Price in India (as reviewed): Rs 89,990
The Lenovo Legion Go is a handheld PC gaming device designed to offer the convenience of playing PC games without the need for a gaming laptop. This review explores its features and performance, comparing it to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
A Blend of Switch and Steam Deck
The Legion Go combines the form factors of the Switch and Steam Deck, aiming to balance their strengths while offering a unique portable PC gaming experience. Its design resembles both consoles, but it leans more towards being a portable PC gaming machine, much like the Steam Deck.
Design and Portability
The Legion Go is a large handheld console, weighing 854 grams and featuring a big screen with detachable controllers. It’s significantly larger than the Switch but comparable to the Steam Deck. Despite its size, it's easy to carry in a backpack, thanks to the included carrying case. The device feels ergonomic, fitting comfortably in hand for extended gaming sessions. The detachable controllers, similar to the Switch’s Joy-Cons, add flexibility, though removing them isn't as smooth as the Switch’s Joy-Cons.
Display and Kickstand
The Legion Go boasts a large 8.8-inch QHD display with a 2560 x 1660 resolution and up to a 144Hz refresh rate. Despite not being OLED, the screen offers sharp, detailed graphics with vibrant colors. The kickstand, taking up most of the device's back, allows for adjustable angles, making it convenient for gaming on a plane or desk.
Hardware and Performance
Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage, the Legion Go is essentially a gaming PC in a portable shell. It supports proper PC games, providing a significant advantage over mobile devices. During testing, games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hitman 3 ran smoothly, with high graphics settings and minimal frame drops. However, the full Windows 11 operating system, while offering flexibility for downloading games, presents challenges such as system updates and notifications.
What About The Battery Life?
The Legion Go features a 49.2-watt-hour battery, offering 2 to 2.5 hours of gaming on a full charge. While this meets expectations for heavy-duty gaming, there is always a desire for longer battery life in handheld consoles.
The Lenovo Legion Go stands out as a robust handheld gaming console for PC enthusiasts. Its large screen, detachable controllers, and powerful hardware make it a compelling option for portable PC gaming, despite some challenges with the Windows 11 interface and controller removal. Overall, it offers a unique gaming experience, blending the strengths of the Switch and Steam Deck.