Logitech G Cloud handheld may not see a successor due to weak sales

Logitech is currently not developing a second-generation G Cloud cloud gaming handheld. Robin Piispanen, the company's new head of gaming, stated in an interview with The Verge that while he likes the concept of a gaming handheld, the underperformance of the original device makes him uncertain about further attempts.

"Right now, we have more important things to focus on than releasing a second-generation G Cloud," Piispanen said. The original Logitech G Cloud, launched in 2022, was largely overshadowed by more powerful and versatile devices like the Steam Deck. Priced at $350, the G Cloud relied on a stable internet connection for cloud streaming, whereas the Steam Deck offered PC-grade performance for local and streamed games, albeit at a higher initial price point.

Piispanen indicated that roughly 80% of users who bought the G Cloud tried it briefly before it ended up in a drawer. "We tried something we really believed in, but it didn't translate into a usage scenario that people wanted." He also pointed to the slow development of cloud gaming infrastructure and high operational costs as factors hindering broader industry growth.

The company is also considering whether it should move towards developing a standalone handheld device, but Piispanen remains hesitant. He noted that while theoretically possible, Logitech's core strengths lie in design and input devices, and other aspects might require partnerships. Piispanen suggested that the handheld market requires significant scale and often content ownership, which most manufacturers lack.

Despite the G Cloud's performance, Logitech continues to invest in the future of cloud gaming and is actively communicating with major industry players like Microsoft and Tencent. Piispanen believes cloud gaming holds the potential to solve many device limitations related to weight, battery life, and graphics performance, but acknowledges that the technology and market still need time to mature.