Logitech PowerPlay
Wireless mouse charging pad using electromagnetic energy transfer.
Logitech PowerPlay is a base layer that sits under a mousepad and can charge compatible mice whether they are being used or sitting idle. It plugs into a computer through USB and includes a control module that links to a mouse using Logitech’s proprietary Lightspeed wireless protocol. To work, the mouse must have Logitech’s Powercore module installed, which captures electromagnetic energy from the pad. The control module has a logo that lights up and can change color through software, plus an indicator light that shows when a mouse is connected.
Logitech has said that when development began, no wireless charger was both thin enough to fit inside a mousepad and able to cover the needed surface area. The 2.5 watts available from a USB port were not enough to power the mouse while projecting a field across the whole pad, so Logitech had to modify the mouse and its firmware to lower power consumption. The system keeps the battery charged between 85 and 95 percent to extend its lifespan.
The base is made of five layers bonded together with adhesive lamination, reaching a thickness of 2 mm. The bottom layer has an anti-slip texture, and a middle layer of polycarbonate provides rigidity. On top of the base, users can place a regular mousepad or one of the two included tops—cloth or hard.
The first prototype was built four years before the final product launched in 2017. At launch, only two mice were compatible: the G903 and G703, which weighed 108 and 113 grams respectively—considered heavy by some players. In August 2018, the Pro Wireless mouse was released, weighing 80 grams and supporting PowerPlay. In July 2024, Logitech announced the G309 mouse, which weighs 68 grams when using the Powercore module, bringing the total number of compatible mice to four. The pad cannot charge other devices, such as smartphones.
In January 2025, a Reddit user found that Logitech had filed an FCC application for a product labeled “Charging Pad,” and a published label showed the name “Powerplay 2.” The FCC had a temporary confidentiality agreement for some details, including internal and external photos, set to expire on April 3, 2025, suggesting a release before or on that date. On February 25, 2025, Logitech announced Powerplay 2. It is thinner, removes Lightspeed wireless connection, offers no hard surface option, and has no RGB lighting. Shipping began in March 2025.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Logitech
- Release Date
- August 2017
- Connectivity
- USB
- Dimensions
- Pad: 27.5 cm by 32 cm
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Development of PowerPlay began four years before its 2017 release. Logitech stated that no wireless chargers were thin enough to fit into a mousepad nor could cover the necessary surface area when work started. The 2.5 W provided by a USB port was insufficient to project the field across the entire mousepad area, so Logitech modified the mouse and its firmware to reduce power consumption. The system keeps the battery between 85 and 95 percent charged to reduce wear.
The base consists of five layers bonded with adhesive lamination, totaling 2 mm in height. The bottom layer provides anti-slip texture, and a middle layer is made of polycarbonate for rigidity. Users can place a regular mousepad on top or use one of the two included tops: cloth or hard. The control module has a lit logo whose colors can be changed via software and a light indicating mouse connection.
At launch in 2017, two mice were compatible: the G903 and G703, weighing 108 and 113 grams respectively—considered heavy by some players. In August 2018, the Pro Wireless mouse (80 g) added compatibility. In July 2024, Logitech announced the G309 mouse (68 g with Powercore), bringing the total compatible mice to four. The pad cannot charge other wireless devices such as smartphones.
Reader's Guide
Logitech PowerPlay introduced a novel approach to wireless mouse charging by embedding the charging coil into a mousepad underlay, allowing continuous charging during use. Its development required solving engineering challenges around thinness and power distribution, leading to custom mouse firmware and reduced consumption. The system's battery management, keeping charge between 85 and 95 percent, aimed to extend battery life. The product's compatibility remained limited to a small number of Logitech mice, each requiring a Powercore module. The initial mice were noted as heavy, but later models like the Pro Wireless and G309 reduced weight significantly. In February 2025, Logitech announced PowerPlay 2, featuring a thinner design, removal of Lightspeed wireless connection, no hard surface option, and no RGB lighting, with shipping beginning in March 2025. The original PowerPlay established a niche for integrated wireless charging in gaming peripherals, though its proprietary nature and limited device support restricted broader adoption.
Did You Know?
- The first PowerPlay prototype was built four years before the final product released in 2017.
- The base is 2 mm thick and consists of five layers bonded with adhesive lamination.
- PowerPlay cannot charge other wirelessly charging devices such as smartphones.
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