Images of a new handheld gaming device from Logitech have leaked. It resembles the Switch and Steam Deck but with a few significant differences.
The first images of Logitech's upcoming portable gaming device have leaked online, and the new handheld might rely on cloud gaming more than its strong competition, the Nintendo Switch and Valve's Steam Deck. While many older gamers recall handheld gaming being limited to a color-less Game Boy, those limited portable gaming options are far in the past. Nintendo has dominated the handheld gaming market for decades, with competitors like Sony and Microsoft attempting to make a dent in the portable gaming market. After many failed devices, some newer competition is entering the handheld gaming market.
Steam announced its own handheld gaming device, the Steam Deck, during the summer of 2021. Players who purchase the device can access the Steam Store's large amount of games available on the platform through the portable device. Although the system was announced more than a year ago, people still have difficulty attaining their own Steam Deck. Gamers who were determined enough to preorder Valve's device when it was announced have been receiving their devices more quickly over the last few months. Still, just as production and deliveries have picked up steam on Valve's portable PC gaming alternative, Logitech's preparing its own handheld device.
Related: Steam Deck Consoles Are Apparently Being Hand-Delivered By Gabe Newell
The first look at Logitech's handheld gaming device has been leaked, and if the images are to be believed, it could be another strong contender in the handheld gaming space. Leaked images of the device were reported on by IGN (via evleaks on Twitter) and have since been removed, but not before they could be shared. Like many of today's best handheld gaming devices, Logitech's currently unnamed device sports two thumbsticks, a d-pad, and all the buttons and triggers modern gaming requires. However, the concept art suggests the new device will be able to operate a selection of impressive apps. The images suggest the device may be able to run apps like Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam, and even support Google Play. This means that players may be able to access an extensive library of PC, console, and mobile games through the new handheld cloud gaming device.
As gaming becomes more intensive, so must the hardware that is used to play it, which has been an ongoing issue regarding portable gaming devices. Logitech remains silent on details of the leaked device. However, rumors suggest the device will operate using powerful smartphone microchips and cloud technology that won't require beefy internal components. One common complaint for devices like the Steam Deck is the battery life, which can drain even faster when playing intensive AAA games. This problem may be avoided thanks to the Logitech device's focus on cloud gaming.
The current reigning champion of portable gaming, the Nintendo Switch, is more than five years old. The console continues to sell incredibly well and has fans excited for new releases like the upcoming Splatoon 3 and Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. However, unlike both the Switch and Steam Deck, the leaked images suggest Logitech's new handheld device may also support Google Play. This means that owners of the new machine will have access to games available through not only Steam, Xbox, and Nvidia but also the increasingly popular mobile gaming market that millions of people worldwide enjoy every day. If the new Logitech device can deliver these features at a reasonable price, the company may be able to bring Cloud gaming to new heights.
Sources: IGN, Evan Blass/Twitter
Jason Hon is a Gaming News Writer and the content creator behind the Mega Manga Mondays Podcast and the Comedic Gaming YouTube Channel Honzy and Friends! Within him lies a colossal passion for Gaming, Shonen, and making people smile. He graduated from The Los Angeles Film School and performs improv comedy. He lives with his wife and two cats in Iowa, USA.