Portable cloud gaming devices are becoming increasingly popular, offering players new freedom to enjoy console-quality gaming wherever they go. Two products at the forefront of this trend are the Logitech G Cloud and Steam Deck. As a tech professional and lifelong gamer, I‘ve taken a deep look at both devices to help everyday gamers understand how they compare across critical factors like hardware, software, game libraries, controls, and real-world performance.
This guide will overview exactly what each handheld gaming rig delivers so you can determine which is most appealing for your personal needs and preferences. Let‘s dive in!
An Introduction to Cloud vs Onboard Gaming
New portable gaming rigs fall into one of two camps: cloud gaming devices or onboard gaming devices.
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Cloud gaming devices like the Logitech G Cloud stream games over the internet from remote servers. This allows them to access powerful GPUs and games without needing robust internal hardware. But they require a constant high-speed internet connection.
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Onboard gaming devices like the Steam Deck have powerful internal components that can run games locally without streaming. This gives them access to a wider variety of games and the ability to play offline. But hardware miniaturization can limit performance.
Understanding these two approaches is key to realizing the major differences between the Logitech G Cloud and Steam Deck. The former opts for cloud streaming access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and other digital game libraries. The latter functions akin to a portable PC with dedicated graphics and processing for local Steam game installation.
Logitech G Cloud Overview
The Logitech G Cloud represents the company‘s first foray into cloud gaming hardware. Released in October 2022, it delivers slick industrial design optimized for Xbox Cloud Gaming experiences.
Despite modest internal hardware, you can stream visually stunning blockbuster games by tapping into Xbox Series X consoles over the internet. Support for Nvidia GeForce Now and Steam Link also greatly expands your options.
For Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, the G Cloud provides a wonderfully convenient vessel. But reliance on cloud streaming brings ever-present considerations around internet connectivity and picture quality.
Key G Cloud Features:
- Cloud streaming access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- 7-inch touchscreen with Full HD 1080p resolution
- Lightweight, comfortable design perfect for mobile use
- 12+ hours of battery life per charge
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- Access to GeForce Now and Steam Link cloud streaming
If your goal is to experience AAA gaming in more places via the magic of cloud streaming technology, the affordable G Cloud presents a tailored solution.
Steam Deck Overview
The Steam Deck comes from Valve Software, the company behind the massively popular Steam PC gaming marketplace. It launched in February 2022 as a handheld PC gaming device designed to let you natively install and play Steam games on the go.
Rather than cloud streaming, the Steam Deck relies on custom AMD silicon complete with Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures more commonly found in gaming laptops and desktops. This gives it performance headroom to comfortably run many of the latest releases.
You have the entirety of Steam‘s vast catalog at your fingertips. Thanks to Proton compatibility tools that translate games for Linux OS, over 7,000 titles are already verified or playable on Deck hardware with more added regularly.
Key Steam Deck Features:
- Handheld PC device purpose-built for Steam
- 3 different storage size options from 64GB to 512GB
- 2 to 8 hours battery life depending on game/settings
- Custom AMD Zen 2 and RDNA 2 internal hardware
- 7-inch LCD with touch, gyro, and back paddles
- Thousands of natively supported Steam games
For hardcore PC gamers who want maximum flexibility to enjoy both modern and classic titles while traveling, the Steam Deck stands in a class of its own.
Display Comparison
Let‘s dig into how the displays stack up since visuals are so vital for gaming:
| Specification | Logitech G Cloud | Steam Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 7 inches | 7 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 1280 x 800 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 widescreen | 16:10 widescreen |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Display Brightness | 450 nits | 400 nits |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
Analysis: The Logitech G Cloud enjoys a resolution advantage with a 1920 x 1080 Full HD display compared to the Steam Deck‘s 1280 x 800 screen. This gives it noticeable sharper image quality. However, some users find the text scaling of the higher resolution panel small for a 7-inch device.
Both screens support touch and share 60Hz refresh rates which excel for slower paced, single player games. The G Cloud reaches slightly higher brightness levels as well. Ultimately, Logitech‘s display looks better on paper, but ease of use matters too.
Design and Controls Comparison
Ergonomics and control options also have significant impacts on the mobile gaming experience:
| Specification | Logitech G Cloud | Steam Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.11 x 4.61 x 1.3 inches | 11.73 x 4.61 x 1.93 inches |
| Weight | 1.02 pounds | 1.47 pounds |
| Control Layout | Touchscreen, Xbox style controls | Touchscreen, 2 trackpads, 2 joysticks, 4 back buttons |
| Supported Controllers | DualShock, Xbox Wireless | Any Bluetooth/USB controller |
Analysis: There are clear portability benefits enjoyed by the lighter, more compact Logitech G Cloud. At over 40% less weight than the Steam Deck, it inflicts less stress on your hands during extended play sessions.
However, the Steam Deck provides superior physical controls and flexibility. Its dual trackpad and joystick setup resembles a modern game controller versus the basics included with the G Cloud. Four customizable rear buttons give a further edge to the Steam Deck for functionality.
