Logitech and Tencent have announced an alliance that will bring to market a a handheld for cloud gaming. The product will combine the hardware expertise of peripheral giant Logitech G’s gaming division and Tencent Games’ software services.
It has not been defined what the device will be, but we can expect the design of a portable Steam Deck-type console, a development of Valve, which is a big shock for the revival of the segment of handheld gaming machines. Compared to it or others created by specialized manufacturers such as AYANEO, it will not need advanced hardware because it will rely on the cloud and data center servers to transmit video games.
Logitech and Tencent machine “will support more cloud services” and both companies say they are working with the Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW teams to ensure gamers can run triple AAA games.
As we said, since the games run on remote servers, these types of consoles don’t need a high-end processor or GPU to run. But you will need one fast, reliable internet connection with low latency. The In addition to the selling price, another point of interest will be the quality of the device’s screen and controls, Another important factor, of course.
Cloud Games: many were called, few chosen… (or none)
The idea of cloud gaming is not new and companies like OnLive tried to implement it many years ago. With little public success because the experience was not very good.
Its general operation is similar for all these services. Games run on large servers and are streamed from the cloud to local computers. The game can thus be enjoyed regardless of equipment level or directly without using any type of device or console, for example on a screen such as a smart TV, and with simple controls. Or something in between what seems to be the Logitech and Tencent peripherals.
This streaming technology has already revolutionized the music and video industry, but games have their own problems. Transmitting a few static bits of a music track is extremely simple for current technology, but doing the same with millions of moving frames of a game that must change in tenths of a second in response to player response is extremely complicated. .
Even a giant like Google could not respond to the huge expectations that Stadia created, and today the platform is va emergency disturbing. Part of the “blame” lies with the same studios that should have created better optimized versions. We’ll have to wait and see. Logitech is the world’s leading peripheral manufacturer, and Tencent is a giant with extensive experience in mobile gaming. But it won’t be easy.
