Logitech Acquires Saitek, to Make a Big VR Move

[btarunr]

Peripherals major Logitech announced that it has acquired gaming peripherals maker Saitek from MadCatz. Logitech paid MadCatz USD $13 million in cash for the acquisition. Ujesh Desai, head of Logitech's gaming peripherals brand Logitech G, said that the acquisition should augment the kind of gaming peripherals Saitek specializes in - joysticks for flight-simulators, and customized racing wheels for motorsport sims.

Desai also hinted that Logitech G could make a big move in the VR gaming space, not necessarily with HMDs, but with other related input devices. Over the past few years, Saitek's product line has been increasingly game title-specific, by tapping into specific markets (eg: the Flight Simulator community). Logitech G, on the other hand, makes gaming input devices for the masses. Logitech could tap into Saitek to create input devices for VR games that are highly game-specific.



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[Chaitanya]

Another good manufacturer like Ultimate ears is going to go down the gutter.

 

[GreiverBlade]

Another good manufacturer like Ultimate ears is going to go down the gutter.

better with Logitech than Madcatz ... your hate for Logitech is ... interesting, not that you are a reference of supportive behavior or something like that nonetheless (ok ... i'm Swiss i might not be objective ... ) if UE or Saitek were bought by Razer, i would have the same comment ... although Razer is truly a gutter ...

nonetheless .... i might wait before getting a Saitek X-56 Rhino H.o.t.a.s to replace my X-55 ... i don't want a Madcatz branding alongside Saitek (luckily it was only on the box and document )

that remind me that i still have a Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit from before Madcatz acquired them, still working fine opposed to a Razer Nostromo (poor poor Belkin ... ) that failed within month

 

[INSTG8R]

better with Logitech than Madcatz ... your hate for Logitech is ... interesting, not that you are a reference of supportive behavior or something like that nonetheless (ok ... i'm Swiss i might not be objective ... ) if UE or Saitek were bought by Razer, i would have the same comment ... although Razer is truly a gutter ...

nonetheless .... i might wait before getting a Saitek X-56 Rhino H.o.t.a.s to replace my X-55 ... i don't want a Madcatz branding alongside Saitek (luckily it was only on the box and document )

that remind me that i still have a Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit from before Madcatz acquired them, still working fine opposed to a Razer Nostromo (poor poor Belkin ... ) that failed within month

Totally This! Madcatz was running Saitek into the ground. I have an "OG" Saitek X52 Pro that is easy 5yrs old now and seen heavy use and is utterly flawless. The horror stories of the Madcatz produced ones are many and made me sad people got stuck with Madcatz "quality".Yeah something they have NEVER been known for.
Logitech will let Saitek produce quality peripherals again.

 

[TheLostSwede]

better with Logitech than Madcatz ... your hate for Logitech is ... interesting, not that you are a reference of supportive behavior or something like that nonetheless (ok ... i'm Swiss i might not be objective ... ) if UE or Saitek were bought by Razer, i would have the same comment ... although Razer is truly a gutter ...

nonetheless .... i might wait before getting a Saitek X-56 Rhino H.o.t.a.s to replace my X-55 ... i don't want a Madcatz branding alongside Saitek (luckily it was only on the box and document )

that remind me that i still have a Saitek Pro Gamer Command Unit from before Madcatz acquired them, still working fine opposed to a Razer Nostromo (poor poor Belkin ... ) that failed within month

Logitech killed UE, at least if you liked their headphones/earphones.

But I think you're right about Saitek though, Madcatz is a crap brand and it has shown on many of the more recent Saitek products.

 

[GreiverBlade]

Logitech killed UE, at least if you liked their headphones/earphones.

But I think you're right about Saitek though, Madcatz is a crap brand and it has shown on many of the more recent Saitek products.

well UE was never something for me ... never liked their product nor their pricing (too high for what they were ), so i did not look further into what happened to them once Logitech acquired them ...

i would say "good riddance" but that would be mean, even from me ... unless it's Razer ... i rather not use that combination (oh well ... my hate for Razer is interesting ... and with the history i have with them .... some might call me masochist ... or "hyper positive" ) i think Logitech will not let down Saitek ... (even if the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro is one of the best flightstick around .... i almost hesitated to take two of them and do a dual stick setup instead of the more traditional h.o.t.a.s type ... i remembered the Logitech G940 also ... but not enough button for me, which is why i took the X-55 )

damn ... now i really need to hold on the X-56 to see if it will change something (price or branding) ahah

 

[TheLostSwede]

I'd get it now, as I expect Logtiech to increase the prices...

http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/14/12918838/saitek-x-56-review-star-citizen-elite-hotas-throttle-stick

 

[Ungari]

I'd get it now, as I expect Logtiech to increase the prices...

http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/14/12918838/saitek-x-56-review-star-citizen-elite-hotas-throttle-stick

Wasn't this stick produced by Saitek under MadCatz?
Also, this was supposed to be an exclusive branding deal with Star Citizen, but MadCatz went sideways when they realized they could sell more by being non-specific to any one game.

