Logitech's Gaming Handhelds Are an Overpriced Entry in a Crowded Market

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Logitech is the latest gaming competitor in the handheld and streaming markets. We entered the Logitech G Cloud as our first product to compete with the likes of Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Stadia, Luna (and smartphones).

For a detailed breakdown of what’s involved, see the G Cloud announcement post. Pre-order for $300, but it is unknown how long this sale will last). So will it become the next big thing, or will it fade into obscurity?

why does it exist?

G cloud gaming handheld grinning

Source: Logitech

Over the last few years, handheld and streaming technology has advanced rapidly. On the handheld side, we have the Nintendo Switch (which is slightly grayed out for its 6th birthday) and the Steam Deck (a new entrant to the handheld wars). On the streaming side, tech giants such as Google and Amazon have been throwing big bucks into somewhat dubious products.

None of these markets show signs of slowing down, with Steam Deck demonstrating just how powerful handheld devices can be and Nvidia’s streaming service GeForce Now offering reliable 1440p streaming at 120FPS. I’m here.

Hence the Logitech G Cloud. A $350 device with a 1080p 60hz screen, brand new Snapdragon 720G gaming chip, headphone jack (!) and support for Play Store, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam Link and Nvidia GeForce Now. This is an interesting concept. Especially since he will be competing for two markets at once, so his hands are full. That said, it could carve a niche in the already packed world of gaming hardware.

for whom?

At $350, this is no casual purchase. It’s $50 less than the Steam Deck and the same price as the IPS Nintendo Switch model. However, thanks to Logitech’s streaming partnership, G Cloud can play just about any game these platforms have to offer (with the obvious exception of Nintendo exclusives).

In fact, the only serious hardware competition is from people who own cell phones, which is…all people. Instead of shelling out $350, you can buy him one of the best Android controllers for just $50.install Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce NowWhen steam link You get a device that does everything the G cloud can do for a fraction of the price (if you already own a phone).

Of course, this is not how Logitech sells new toys. Maybe you’re not rocking him one of the best Android phones and just want a dedicated handheld device that can play most games without fuss.

logitech-handheld-1

Source: Logitech

How will it compete with existing platforms? As mentioned earlier, Logitech’s entry into the handheld market puts it in direct competition with Valve and Nintendo. However, as a dedicated streaming device, G Cloud is a clear alternative.

One of the biggest advantages of handheld devices is that you can take them anywhere in the world for your gaming session. But when it comes to streaming, you’re at the mercy of spotty Wi-Fi signals. Most public transport offers Wi-Fi service, but can you believe that airlines’ expensive Wi-Fi doesn’t cut off at the moment that matters? , so you don’t suffer from these issues.

But what about streaming at home? Google and Amazon are steadily on track with their respective platforms, despite evidence that they struggle to meet their yearly targets for game releases. Stadia and Luna are Android devices, so they’re easily accessible on G Cloud, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy hardware for either of these streaming platforms. You can play them without additional investment in multiple devices.

G Cloud Gaming Handheld (1)

Source: Logitech

So what makes G Cloud stand out?

G Cloud’s main selling point seems to be its accessibility. You’ll have to buy multiple subscriptions to get the most out of it, but the knowledge that you can sit back and play anything from Halo Infinite to the best Android games in seconds is definitely a plus.

While it doesn’t offer the power of Steam Decks or the full flexibility of streaming services due to the high hardware costs, G Cloud has everything you need to play console-quality games in seconds. This is an interesting concept.

The cost of the hardware is a drawback, and given that you’re not doing the heavy lifting of streaming games, it might be your best option, especially for those who use console emulators.

logitech-handheld-2

Source: Logitech

Should I buy G Cloud?

As a dedicated device that can play both local and streaming games, G Cloud offers advantages over other handheld and streaming platforms. However, other than having to own a dedicated device for streaming/emulator, it’s hard to say exactly why it’s a better alternative than snapping a controller to your phone.

We’ll have to see what the price will be when it launches in October, but there’s no question that price will be a stumbling block for many gamers.

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