Lenovo Legion Go is a handheld gaming PC that aims to offer a versatile and powerful gaming experience on the go. It is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processors and features a QHD+ or HDR OLED display, detachable controllers, and multiple modes of play. But how does it compare to other handheld gaming devices, such as the Steam Deck? And is it worth the price? In this review, we will take a closer look at the design, performance, software, and other aspects of the Lenovo Legion Go.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Legion Go has a sleek and sturdy design, with a matte black finish and a smoky translucent colorway for the limited edition model. It weighs about 0.7 kg and measures 20.3 x 11.4 x 2.9 cm, making it slightly heavier and thicker than the Steam Deck. The device feels comfortable to hold, thanks to the ergonomic grip and the textured back.
Display
The Lenovo Legion Go offers two display options: a 8.8-inch QHD+ LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 60 Hz, or a 7.4-inch HDR OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 90 Hz. Both displays have a 10-point touchscreen and support adaptive sync technology. The OLED display also has a premium anti-glare etched glass and a higher brightness of 500 nits. The display quality is excellent, with vivid colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles. The OLED display has a higher contrast ratio and a lower response time, making it more suitable for fast-paced games.
Kickstand
The Lenovo Legion Go has a built-in kickstand that allows you to prop up the device on a flat surface and play in different modes. The kickstand is made of metal and has a rubberized base for stability. It can be adjusted to various angles, from 15 to 90 degrees. The kickstand is easy to use and feels durable, unlike the flimsy one on the Nintendo Switch.
Controllers
The Lenovo Legion Go comes with detachable controllers that can be attached to the sides of the device or used separately. The controllers have a similar layout to the Xbox controllers, with two analog sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, two shoulder buttons, two triggers, and a menu button. The controllers also have haptic feedback, gyro sensors, and dual-stage triggers. The controllers are well-designed and responsive, with a smooth and tactile feel. The controllers can be charged via the USB-C port on the device or via the included controller base.
Performance
The Lenovo Legion Go is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processors, which are based on the Zen 4 architecture and the RDNA 3 graphics. The device has two processor options: the Z1 with 6 cores and 12 threads, or the Z1 Extreme with 8 cores and 16 threads. The device also has 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1 TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD storage. The device supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity. The device has a 49.2 Whr battery that can last up to 12 hours of gameplay, depending on the content and settings. The device also supports Super Rapid Charge Express and Power Bypass Mode for fast and efficient charging.
The Lenovo Legion Go delivers impressive performance, running most games smoothly and stably on high settings. The device can handle demanding games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hades, with frame rates ranging from 30 to 60 fps. The device also has a flexible power mode that allows you to adjust the performance and battery life according to your preference. The device has a good thermal management system, with ultra-thin heatsink fins and six sensors that monitor the temperature and fan speed. The device does not overheat or throttle, even after prolonged gaming sessions.
Software
The Lenovo Legion Go runs on Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft. Windows 11 offers a new user interface, improved performance, enhanced security, and better compatibility with games and applications. Windows 11 also has a gaming mode that optimizes the system resources and settings for gaming. The device also has a Legion Space app that acts as a gaming hub, where you can access your Steam library, customize your settings, and monitor your system information.
The Lenovo Legion Go has high game compatibility, thanks to the Windows 11 platform and the AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processors. The device can run almost any game that is available on Steam, as well as other platforms like Epic Games Store, GOG, Origin, and Uplay. The device also supports Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, which allows you to run Windows games on Linux. The device can also stream games from your PC or the cloud, using services like GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or Steam Remote Play.
Comparison to Steam Deck
The Lenovo Legion Go is a direct competitor to the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC from Valve. The two devices have similar specifications and features, but there are some differences. The Lenovo Legion Go has a higher resolution and a higher refresh rate display, a more ergonomic and detachable controller design, a built-in kickstand, and a Windows 11 operating system. The Steam Deck has a larger and more comfortable screen size, a more powerful processor and graphics, a trackpad and a touchscreen, and a SteamOS operating system. The Lenovo Legion Go is more expensive than the Steam Deck, but it also offers more options and flexibility for gaming.
Pricing and Availability
The Lenovo Legion Go is available in four models, with different storage, display, and processor options. The prices are as follows:
- 256 GB LCD model: ₹ 55,990.00
- 512 GB OLED model: ₹ 70,990.00
- 1 TB OLED model: ₹ 79,990.00
- 1 TB OLED Limited Edition model: ₹ 84,990.00
The device is currently available for pre-order on the Lenovo website and the Amazon website. The device is expected to ship in March 2023. The device also comes with a carrying case, a controller base, and a Steam profile bundle. The device also has a docking station that can be purchased separately for ₹ 6,319.00. The docking station allows you to connect the device to a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and other accessories, and play in desktop mode.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Legion Go is a handheld gaming PC that offers a versatile and powerful gaming experience on the go. It has a sleek and sturdy design, a high-quality display, detachable controllers, and multiple modes of play. It has impressive performance, running most games smoothly and stably on high settings. It has high game compatibility, thanks to the Windows 11 platform and the AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processors. It also has a good battery life, fast charging, and a good thermal management system.
