | Daily News Byte

When you think of Logitech, you probably think of computer peripherals, but instead of speakers and keyboards, Logitech wants you to associate their brand with something else: gaming. We take a look at the Logitech G Cloud to see if it’s worth buying.

What is Logitech G Cloud?

The Logitech G Cloud is a portable gaming device. With apps like the Steam Deck and others gaining popularity and generating a lot of buzz, it’s no wonder Logitech wants to throw its hat in the ring. Given the name of this Android mobile gaming device, the “G Cloud,” it’s clear that Logitech wants to market this to cloud gaming. However, even though it runs on Android, it can run native Android apps, so you can run Android games and various emulators.

Equipment specifications

• CPU: Snapdragon 720G 8-core
• GPU: Adreno 618
• RAM: 4GB DDR4X
• Storage: 64GB Internal (expandable up to 1TB via microSD card)
• Description: 7-inch 1920 x 1080 60Hz IPS display @ 450 nits
• Add: Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1
• Bath: 6,000 mAh (supports Quick Charge 3.0)

Unique features

Cloud Games

The Logitech G Cloud is, first and foremost, a cloud gaming app, so your experience with it will vary depending on your internet speed. Cloud gaming and game streaming require a lot of bandwidth. If your network can’t handle it, then the Logitech G Cloud is reduced to a very expensive Android tablet with some limited capabilities.

If you have enough internet, the G Cloud is compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming with Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, which translates into a beautiful library of games. Additionally, you can stream games on your Xbox via Remote Play and PC games via Steam Link. Unfortunately, if you’re a PS4/PS5 owner, you’ve got a reason. Although the PS Remote Play app is based on the G Cloud, it does not recognize the built-in controls, and cannot be used.

Android OS

The Logitech G Cloud runs Android 11 and comes pre-installed with Google Play, so you can download and install any app from the Google Play Store. Native Android games are provided, but you can install any console emulator. Of course, your mileage will vary with each emulator depending on the emulator’s system requirements and ROM compatibility – but the feature itself makes G Cloud a very capable retro player. In addition, you can download and install any software you want, although the use of non-gaming software is affected by the fact that the G Cloud is a gaming device.

Use of Logitech G Cloud

Battery life

The 6,000 mAh battery is pretty good, and Logitech says you can squeeze about 12 hours of life out of a single charge. It’s amazing, but it’s important to take that picture with a grain of salt. Real-world battery life will be determined by many factors such as screen brightness and gaming demands. That being said, the battery life of the Logitech G Cloud is better compared to something like the Steam Deck because the G Cloud runs on an ARM processor – these devices are designed work to eliminate limited power.

Planning

The Logitech G Cloud is cheaper than the Steam Deck. Also, it features a seven-inch 1080p IPS display. Sure, it’s only 1080p, but it’s still pretty good, and compared to the Switch’s 720p screen and the Steam Deck’s 1280 x 800 screen, it stands out. In addition, Logitech has assured future customers that the G Cloud will be comfortable to hold, with excellent ergonomics and a lighter body than its competitors. .

Native Android Games

Because G Cloud runs on Android rather than Windows or Linux, you can run Android apps. With Google Play pre-installed, you can sign in to your account and start installing your favorite Android games as soon as you take the device out of the box.

The comparison

Speaking of Android apps, console emulators for Android have come a long way, and there are a ton to choose from. In real user testing, the Logitech G Cloud can run almost every emulator available for Android. Although the level of gameplay varies, some of the more demanding emulators such as Dolphin (Gamecube/Wii) and AetherSX2 (PS2) can be played.

Disadvantages of Logitech G Cloud

Emotional Support

The built-in versions will not work with some games such as Call of Duty Mobile, as the game only supports Xbox and PlayStation controllers. You can play the game on the Logitech G Cloud; however, you will be forced to use the touchscreen controls, which is awkward, to say the least. For some games, such as Genshin Impact, it is possible to use built-in controls with a third-party app. However, it’s a shame that the built-in controls don’t work out of the box.

Also, while the Logitech G Cloud supports the PS Remote Play app, it doesn’t recognize the G Cloud’s built-in controls, so you’ll be stuck using the on-screen controls if you want. stream PlayStation games from your PS4 or console PS5. Some Reddit users have reported that the PSPlay app, a free PS5 & PS4 Remote Play app, works with the G Cloud’s built-in capabilities, so if you’re comfortable running a third-party app , a function appears.

Only supports Wi-Fi 5

This is not a big problem, but when using a cloud gaming service, you need to make sure that you have a fast and stable internet connection. Wi-Fi 5 has no problem with things like Xbox Cloud Gaming; however, we’re a little surprised that the Logitech G Cloud doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6. Doing so will eliminate concerns about future proofing.

Also, there is no 5G capability. Unfortunately, cloud gaming requires a WiFi connection. For all intents and purposes, this limits the device’s portability within the home itself. Although it can be connected to a hotspot, you may experience latency issues while doing so.

Price

The Logitech G Cloud is, at its core, an Android tablet with built-in capabilities. Therefore, we think that at its current price of $ 350, the device is more expensive. It’s not as powerful as the devices it wants to compete with. Also, it lacks some features that could make it better, such as the OLED screen. If the price comes down, the Logitech G Cloud is on our radar. However, at this time, the price is not reasonable.

Alternatives to G Cloud

• Your Android phone/tablet: the specs on the Logitech G Cloud are great, and it does what you want it to do. However, there are Android phones and tablets that have better specs. You can run various native Android games and cloud gaming services directly from your existing device. That said, you should stick to touchscreen controls. However, this can be easily fixed by connecting your existing device with an adapter.

• Steam Deck and more: It’s not really fair to compare the Logitech G Cloud to the Steam Deck or other devices like the Aya Neo, since the G Cloud runs on an integrated ARM processor, while Steam Deck and the like run on x86 architecture. The game works best with an x86 device. Check out ARM compatible games on Steam – the list isn’t long. However, x86 devices tend to be larger and have mediocre battery life.

• Other Android handsets: there are many Android mobile phones in the market. Odin Lite and Retroid 3 have been released for gaming consoles running Android. The prices of these tools vary; however, the details of these are not as good as those found on the G Cloud. So when it comes to power, the Logitech G Cloud wins.

Should you buy a Logitech G Cloud?

The Logitech G Cloud is a well-designed piece that does what it says. However, we don’t know who this device belongs to. The G Cloud is just an Android tablet with a controller attached to it. If you are an Android user, then you probably have a phone or tablet that can do the same.

Also, the current price of the Logitech G Cloud is high. At the time of this writing, Logitech is charging $350 US for the G Cloud. When you consider the fact that you can get your hands on a Steam Deck for just $50 more, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Given a reduction in price, it’s not a bad piece of technology. The Logitech G Cloud is a great device with good quality buttons and a beautiful screen. It has a bit of a problem under the hood, but it handles the game well and supports Google Play, so you can run real Android games and emulators. This makes for an easy machine – if the price is right.

Photo credit: Pexels