Logitech's "Forever Mouse" Flops

Logitech’s new CEO has brought new concepts to the PC hardware company, including a polarizing “forever mouse” that may come with a monthly subscription cost. Read on for her statements and gamers' reactions towards this model trend in gaming.

Logitech CEO Introduces 'Forever Mouse' That May Require SubscriptionLogitech 'Forever Mouse' Part of Broader Subscription Trend, and Gamers Find It Absurd

transcript of interview via The Verge

In a recent conversation with The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber introduced the "forever mouse" that she envisioned to be Logitech's all-new, exclusive, high-end mouse that comes with regular updates for a fee. Faber explained that the forever mouse is still in the conceptual stage. She envisions a mouse that, much like a luxury watch, remains useful indefinitely through continuous software updates. "Imagine it’s like your top-of-the-line watch. You’re going to really love that," Faber illustrated.

"Given that we know the technology that we attach to changes, it’s not going to be like your top-of-the-line watch in that it doesn’t have to ever change." She further explained, "Our stuff will have to change, but does the hardware have to change? I’m not so sure. We’ll have to obviously fix it and figure out what that business model is. We’re not at the forever mouse today, but I’m intrigued by the thought."

The potential longevity and quality of the forever mouse, and its comparable qualities akin to high-end items like luxury watches, seemed to be Faber's selling point. "I’m not planning to throw that watch away ever," Faber explained. "So why would I be throwing my mouse or my keyboard away if it’s a fantastic quality, well-designed, software-enabled mouse?"

Logitech's Forever Mouse not 'super far away' from turning into reality

The "forever mouse" idea revolves around keeping the mouse updated and functional indefinitely through software updates. While the hardware might still need occasional updates, the main priority is to avoid the frequent replacements that are common with current technology. Faber noted that Logitech isn't "super far away" from realizing this concept but acknowledged that the high cost of creating such a product might necessitate a subscription model to make the forever mouse profitable.

When asked about the specifics of the subscription model, Faber confirmed that it would primarily be for software updates. "Yeah, and you never have to worry about it again, which is not unlike our video conferencing services today," she said. She also mentioned that Logitech is exploring other business models, such as allowing customers to trade in their mouse for a newer version, similar to Apple's iPhone upgrade program. "The forever mouse could be the mouse that you keep and we just send you software updates, but it could also be the mouse that you turn in at Best Buy and we get it back or Best Buy takes it back and refurbs and resells it," she explained.

Ongoing Subscription-Based Models Trend in Gaming

Faber highlighted the potential for growth in the gaming sector, noting that high-quality, durable gaming peripherals, like controllers, mice, and keyboards, are essential for gamers and represent a significant market opportunity. "Obviously, on the gaming side, it’s a really important lifestyle product, and again, it’s a real growth opportunity for us for many years to come."

The "forever mouse" is part of a broader trend towards subscription-based business models in various industries such as gaming. From movie and music streaming to hardware services, companies are increasingly adopting subscription models. For instance, HP introduced a service in February that allows customers to print 20 pages per month for $6.99. And in gaming, both Xbox and Ubisoft have increased the prices for their subscription offerings, Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft , this year alone.

Fan Reacts

screenshots taken via Twitter (X) and arstechnica forum

Evidently and quite rampantly all over the internet, enclaves of gamers expressed their skepticism about the idea of a subscription for common everyday objects such as a gaming/computer mouse. One social media user even jokingly remarked that they were "just surprised Ubisoft didn’t think of this first," while others put their own ideas forward.