 

[Ahhzz]

I do want a Rhino....badly.... I'd love to see them go on clearance from the sale, but I doubt it... *sigh* why can't these companies sell me what I want at dirt cheap prices???

Spoiler

Mad Catz® Announces Sale of Saitek® Simulation Product Line to Logitech
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz” or “the Company”) (NYSE MKT:MCZ), a global provider of innovative entertainment products, today announced that it has sold its Saitek brand and the Saitek line of flight, space and farm simulation game controller assets to Logitech International S.A. (“Logitech”) (Nasdaq:LOGI) for $13 million in cash.

On September 15, 2016, Mad Catz entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Logitech pursuant to which Mad Catz sold certain assets to Logitech for an aggregate cash purchase price of $13 million. $11 million of the purchase price was paid in cash at closing and $2 million was deposited in escrow to fund any post-closing adjustments or claims. The assets sold by Mad Catz include specified trademarks, equipment and tooling, inventory, technical data and records, and other related documents necessary for the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of interactive flight, space, and farm simulation controllers presently marketed and sold under the Saitek brand. Additionally, eight of the Company’s research and development employees accepted employment offers with Logitech.

Karen McGinnis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz, stated, “After a thorough and deliberate process, we believe this sale to Logitech brings Mad Catz attractive and certain value for the flight, space and farm simulation line of Saitek products. We are pleased to find a company like Logitech that will lead Saitek into its next phase of growth and best support its strong acceptance within the flight simulation community while also allowing us to continue to leverage the world-class mice, keyboards and other products that were originally developed on the back of our acquisition of Saitek in 2007 and are now sold under the Mad Catz brand.”

“Our Board and management team are highly focused on enhancing shareholder value and we believe this transaction is consistent with our ongoing efforts, enabling us to improve our financial position and working capital to better support and grow our Mad Catz and Tritton video game accessories and headset brands. As we continue to evolve our business strategy to operate the Company more strategically while leveraging resources more efficiently, we are confident that the sale of the Saitek brand and product line, along with the other previously-disclosed Company-wide initiatives, will result in improved financial performance and shareholder value.”

The transaction was recommended by a special committee of the Company’s Board of Directors consisting solely of disinterested directors and approved by the full Board of Directors. Wedbush Securities acted as financial advisor to Mad Catz in connection with the transaction and Stout Risius Ross Advisors rendered a fairness opinion.

Logitech statement

Spoiler

Creating a More Immersive Gaming Experience – Logitech Acquires Saitek
posted on SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 by UJESH DESAI

It’s an exciting day for Logitech G. We just acquired the Saitek brand and the Saitek line of flight, farm and space simulation game controllers. They’re the go-to products for anyone into games like Elite Dangerous, Eve Valkyrie, Star Citizen, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Farm Simulator.

There’s a whole list of reasons why this makes us excited…

First, these products are just great. We know a thing or two at Logitech about what makes a gaming product stand out and these products deliver exceptional experiences. Don’t take our word for it – we’ve seen the Saitek fans on the forums.

Second, simulation games are cool and getting cooler. Whether you’re into driving, flying or exploring space, there are fresh new titles available and more to come. Some of these titles are even VR enabled and we believe that dedicated controllers will stimulate and enhance the total VR experience.

Last and most importantly, we’re excited to be a bigger part of the simulation community. We already make gaming wheels for the driving simulation market and this new line of products will provide an even more complete experience. We care about this space and want to do right by its fans. We have a vision that will take these products further, faster. Stay tuned for future updates, as we further integrate the Saitek products into our overall Logitech G portfolio.

 

[Mussels]

Having used the HTC vive and seen the super accurate representation of the controllers in the VR world, a small part of me is excited to see VR racing games with supported accesories like the wheels/pedals.

If they're lined up right, you could be at a desk with the wheel/gearbox/pedals in the right spots and truly get the visual feedback that you're using those items in a car (or your weird dildo shaped logitech/Saitek joystick slapped into the cockpit of your dildocraft in Star Citizen)

 

[AsRock]

No loss here, Saitek and Madcats suck. Got sick of there rubbish many years ago. Although today Logitech is not all that great these days but better than both of those company's put together.

