Lenovo Legion Go: A Gamers’ Dream Handheld Console
I bought the Lenovo Legion Go. It is an ambitious entry into the world of handheld gaming, blending the portability of a console with the performance of a gaming laptop. As a proud owner of this device, I’ve spent hours exploring its capabilities, and here’s my detailed review of what it offers.
Design and Build Quality
From the moment you unbox the Lenovo Legion Go, it’s clear that this device means business. The design is sleek and sturdy, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Its ergonomic grips ensure comfort during extended gaming sessions, and the detachable controllers—a nod to the Nintendo Switch—add versatility. The build quality feels premium, with no creaky joints or flimsy parts, giving you confidence in its durability.
The 8.8-inch QHD+ display is a standout feature. With a 16:10 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 144 Hz, it’s perfect for modern games. The colors are vibrant, and the screen’s brightness ensures good visibility even in well-lit environments. Gaming feels immersive, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. The thin bezels further enhance the overall viewing experience, making it feel more like a high-end gaming screen than a typical handheld console.
Weighing in at just over 850 grams, the Legion Go is heavier than some competitors, but the weight feels balanced in hand. This extra heft is likely due to its robust hardware and battery, a trade-off many gamers will find acceptable for the performance it delivers.
Performance
Under the hood, the Legion Go is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. This combination delivers smooth gameplay for even the most demanding titles. In my testing, AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring ran seamlessly at medium to high settings. Frame rates hovered consistently around 60fps, even during graphically intensive scenes, which is impressive for a handheld device.
The Legion Go also shines in multitasking. I tested running multiple applications, including a game, a browser, and Spotify, without any noticeable lag. This makes it suitable not just for gaming but also for general productivity tasks, provided you have the right peripherals.
One of the Legion Go’s unique selling points is its ability to connect to Lenovo’s external GPU, the Legion BoostStation, for enhanced performance. This feature is a game-changer for those who want desktop-level gaming while at home. While the BoostStation is sold separately and adds to the overall cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for hardcore gamers who need extra power for 4K gaming.
Controls and Usability
The detachable controllers, called TrueStrike, feel great in hand. They’re responsive, with tactile buttons and analog sticks that rival dedicated gaming controllers. The trackpads on each controller add flexibility, especially for strategy games and productivity tasks. Additionally, the built-in kickstand allows you to prop up the device for tabletop gaming.
The joysticks have a comfortable range of motion, and the triggers offer just the right amount of resistance. These details show Lenovo’s attention to the gaming experience. The inclusion of haptic feedback further enhances immersion, making every action feel impactful.
Navigating the Windows 11 interface is smooth, thanks to the touch screen and optimized software tweaks. However, the experience may feel a bit clunky compared to consoles like the Steam Deck, which use custom OS solutions tailored for gaming. Lenovo’s custom Legion Space software helps mitigate this by serving as a central hub for games, system settings, and performance optimization.
Battery Life
Battery performance is decent, with the 49.2Wh battery offering around 2-4 hours of gameplay, depending on the title and settings. For less demanding indie games or casual browsing, the battery stretches closer to 5 hours. Charging is fast, thanks to its 65W USB-C charger, which can bring the battery from 0% to 50% in just about 30 minutes.
However, for long gaming sessions on the go, carrying a power bank is advisable. The device’s power-hungry hardware and high-refresh-rate display naturally consume more energy than simpler handheld consoles.
Audio and Connectivity
The dual speakers deliver clear and balanced sound, with noticeable bass and crisp highs. While the audio isn’t groundbreaking, it’s more than adequate for handheld gaming. For a better experience, connecting Bluetooth headphones or using the 3.5mm jack is recommended.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring stable connections for online gaming and accessory pairing. The device also features a microSD card slot, expanding its storage potential beyond its built-in 1TB SSD. This makes it easy to store large game libraries without worrying about running out of space.
Software and Customization
Running on Windows 11, the Legion Go provides the flexibility of a full PC experience. This means you can install any PC game launcher, from Steam and Epic Games to Xbox Game Pass and more. The Legion Space software serves as an intuitive interface for launching games and tweaking performance settings.
Customization options are plentiful. You can fine-tune the performance, including adjusting the power limit and fan curves, to prioritize battery life or performance. This level of control ensures that the device caters to both casual gamers and enthusiasts.
Pricing and Value
The Lenovo Legion Go is priced at $699 for the base model, with higher configurations costing more depending on the storage and RAM options. While this price point is higher than some competitors like the Steam Deck, the Legion Go justifies its cost with superior hardware, a larger QHD+ display, and the versatility of Windows 11.
For those considering additional accessories like the Legion BoostStation or carrying cases, the total investment could climb, but it’s still a reasonable price for a portable device that doubles as a gaming PC.
Comparison with Competitors
The Legion Go’s most direct competitors are the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. While the Steam Deck is more affordable and benefits from a streamlined Linux-based gaming OS, it falls short in display quality and raw performance. The ASUS ROG Ally offers similar hardware but lacks some of the Legion Go’s features, like detachable controllers and the ability to connect to an external GPU.
For gamers who value display quality, performance, and versatility, the Legion Go stands out as a compelling option.
Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Go is an impressive device for gaming enthusiasts who crave portability without sacrificing performance. Its robust design, powerful hardware, and versatility make it a worthy competitor in the handheld gaming market. While the Windows interface could use more gaming-specific refinements, the overall package is compelling.
With a starting price of $699, the Legion Go delivers excellent value for its features. It’s an ideal choice for gamers who want a device that bridges the gap between console gaming and PC performance. Whether you’re gaming on the couch, traveling, or setting up a full gaming station at home, the Legion Go has you covered.
If you’re looking for a premium handheld gaming experience with the flexibility of a Windows PC, the Lenovo Legion Go is an excellent choice. It may not be perfect, but its potential and value are undeniable.
