Lenovo Legion Go Review – A Comprehensive Look at Lenovo’s Handheld Gaming Revolution
The Lenovo Legion Go is Lenovo’s ambitious entry into the handheld gaming market, competing directly with the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and other portable gaming devices. By combining a large display, detachable controllers, and the raw power of AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme, the Legion Go aims to deliver the performance of a gaming PC in a portable form factor. Let’s dive deep into the details to see if it lives up to its potential.
Design and Build Quality: Premium Yet Practical
The Legion Go features an industrial yet sleek design, striking a balance between gamer aesthetics and professional appeal. It’s crafted from high-quality polycarbonate materials, providing durability without making the device overly heavy.
Key Features:
- Detachable Controllers:
Similar to the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons, the Legion Go’s controllers are detachable, enabling multiple gameplay styles:- Handheld Mode: Traditional gaming experience with controllers attached.
- Tabletop Mode: Use the full-width kickstand to prop up the device while holding the controllers separately.
- FPS Mode: The right controller transforms into a mouse-like device for enhanced precision in first-person shooter games, complete with a magnetic base for stability.
- Ergonomics:
- Curved grips on the controllers ensure comfort during extended sessions.
- Weighing 854g, it’s slightly heavier than the Steam Deck but remains portable and sturdy.
- Customizable RGB Lighting:
The Legion logo and controller accents feature customizable RGB lighting via Lenovo’s Legion Space software.
Display: A Larger Canvas for Gaming
At the heart of the Legion Go is its 8.8-inch QHD+ IPS display, which is larger than most competitors’ screens, offering a more immersive experience.
Display Specifications:
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
- Refresh Rate: Up to 144Hz, ideal for fast-paced games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.
- Brightness: Peaks at 500 nits, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10, which provides extra vertical screen space for games and productivity tasks.
The display’s Gorilla Glass protection adds durability, while its vibrant color reproduction makes it suitable not just for gaming but also for streaming and creative tasks.
Performance: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme at the Core
The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, built on AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, powers the Legion Go. This chip is specifically designed for handheld gaming, combining high efficiency with impressive raw performance.
Benchmarks:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, Medium): ~60 FPS
- Forza Horizon 5 (1440p, High): ~70 FPS
- Elden Ring (1440p, Medium): ~55 FPS
Notable Features:
- 16GB LPDDR5X RAM ensures smooth multitasking and fast loading times.
- 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD offers ample storage for game libraries, with support for expandable storage via a microSD slot.
- Thermal Management:
- Dual fans and a large vapor chamber keep temperatures under control, maintaining performance even during extended gaming sessions.
Controllers: Innovative and Customizable
The Legion TrueStrike Controllers are a standout feature, offering a combination of versatility and precision.
Key Features:
- Responsive Inputs:
The joysticks, triggers, and buttons provide tactile feedback, with the hall-effect joysticks eliminating drift issues. - FPS Mode:
A game-changer for first-person shooters, the right controller doubles as a mouse when placed on a magnetic base, offering unparalleled accuracy for games like Call of Duty or Valorant. - Custom Mapping:
Users can remap buttons and adjust sensitivity via Legion Space software.
Drawbacks:
Some users have reported minor wobble when the controllers are attached, though it doesn’t significantly impact gameplay.
Battery Life: Decent, but Could Be Better
The 49.2Wh battery provides 3–4 hours of gaming on medium settings, which is comparable to competitors like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Battery life can drop to around 2 hours for more demanding games at higher settings.
Charging Features:
- Fast Charging: Reaches 50% charge in just 30 minutes using the included 65W USB-C charger.
- Battery Saver Mode: Reduces frame rates and limits TDP to extend playtime during longer sessions.
Software and User Interface: Legion Space
Running on Windows 11 Home, the Legion Go offers a familiar PC gaming experience. Lenovo’s Legion Space software acts as a centralized hub for game management and system settings.
Legion Space Highlights:
- Game Launcher: Quickly access titles from Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and other platforms.
- System Tuning: Adjust TDP (Thermal Design Power), fan speeds, and refresh rates.
- Customizable Profiles: Create presets for different games or use cases.
While functional, the interface isn’t as polished or intuitive as the Steam Deck’s SteamOS.
Connectivity: Flexible and Modern
The Legion Go offers a robust selection of connectivity options:
- 2x USB-C Ports: Supports charging, display output, and external peripherals.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Ensures stable and fast wireless connections for online gaming.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Connect wireless headphones, controllers, or keyboards.
- 3.5mm Audio Jack: For traditional headphones or external speakers.
The inclusion of a microSD card slot allows users to expand storage without hassle, a key advantage for larger game libraries.
Price and Value
Priced at $1499 (Currently $1199 At JB Hifi), the Lenovo Legion Go offers excellent value for its feature set. It costs slightly more than the Steam Deck but provides a larger display, higher refresh rates, and more versatile controls.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large, vibrant QHD+ display with 144Hz refresh rate.
- Powerful performance with AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme.
- Innovative detachable controllers with FPS mode.
- Versatile connectivity options, including USB-C and Wi-Fi 6E.
- Expandable storage via microSD.
Cons:
- Battery life could be longer, especially for high-performance gaming.
- Slight wobble when controllers are attached.
- Legion Space software lacks polish compared to competitors.
Verdict: Is the Lenovo Legion Go Worth It?
The Lenovo Legion Go sets a new benchmark for handheld gaming with its innovative design, powerful performance, and versatile features. While it has a few minor shortcomings, such as battery life and software polish, its combination of a large display, detachable controllers, and high refresh rates makes it a compelling choice for gamers who want the best of both portability and power.
Score: 9/10 – A premium handheld that redefines what portable gaming can be.