Sent so much stuff back to them to the point the items were in the post or in their hand more than mine. And at least Logitech warranty works better than either of them, well at least for me.

I do want a Rhino....badly.... I'd love to see them go on clearance from the sale, but I doubt it... *sigh* why can't these companies sell me what I want at dirt cheap prices???

Spoiler

Mad Catz® Announces Sale of Saitek® Simulation Product Line to Logitech
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz” or “the Company”) (NYSE MKT:MCZ), a global provider of innovative entertainment products, today announced that it has sold its Saitek brand and the Saitek line of flight, space and farm simulation game controller assets to Logitech International S.A. (“Logitech”) (Nasdaq:LOGI) for $13 million in cash.

On September 15, 2016, Mad Catz entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Logitech pursuant to which Mad Catz sold certain assets to Logitech for an aggregate cash purchase price of $13 million. $11 million of the purchase price was paid in cash at closing and $2 million was deposited in escrow to fund any post-closing adjustments or claims. The assets sold by Mad Catz include specified trademarks, equipment and tooling, inventory, technical data and records, and other related documents necessary for the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of interactive flight, space, and farm simulation controllers presently marketed and sold under the Saitek brand. Additionally, eight of the Company’s research and development employees accepted employment offers with Logitech.

Karen McGinnis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz, stated, “After a thorough and deliberate process, we believe this sale to Logitech brings Mad Catz attractive and certain value for the flight, space and farm simulation line of Saitek products. We are pleased to find a company like Logitech that will lead Saitek into its next phase of growth and best support its strong acceptance within the flight simulation community while also allowing us to continue to leverage the world-class mice, keyboards and other products that were originally developed on the back of our acquisition of Saitek in 2007 and are now sold under the Mad Catz brand.”

“Our Board and management team are highly focused on enhancing shareholder value and we believe this transaction is consistent with our ongoing efforts, enabling us to improve our financial position and working capital to better support and grow our Mad Catz and Tritton video game accessories and headset brands. As we continue to evolve our business strategy to operate the Company more strategically while leveraging resources more efficiently, we are confident that the sale of the Saitek brand and product line, along with the other previously-disclosed Company-wide initiatives, will result in improved financial performance and shareholder value.”

The transaction was recommended by a special committee of the Company’s Board of Directors consisting solely of disinterested directors and approved by the full Board of Directors. Wedbush Securities acted as financial advisor to Mad Catz in connection with the transaction and Stout Risius Ross Advisors rendered a fairness opinion.

Logitech statement

Spoiler

Creating a More Immersive Gaming Experience – Logitech Acquires Saitek
posted on SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 by UJESH DESAI

It’s an exciting day for Logitech G. We just acquired the Saitek brand and the Saitek line of flight, farm and space simulation game controllers. They’re the go-to products for anyone into games like Elite Dangerous, Eve Valkyrie, Star Citizen, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Farm Simulator.

There’s a whole list of reasons why this makes us excited…

First, these products are just great. We know a thing or two at Logitech about what makes a gaming product stand out and these products deliver exceptional experiences. Don’t take our word for it – we’ve seen the Saitek fans on the forums.

Second, simulation games are cool and getting cooler. Whether you’re into driving, flying or exploring space, there are fresh new titles available and more to come. Some of these titles are even VR enabled and we believe that dedicated controllers will stimulate and enhance the total VR experience.

Last and most importantly, we’re excited to be a bigger part of the simulation community. We already make gaming wheels for the driving simulation market and this new line of products will provide an even more complete experience. We care about this space and want to do right by its fans. We have a vision that will take these products further, faster. Stay tuned for future updates, as we further integrate the Saitek products into our overall Logitech G portfolio.

You be much better of buying a CH product item.

 

[Ahhzz]

No loss here, Saitek and Madcats suck. Got sick of there rubbish many years ago. Although today Logitech is not all that great these days but better than both of those company's put together.

Sent so much stuff back to them to the point the items were in the post or in their hand more than mine. And at least Logitech warranty works better than either of them, well at least for me.



You be much better of buying a CH product item.

those are not the prices I was looking for.....

 

[AsRock]

View attachment 78888

those are not the prices I was looking for.....

Quality comes at a price, and unlike most others you can buy new buttons\switches for them and not a whole new unit.