And while both devices support the connection of popular game controllers via Bluetooth or USB, the Steam Deck goes several steps further. Its onboard controls feel just as capable as a gamepad for complex games.
Hardware and Performance Showdown
Now for where we really see separation between a cloud streaming device and dedicated mobile hardware powerhouse:
| Specification | Logitech G Cloud | Steam Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G Octa-Core CPU (2.3 GHz Max) | AMD Zen 2 4-core/8-thread CPU (up to 3.5GHz) |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 618 integrated | AMD RDNA 2 graphics (8 CUs up to 1600 MHz) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x | 16GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| Storage | 64GB eMMc 5.1 | 64GB/256GB/512GB NVMe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours streamed video | 2-8 hours gaming |
Analysis: The Steam Deck‘s cutting-edge AMD silicon outclasses the G Cloud‘s mobile chipset by a massive margin for local computing power. With a specialized Zen 2 CPU, powerful RDNA 2 integrated graphics, and blazing fast NVMe SSD storage, it can readily tackle the latest AAA games natively.
The Logitech G Cloud isn‘t trying to compete on hardware muscle. As a cloud device, it streams everything remotely from Xbox Series X server blades that do the heavy lifting. But this still sets limitations on game libraries and requires a fast, low-latency network connection.
Battery life estimates give Logitech the win, but gaming longevity varies wildly in real-world usage for both devices. The G Cloud‘s estimate reflects video streaming which is less intensive than native gameplay.
For sheer processing capability, the Steam Deck provides elite-tier hardware that surpasses most gaming laptops. The G Cloud merely needs to decode and display remote video streams smoothly.
Game Library and Software Support
A gaming hardware platform is only as good as its games. This is an area where the approaches diverge greatly:
Logitech G Cloud
- Streams Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at up to 1080p/60fps
- Access to GeForce Now for compatible PC game streaming
- Ability to stream Steam games remotely via Steam Link
- Limited offline support to installed Android games
Steam Deck
- Native installation of Steam games across thousands of supported titles
- 4,000+ verified or playable games and counting
- New releases continually adding support
- Full offline support for most installed games
- Alternative OS options including Windows
Analysis: The Steam Deck stands in a league of its own regarding game support. With the entire Steam ecosystem behind it and specialized Proton compatibility tools, over 7,000 games are already verified or playable. More titles add support every week.
And because everything runs natively once downloaded rather than streaming from a remote server, you can enjoy your full library anywhere internet is unavailable. Online or off, fast-paced shooters to sprawling open-world RPGs are playable.
The Logitech G Cloud lets you conveniently access popular services like Xbox Game Pass on its go-anywhere screen. But game libraries are controlled server-side, requiring continued subscriptions and internet connectivity. Offline options are extremely limited too compared to the Deck.
For some, the simplicity and huge catalogs streaming options provide will satisfy their gaming needs even with restrictions. But the Steam Deck removes barriers and hands over full control.
Recent Improvements and Future Outlook
Both Logitech and Valve remain committed to enhancing their debut handheld gaming hardware launches:
Logitech G Cloud Updates
- Added support for popular PS5 DualSense controller
- NVIDIA upgrading GeForce Now servers to RTX 4080 GPUs
- Strong rumors of upgraded G Cloud 2 hardware coming late 2023
Steam Deck Updates
- 100s of new game support additions in just past 3 months
- Continuous Proton updates expanding compatibility
- Multiple SteamOS stability patches fixing bugs
- Teardowns revealing Valve already designing Steam Deck 2
The G Cloud launched only recently, so Logitech is still collecting user feedback and gauging demand before likely rolling out hardware and software improvements. In contrast, the Steam Deck has already seen tremendous growth in its early life with Valve aggressively pushing updates.
Which Is the Right Choice for You?
For serious gamers who want maximum flexibility and performance to enjoy both modern blockbusters and classic PC games on the move, the Steam Deck is easily today‘s top choice. Its unmatched native game support and mobile hardware power make it the superior overall package.
However, gamers deeply integrated into Xbox and Game Pass ecosystems may be better served by the Logitech G Cloud. As a cloud streaming device custom-built for Xbox Cloud Gaming, it brings console-quality titles anywhere with WiFi thanks to remote processing power. Just be aware of its comparative limitations regarding game selection and offline use.
In the end, only you can determine which device best fits your personal gaming needs and habits. Both the Steam Deck and Logitech G Cloud have roles to play driving the evolution of portable gaming. But if I could only choose one, the Deck‘s sheer flexibility and performance put it over the top as today‘s undisputed mobile gaming champion.
No matter which amazing handheld you decide to grab, the future looks very bright for gaming on the go! The technology powering this new generation of devices opens up exciting possibilities once restricted to bulky consoles and computers. We‘ve truly reached an inflection point where high fidelity and high mobility gaming coexist in perfect harmony.
