Lenovo Legion Go Review: Design, Performance, and Gaming Experience

In the rapidly evolving landscape of handheld gaming, the Lenovo Legion Go is a formidable contender, promising a full-fledged PC gaming experience in a portable form factor. As the second Windows-powered gaming handheld to hit the market, following closely in the footsteps of the Asus ROG Ally, the Legion Go sets out to redefine the expectations for on-the-go gaming. Price starting at $699.99, it offers an intriguing proposition for gamers seeking the versatility of a PC in a handheld device.

Design: Setting New Standards

At first glance, the Lenovo Legion Go presents itself as a robust and substantial device, signaling its intent to cater to serious gamers. Its large 8.8-inch IPS display, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels, immediately commands attention. This places it ahead of its competitors, such as the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck, in terms of sheer visual fidelity and fluidity.

The device’s dimensions, measuring 5.16 by 11.7 by 1.6 inches (HWD), and weight of 1.8 pounds, place it on the bulkier end of the spectrum for handheld gaming devices. However, this heft contributes to a substantial feel in the hand, particularly for users with larger hands. Despite its size, the Legion Go remains ergonomic, with controls positioned for comfortable access during extended gaming sessions.

Performance: Powering Gaming On-the-Go

Under the hood, the Lenovo Legion Go packs impressive hardware, spearheaded by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and RDNA3 graphics architecture. Backed by 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of storage space, it delivers a potent gaming experience that rivals traditional gaming laptops.

The device’s cooling system, featuring perforated galvanized steel backing and top vents, ensures efficient heat dissipation during intense gaming sessions. While effective, it does contribute to increased noise levels compared to its competitors, such as the ROG Ally. However, the option to switch to a quieter mode alleviates this concern for users prioritizing a more subdued gaming experience.

Gaming Experience: Innovations and Challenges

The Lenovo Legion Go introduces several innovative features, most notably its detachable controllers reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch. Equipped with Hall-effect joysticks and responsive buttons, these controllers offer a familiar yet refined gaming interface. However, the process of detaching and reattaching the controllers proves cumbersome, lacking the seamless experience offered by the Switch’s Joy-Cons.

Moreover, the inclusion of an FPS mode, which transforms the right controller into a joystick-like mouse, showcases Lenovo’s ambition to cater to diverse gaming preferences. While intriguing in concept, the execution falls short of expectations, with issues regarding accuracy and control scheme hindering its practicality.

Graphics and Gaming Tests: Pushing the Limits

In rigorous gaming tests performed by PCMag, the Lenovo Legion Go demonstrates commendable performance across a range of titles, from open-world adventures to competitive shooters. Titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Rainbow Six Siege run smoothly, showcasing the device’s prowess in handling graphically demanding games. However, the device struggles with more taxing titles like F1 2021, necessitating the use of upscaling technologies to maintain playable framerates.

Verdict: A Promising Contender with Room for Growth

The Lenovo Legion Go emerges as a promising addition to the realm of handheld gaming, offering a compelling blend of power, versatility, and innovation. While its larger screen and impressive hardware set it apart from competitors, challenges such as bulkiness and controller ergonomics warrant consideration.

Ultimately, the Legion Go presents a tantalizing glimpse into the future of portable PC gaming. With continued advancements in hardware and refinements in design, it holds the potential to become a staple for gamers seeking high-fidelity gaming experiences on the go. As the demand for handheld gaming PCs continues to evolve, the Legion Go stands poised to carve its niche in this rapidly expanding market.