Summary
Logitech G’s Robin Piispanen has stated the company isn’t currently working on a new version of the G Cloud handheld gaming device. He explained that a key challenge is the lack of exclusive games, putting them at a disadvantage compared to companies like Nintendo and Valve. According to Logitech, around 80% of initial G Cloud buyers eventually stopped using the device and moved on to other gaming options.
Robin Piispanen, Logitech G’s head of gaming, stated that the company isn’t currently planning an upgrade to its 2022 handheld gaming device. He told The Verge that popular portable consoles like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch thrive because they offer exclusive games and a dedicated online store. Logitech believes these elements are essential for success, and without them, it would be very difficult to compete with existing market leaders.
When it first launched, Google’s G Cloud attracted a specific group of early adopters. However, according to Piispanen, most customers didn’t continue using it for very long. He explained that around 80% of people who bought the device tried it out and then stopped, essentially putting it away in a drawer. A key reason for this was the slow development of the technology needed for cloud gaming. Major companies weren’t able to build the infrastructure quickly enough to provide a smooth, portable streaming experience, and Microsoft even admitted that maintaining cloud services is very costly.
It’s becoming increasingly challenging for independent companies to compete in the handheld gaming market. Competitors are operating with very little profit and depend on collaborations to stay competitive. Right now, the cost of computer components is rising quickly. Powerful handhelds like the Ayaneo Next 2 are expensive, and even the Steam Deck has recently become pricier. For Logitech to create its own handheld device, it would need to deal with these high costs without the benefit of software sales to offset them.
Okay, so even though their first attempt at a handheld didn’t quite work out, it sounds like this company isn’t giving up on portable gaming altogether! I’ve heard they’re talking with big players like Microsoft and Tencent about what the future could look like. They’re really focused on cloud gaming, which makes a lot of sense – it means they don’t have to cram a ton of powerful (and battery-draining) hardware into a small device. Apparently, Logitech might jump back in if cloud gaming gets even better and cheaper in the next few years, which honestly, I’m hoping for!
2026-07-29 12:26