Logitech G Cloud review (2024) portable cloud gaming system

The Logitech G Cloud is a strange piece of technology. On paper, it looks like a good idea. It’s a portable cloud gaming system that lets you play games right away by using the magic of the cloud. This would make it great for gamers who want to jump right into games and not waste time downloading large install files or changing game settings to save precious minutes of battery life.

In reality, though, the G Cloud can’t really compete in the growing handheld gaming market because its streaming performance isn’t always good, it costs a lot, and it can only be used in certain ways. Even though it looks like a stylish mix of the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch, you shouldn’t compare it to either of them.

Logitech G Cloud specifications

Logitech G Cloud review: Design and Features

At its core, the Logitech G Cloud is a 7-inch Android tablet built into a custom hardware shell. It has everything you’d expect from a modern gaming controller, like dual analogue sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, bumpers and triggers, as well as option buttons, a home button, and what Logitech calls the G button.

Inside the G Cloud is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, which is a midrange 8-core processor that has been around for almost three years and is designed for efficiency over power. In cloud gaming, most of the hard work is done on the server, so this isn’t a big deal. But don’t expect cutting-edge performance if you plan to download games from the Google Play store and play them locally. You can buy this from its Logitech G Cloud official website

Logitech G Cloud review: Display

The G Cloud’s handheld mode can be set to stock Android 11, where the standard app gestures will work. That interface isn’t made for physical controls, so tapping and swiping the big screen will work better.

When it comes to the screen, it’s great. The 7-inch, 1080p, 60Hz IPS touch LCD on the G Cloud is bright and full of colours. It’s also much sharper than the 720p screens on the Switch and Switch Lite and the 1,280-by-800 screen on the Steam Deck.

Logitech G Cloud review: Hardware

Streaming from Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now is very easy to use as long as you have a good internet connection, but you may still run into latency problems. But the price keeps it from being the ultra-convenient device that you can just pick up and use.

At $350, you’re asking a lot from someone who can buy a good Android tablet with better hardware that can do the same thing for about the same price. Or you could spend a little more and get a Steam Deck or whatever Razer is making.

Logitech G Cloud review: Performance and battery Life

Most of my time with G Cloud was spent in the cloud, and when everything worked, it felt like magic. There were times when the system’s great controls and smooth performance made me forget that we were streaming these games from the internet. For example, in Halo Infinite, we could zipline across a huge battlefield, and in Vampire Survivors, we could cut down hordes of demons.

The Snapdragon 720G processor in the handheld was also powerful enough to play the latest Android games locally. Games like Diablo Immortal and Rocket League Sideswipe ran smoothly and worked right away with the built-in controls.

Logitech G Cloud review: Software

The Logitech G Cloud comes with Android 11 as its operating system. This is a strange choice, since Android 13 just came out on some devices a few months ago, but I don’t think most users will be interested in the newest Android features.

You can use the G Cloud in “Tablet Mode” to get the full Android 11 tablet experience, but it’s better to play in “Handheld Mode,” which adds a launcher similar to the home screen of the Nintendo Switch, with tiles that slide down in order of most recent use to give it a more console-like feel.

Logitech G Cloud review: Price and availability

The Logitech G Cloud normally costs $350, but it is on sale for $300 until the end of the year. Either way, it’s very expensive for a system whose main purpose is to stream games from the cloud, which you can already do on almost any device you own.

With its easy-to-use snap-on controls, the $100 Backbone One turns your phone into a mini game console, giving you a similar experience for a lot less money. This kind of setup has some downsides, like playing on a smaller screen and draining your phone‘s battery, and you might have to deal with notifications that get in the way. 

Final Words

The Logitech G Cloud is a great portable console for playing games in the cloud and on Android. It looks great, feels great, can play a tonne of games, and performs well under the right conditions.

You can attach a cheap controller to your phone and get a similar experience, but you’ll have to keep snapping it on and off and deal with the battery draining and annoying notifications. The G Cloud is easy to play and won’t get in the way.

FAQs

Is the Logitech G Cloud worth it?

Bottom line. The Logitech G Cloud is a very good handheld console for playing games in the cloud or on Android by itself. It looks great, feels great, can play a tonne of games, and performs well under the right conditions.

Which is the best cloud gaming service?

But from a gamer’s point of view, there are really only four big options for gaming, as opposed to general PCs-as-a-service like Shadow or closed-network solutions like console remote play or Steam Link. These four are: Xbox Cloud Gaming is part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is one of our best game subscription services.

Why is cloud gaming so popular?

Without having to download tens of gigabytes of a new game before being able to play it, cloud gaming gives gamers instant access to the newest games, as long as they have a good Internet connection. This gives consumers more gaming options and lets them try new things.