The Logitech Powerplay: Endless Power for Your Gaming Mice

Many gamers have experienced the frustration of their wireless gaming mouse suddenly losing connection when the cursor disappears. With all the advancements in wireless charging technology, like Qi wireless charging, is there a straightforward way to keep my mouse charged? The Logitech G Powerplay 2 aims to address this problem by allowing certain gaming mice to stay charged as long as they are on the mousepad.

The Powerplay 2 costs $100 and is the updated version of the original Powerplay released in 2018, which was actually $50 more expensive. The idea didn’t take off back then, but Logitech is hopeful that this new version will succeed due to its reduced thickness—just 3.5 mm—and a 15% larger charging area, ensuring your mouse is powered even during intense gameplay when precision is key.

However, having the pad alone isn’t enough; your mouse needs to be compatible to receive the necessary charging power. This is where the “Charging Coin” comes in, which comes included with the mousepad. The coin is designed to plug into specific Logitech G-brand mice. It uses a low-frequency electromagnetic field from the pad to charge the mouse. While Logitech sells Powerplay coins separately, only ten mouse models can use them, including the Logitech G Pro X Superlight, Pro Wireless, G903, G703, G502 X Plus, G502 X Lightspeed, and a few others. Unfortunately, users shouldn’t expect the new coin to work with older Powerplay setups or vice versa, which means if you have an older Logitech mouse, you may be out of luck without modification.

If you own more than one Logitech mouse, you can easily swap the coin between them, depending on your needs. The Powerplay mat is powered through a USB-C connection. However, aside from the charging capability, it does not project any RGB lighting effects that might enhance your desktop’s look. The Powerplay 2 is primarily a functional product, so its design may suit some setups while not appealing to others.

In terms of size, the mousepad measures 13 inches by 11 inches, which can discourage certain users who prefer smaller pads. Personally, I didn’t think I would need such a large surface, but after using a Razer Firefly V2 extensively, I understand why some gamers find it beneficial. When paired with a compact keyboard, it fits barely on a standard desktop.

At a price point of $100, the new Powerplay 2 is expensive, though it is cheaper than its predecessor. The real consideration is that you need to have a compatible Logitech G mouse to make the most of it. If you’re like me and favor brands such as HyperX or Razer, this investment might feel like overkill, as you would be purchasing a pricey charging pad without the right mouse. For someone without a Logitech mouse, the total expense could rise to about $200. However, for those who value the convenience of never having to charge their mouse again, this price may be justified.