# Powerplay 2 Review: A thinner, cheaper wireless charging pad with notable tradeoffs

For more than three years, Logitech’s Powerplay system has kept a wireless mouse topped up without ever forcing you to pause and plug in. The original setup was a rare combination of simplicity and reliability, even if the price tag could sting at $120. Logitech is changing the math with a new model, Powerplay 2, priced at $100 and scheduled to ship in March. It aims to be just as easy to use while trimming some bulk and cost—though not without a few notable caveats.

What stays the same

• Setup remains ultra-simple: lay down the mousepad, snap a small “Charging Coin” into the base of your mouse, then place the mouse on the pad to begin charging.
• The core idea is unchanged: continuous wireless charging so you don’t think about recharging during long sessions.

What’s improved

• Bigger charging area: Logitech claims a 15 percent wider active charging zone, which should make positioning a bit more forgiving.
• Slimmer profile: the new mousepad surface is 3.5mm thick, a noticeable drop from the previous total thickness. In practice, that means a lighter, less obtrusive pad on your desk.
• Real-world use note: with my G502 Lightspeed, as long as the mouse rests anywhere within the pad’s charging region, the indicator lights up reliably.

What’s different (and potentially inconvenient)

• The hardware bridge isn’t redesigned in every respect: the base remains similarly thin, but the overall footprint and thickness changes aren’t dramatic to the point of a radical ergonomic difference.
• USB port changes: the Powerplay 2 ditches the old micro-USB connection in favor of a fixed cable, but it does not adopt USB-C. If you want to disconnect the pad quickly, it’s not as easy as swapping cables.
• No built-in wireless receiver: unlike the original, this version doesn’t include a wireless dongle in the pad itself. That means you’ll need two full-size USB ports on your PC: one for the mouse’s dongle and one for the Powerplay’s cable. It’s less tidy for travel and for those who rely on “grab-and-go” setups.
• RGB lighting removed: the Logitech G logo on the pad no longer has a programmable RGB light. It’s a minor aesthetic loss for those who enjoyed the glow, and for many it won’t matter at all.
• One pad in the box: the original Powerplay shipped with two pads (one hard, one cloth). The Powerplay 2 bundles just a single pad, which means you’ll need an extra pad if you used both surfaces previously.
• Compatibility caveat: the new charging coin doesn’t work with the original pad, and the old coin isn’t compatible with the Powerplay 2. They’re not interchangeable.

What you might miss or want to know

• The original Powerplay’s ease of charging over years of use is a hard benchmark. The new model keeps the core idea intact, but the absence of an integrated dongle and the extra USB port requirement could complicate setups where space or quick disconnects matter.
• Logitech’s future plans around bundles or discounts are not fixed yet; executives hinted that bundles might appear post-launch, so you may see better value in the near term.
• Availability and pricing signals suggest the Powerplay 2 could make sense for those who want uninterrupted charging without paying the premium, especially when bundled with a compatible mouse.

What Logitech and reviewers note about future possibilities

• The company has not publicly commented on potential future “supercap” devices or additional bundle promotions beyond the stated plan to offer bundles at retailers after launch.
• The original Powerplay is no longer stocked by major retailers, so it may command a higher resale price as demand for the newer version grows.

Practical takeaways

• If you’re already sold on the Powerplay concept and want a cheaper entry point, Powerplay 2 delivers the same essential experience with a slimmer profile and a wider charging area.
• If you value desk simplicity and travel ease, the fixed cable and extra USB port requirement may be a setback.
• If you appreciated the original two-pad kit and the built-in dongle, you’ll want to weigh whether those losses outweigh the benefits of a thinner, cheaper pad.

Release details

• Availability: Powerplay 2 should be on Amazon and Logitech’s site starting March 11.
• Price: $100 at launch, a $20 decrease from the original price.

Bottom line Powerplay 2 preserves the core benefit of its predecessor—a seamless, continuous charge for your wireless mouse—while trading some portability and convenience for a thinner design and lower price. It’s still a strong solution for people who want to avoid battery anxiety, but it comes with practical caveats that may tilt the decision depending on your desk setup, travel habits, and tolerance for dongle management.