 

[GreiverBlade]

Quality comes at a price, and unlike most others you can buy new buttons\switches for them and not a whole new unit.

well my X-55 did, and still do, hold quite fine and was correct for the price paid (179chf instead of 249chf during a promo) ... and the initial price was same as the X-56, but we already discussed over the X-55 @AsRock (and you know what i think of the CH product )

the X-56 will do fine even at 269chf (listed at my etailer ) but i want to wait a bit or take a G940 as next h.o.t.a.s

 

[INSTG8R]

well my X-55 did, and still do, hold quite fine and was correct for the price paid (179chf instead of 249chf during a promo) ... and the initial price was same as the X-56, but we already discussed over the X-55 @AsRock (and you know what i think of the CH product )

the X-56 will do fine even at 269chf (listed at my etailer ) but i want to wait a bit or take a G940 as next h.o.t.a.s

I would pass on the G940. I used to really want one(I have had an X52 and X52 Pro) But a buddy of mine has one and the pedals which you are forced to use are not very durable and the pots where out rather quickly which renders the whole think kinda useless.

 

[GreiverBlade]

I would pass on the G940. I used to really want one(I have had an X52 and X52 Pro) But a buddy of mine has one and the pedals which you are forced to use are not very durable and the pots where out rather quickly which renders the whole think kinda useless.

oh well i can also go X-52 Pro ... i resold my X-55 actually (dire need of money and i could sell it close to retail price thanks to the promo ... ok ... i am a crook ) until next income i am h.o.t.a.s.less , if enough : X-56 (for the ease of use with SC, if not enough X-52 (and custom profiling like i did on the X-55 )


unless most failures is the user ... and a G940 is perfectly fine i never had a Logitech hardware give up on me, i even have an original PS/2 ball mouse (the one with a actual cartoon mouse ... drawn on it ) that works perfectly, that one and a old Amiga, rectangular, ball, 2 click, COM interface iirc (ok .... maybe not related )

 

[INSTG8R]

oh well i can also go X-52 Pro ... i resold my X-55 actually (dire need of money and i could sell it close to retail price thanks to the promo ... ok ... i am a crook ) until next income i am h.o.t.a.s.less , if enough : X-56 (for the ease of use with SC, if not enough X-52 (and custom profiling like i did on the X-55 )


unless most failures is the user ... and a G940 is perfectly fine i never had a Logitech hardware give up on me, i even have an original PS/2 ball mouse (the one with a actual cartoon mouse ... drawn on it ) that works perfectly, that one and a old Amiga, rectangular, ball, 2 click, COM interface iirc (ok .... maybe not related )

Well I would say for SC you would rather have a twist rudder anyway rather than pedals. I have a real Saitek X52 Pro and it's still flawless but if I were you I would be waiting for the first batch after Logitech because any of the Madcatz ones are a total lottery for quality. Not too mention the 940 has been out production for quite awhile now so you would be hard pressed to find a new 940 at a reasonable price if you can find one at all or a used one that isn't already half worn out.

 

[Octopuss]

I think I once bought a joystick from Saitek. I've never seen a peripheral SO shitty before in my life.

 

[GreiverBlade]

I think I once bought a joystick from Saitek. I've never seen a peripheral SO shitty before in my life.

polar opposite, every original Saitek peripheral i owned did hold great, even the madcatz era X-55 i had did more than fine... (and just in case the Saitek c.y.b.o.r.g line, if it's the one you "think" you bought, is a pure Madcatz product with a Saitek branding to sell them to people wary of Madcatz and was/is indeed a pure pile of dung product)

on the opposite the "i've never seen a peripheral SO shitty before" for me is with Razer ... except i am sure i bought it (more than once as i usually say ... although, "fool me once shame on me, fool me twice shame on you" ) and not "think"

Well I would say for SC you would rather have a twist rudder anyway rather than pedals.

indeed that's why the X-55 was more than fine with the correct profile in SC (and it was heavily used too, not on the level of your X-52 i think, but still quite sporty free flight session )

Not too mention the 940 has been out production for quite awhile now so you would be hard pressed to find a new 940 at a reasonable price if you can find one at all or a used one that isn't already half worn out.

true that and even as i am really lucky, usually, when it come to second hand hardware, i would not try to find one unless brand new.

if I were you I would be waiting for the first batch after Logitech because any of the Madcatz ones are a total lottery for quality.

that's what i will do for the X-56, the X-55 as i said was a MC Saitek and i guess i did pick the right lotto number

 

[INSTG8R]

I think I once bought a joystick from Saitek. I've never seen a peripheral SO shitty before in my life.

My X52 must be 10 and it perfecct working order with a mate in UK,. My X52 Pro is at least 5yrs old and again flawless, But those were both Saitek when they were still Saitek. Hopefully Logitech will let them get back to making quality peripherals AND I hope Logitech takes over their software. that is where Saitek really sucked.