Logitech acquires rival Astro Gaming

Accessories giant Logitech has taken a huge stride into the console market with the acquisition of Astro Gaming.

The $85m deal sees Astro become part of the Logitech G division, which until now has been primarily focused on the PC gaming sector. Astro’s expertise in the area of console accessories will give Logitech a far wider footprint across the entire games market.

The Astro brand itself will not be retired and looks like it might front the company’s console-orientated output.

"Astro is the leading player for premium console headsets and is the preferred headset for console esports athletes," Logitech G’s VP and GM Ujesh Desai said. "It’s a perfect complement to Logitech G’s focus on PC gaming and we couldn’t be more excited; we love the team, the brand and the products. Together, we want to make game play even more fun for gamers everywhere."

Astro co-founder and president Jordan Reiss added: The whole team at Astro has always held Logitech and Logitech G products in the highest regard, so I’m ecstatic we are joining forces. Astro’s brand strength combined with Logitech G’s unrivalled technology and global distribution network is going to bring our products to even more gamers around the world.”

The deal is expected to conclude in August.

There are increased opportunities in the peripherals market following the sad demise of Mad Catz earlier this year.

In 2015 the video games world was taken by surprise when it was announced the longstanding peripherals specialistMad Catz was to assume publishing dutieson Rock Band 4. Later that year the company was full of hope, telling MCV that 2015 would be the year that Rock Band finally cracks Europe and that the success would be the catalystfor significant growth for Mad Catz.

However, it became apparent that the Rock Band 4 decision had been catastrophic for the company, and in April the end finally arrived, with Mad Catz filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy and eventually being liquidated.