Introduced by Logitech as “the first portable console specifically designed for cloud gaming”, the new Logitech G Cloud has all the credentials to revolutionize the world of portable video games. The console will arrive on the US market in the coming months and we can expect a launch in Europe in the first quarter of next year.
Between a climate of general enthusiasm and elements that arouse perplexity – above all the price – the announcement of the device has raised a contagious wave of curiosity. So let’s try to clarifygathering everything we know ahead of further official details.
Logitech G Cloud: un enorme tablet Android per i giochi in streaming
The console was born from a series of collaborations of Logitech G with giants of the videogame sector, such as Tencent, Microsoft e NVIDIA. The great peculiarity of Logitech G Cloud, unlike other portable consoles such as Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, lies in the fact that it is specifically designed for cloud gaming. And this involves some significant innovations, both technical and usable.
Actually, wanting to spoil all the poetry, the console is a grosso tablet Android, complete with a Google home operating system. The device will in fact be equipped with Google Play Store for downloading applications and all the apps of the Google ecosystem, from Gmail to YouTube via the Chrome browser.
In addition to these there is obviously the heart of the console: the cloud gaming. The device provides forimplementation with Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Steam Link catalogs. Which means that to play you will need to have active subscriptions to the aforementioned services. However, it will be possible to use free-to-play titles for free, such as Fortnite, simply by having a wi-fi connection.
At the moment there is no integration with Sony titleswhich recently implemented cloud gaming in the renewed PlayStation Plus. However, it cannot be ruled out that this aspect may change in the future.
Old to the cloud however the console will also allow you to download mobile games from Play Store (occupying physical memory, however) and of remotely play games on your Xbox or PC console.
All the benefits of cloud gaming – goodbye storage space
We could spend hours debating the concept of streaming video games, discussing whether this form is really the future of the video game industry. But wanting to bypass all the philosophical dissertations of the case, it is enough for us to know that a purely cloud console brings with it numerous noteworthy features.
First of all we can say goodbye to the age-old problem of storage space – with the need to constantly uninstall games or spend extra money on external memory – as all streaming games do not require storage space. Despite this Logitech G Cloud will come with a memory of 64Gb (which will mainly be used for apps and any mobile games). But for those who want to expand the space, the device will be equipped with a microSD slot.
Not requiring a lot of computational effort to run the titles, Logitech G Cloud will be almost totally passive. Which means the console does not require air intakes (fans are absent)making it use absolutely silent. We can therefore expect a device that it will rarely heat up, unless it is put under strain by starting heavy games locally (the mobile titles that we can download from the Google Play Store). The absence of all these physical components will also positively affect the design of the console, which will weigh solo 463gtherefore perfect for travel.
Buttons and technical features
It has been confirmed that the console will feature a classic button layout. This means that on the back we will find the two analog triggers eh two digital buttonswhile on the front the two analog sticks they will be arranged asymmetrically (like on Xbox controllers). Just above the right analog stick there will be the canons 4 action buttons (X, A, Y, B), while on the left side we will find the inevitable D-Pad a croce.
Also present a home button to quit the games (bottom right), a pause button (bottom left) e two menu buttons on the two elevated sides of the screen. The spring lever for ignition will be positioned on the upper edge, immediately next to the two keys for adjusting the volume.
About the screen: Logitech G Cloud will have a display touch Full HD da 7 polliciwith resolution 1920×1080 (16: 9). The touch, as well as to navigate between the apps, will be usable for playing (even if, on paper, it seems absolutely uncomfortable). Also present the vibration for the diehards of total immersion.
In addition to the indispensable wi-fi – without which cloud gaming remains only a beautiful utopia – the console will have the Bluetooth support. This will allow you to connect any controller or even other devices, such as wireless headphones (if you do not want to use the integrated speaker). The headsets can also be connected with the cable, thanks to the canonical input mini-jack da 3,5 mm.
From the hardware point of view, as far as we know, the integrated chip will be a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720gwhich will power the octa core CPU up to 2.3Gh.
The battery life is definitely amazing. Logitech has promised that the device will have the incredible autonomy of 12 hours, with support for fast charging via USB-C. From the various tests performed we know that the console recharges to 100% in just over two hours.
How much will Logitech G Cloud cost? And when will it arrive in Italy?
The console, for the moment, has been announced for the American and Canadian market only, where the October 17, 2022. However, the announcement of the price, which was decidedly high for a console of this type, made many people turn up their noses. It should in fact be taken into account that, in addition to the purchase of the device, users must have subscriptions to their respective cloud catalogs (Game Pass, GeForce).
The announced price is 349,99$, discounted at $ 299.99 for those who pre-order. Prices and release dates for Europe have not yet been announced, but it should arrive in early 2023. However, it is difficult to expect substantial price differences compared to American pricing.