Logitech puts handheld plans on ice — no G Cloud 2 anytime soon

Logitech's new gaming boss, Robin Piispanen, has confirmed that the company is not developing a follow-up to the G Cloud handheld gaming device anytime soon. While Piispanen describes the handheld concept as "charming," he says Logitech has bigger priorities right now.

The original G Cloud, launched in 2022 at $350, was overshadowed by the more capable Steam Deck. According to Piispanen, approximately 80% of buyers tried the device and then stored it away in a drawer. Only a dedicated minority loved it, but the broader appeal was lacking.

Another major factor was the slow growth of cloud gaming services. Piispanen notes that cloud gaming has stagnated, with Microsoft explicitly stating that running cloud gaming is expensive. However, Logitech is still actively talking to cloud giants like Microsoft and Tencent to explore future possibilities.

When asked about building a standalone handheld without cloud dependency, Piispanen says it's theoretically possible but would require a partnership, as Logitech's core strengths are design and input. He points out that the handheld business is challenging: companies need massive scale and often own the content ecosystem (like Nintendo and Steam). Competitors like Asus operate on slim margins without proprietary content, making it a tough market.

Piispanen hints that cloud gaming could still be Logitech's path forward in the long term, but only when infrastructure costs drop and the technology matures. For now, the company is watching and waiting for the right moment to re-enter the space.