The Lenovo Legion Go has carved a niche for itself in the burgeoning high-performance handheld gaming market. This portable Ryzen Z1 gaming device boasts impressive features that cater to gamers seeking a cloud-compatible QHD+ gaming console experience on the go.

Lenovo Legion Go 8.8″

Brand: Lenovo
Screen Size: 8.8 inches
Color: Black
RAM: 16 GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
CPU: 3.3 GHz processor
Storage: Solid state hard drive (SSD)

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However, its strengths come with some caveats, making it a compelling option for a specific kind of user. This extensive Lenovo Legion Go review delves into the device’s capabilities, limitations, and target audience to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Display and Refresh Rate

The crown jewel of the Legion Go is undoubtedly its 8.8-inch display. Unlike its competitors with 7-inch screens, the Legion Go offers a stunning QHD+ resolution (2560 x 1600) for incredibly sharp visuals. Coupled with an industry-leading 144Hz refresh rate, the display delivers butter-smooth gameplay, especially for fast-paced titles.

The 16:10 aspect ratio offers a unique viewing experience compared to traditional 16:9 displays, providing a slightly taller canvas that feels immersive for various game genres. The 500 nits brightness display ensures excellent visibility even in well-lit environments.

Performance and Software

At the heart of the Legion Go lies the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor. While not the absolute top-of-the-line option, it delivers capable performance for a portable gaming console. Paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, the Legion Go can handle most modern titles at 1080p resolution with high settings and maintains smooth frame rates in many less demanding games even at the native QHD+ resolution.

However, users pushing the device to its limits with the most demanding AAA titles at QHD+ might encounter occasional frame drops. This trade-off between power and portability is crucial to remember when comparing the Legion Go to bulkier gaming laptops.

The Legion Go utilizes Lenovo Vantage software for managing system performance, fan settings, and RGB lighting. Additionally, the Legion Go is cloud-gaming compatible, allowing users to stream games from services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now for an expansive library of titles. However, its Legion Space software dedicated to gaming features is still under development.

Compared to competitors like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, Legion Space currently lacks features like extensive gamepad remapping capabilities or the ability to save custom mappings for individual games. Additionally, users have reported issues like stuttering SD card readers and the absence of proper gyro support at launch.

Despite these shortcomings, Lenovo has shown commitment to improving the software. They have been transparent with the community, actively addressing bugs and implementing new features based on user feedback. For instance, they have addressed initial launch issues like requiring users to manually update the software or reach for specific buttons on the device.

They are also working on features like adjustable fan curves, joystick deadzone adjustments, and FPS limiters. This ongoing development process offers hope for future improvements to the Legion Go’s software experience.

Design and Ergonomics: Lenovo Legion Go Review

The Legion Go boasts a detachable controller design, offering both handheld and traditional console-like gaming experiences. The controllers are well-sized and feature responsive buttons, analog sticks, and triggers.

However, some users might find the overall design a bit bulky and heavy compared to other mobile gaming options, especially considering its weight of 1.88 pounds, which is half a pound heavier than the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. The 10-point touch screen allows for intuitive control in certain games and provides versatility when navigating the Windows interface.

The Legion Go includes a sturdy kickstand that allows users to prop the device up on a table for comfortable tabletop gaming or even vertical positioning for reading. This versatility adds to the device’s appeal for users who want a multifunctional entertainment device beyond just gaming.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Legion Go’s battery life is decent, lasting around 3–4 hours on average, depending on usage and settings. This falls short of the Steam Deck, which can offer closer to 5 to 6 hours of gameplay on similar titles. It supports fast charging via its USB-C port, allowing users to quickly recharge during breaks.

In terms of connectivity, the Legion Go offers Wi-Fi 6 for smooth online gaming and Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting wireless peripherals. It also boasts two USB-C ports with 40Gbps of USB4 bandwidth, allowing users to plug in a keyboard, SSD, or even a Thunderbolt 3 external GPU without removing their charger lead. This connectivity advantage is worth considering for users who plan to use the Legion Go for tasks beyond gaming.

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Windows vs. SteamOS

The Legion Go runs on Windows 11 Home, which offers flexibility and familiarity for users accustomed to the Windows ecosystem. This allows them to access a wider range of software and games beyond those specifically designed for handheld gaming platforms.

However, Windows 11 isn’t necessarily optimized for handheld gaming in the same way that Valve’s SteamOS on the Steam Deck is. This can manifest in issues like games not launching in full-screen mode or requiring additional configuration for optimal performance.

Ultimately, the choice between Windows and SteamOS depends on individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize extensive software options and the flexibility of a traditional PC experience, Windows might be a good fit.

However, if you prioritize a more streamlined and gaming-focused experience optimized for handheld use, the Steam Deck’s SteamOS might be a better choice.

Pros and Cons of the Lenovo Legion Go

While the Lenovo Legion Go boasts impressive features for a handheld gaming PC, it’s not without its drawbacks. Let’s break down the key advantages and limitations to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Pros:

• Large, high-resolution display: The Legion Go boasts an impressive 8.8-inch QHD+ display, offering stunning visuals and a more immersive gaming experience compared to smaller-screened competitors.
• Detachable controllers: The ability to detach the controllers provides versatility, allowing users to switch between handheld and traditional console-like gaming experiences.
• Windows 11 compatibility: Running on Windows 11, the Legion Go offers wider software and game compatibility compared to dedicated handheld gaming consoles.
• Functional Windows tablet: The touchscreen and Windows 11 make it usable beyond gaming, allowing users to browse the web, read ebooks, and stream video.
• Decent performance: While not the absolute top performer, the Legion Go delivers capable performance for a handheld gaming PC, handling most modern titles at 1080p with high settings.
• Unique mouse mode: The detachable controller can transform into a five-button vertical mouse, offering an alternative control option for specific tasks.
• Extensive connectivity: Two USB-C ports with 40Gbps bandwidth allow for connecting various peripherals like keyboards, external storage, and even a Thunderbolt 3 GPU.

Cons:

• Shorter battery life: Compared to some competitors, the Legion Go’s battery life falls short, lasting around 3-4 hours on average, which might be limiting for extended gaming sessions.
• Software quirks: The Legion Space software is still under development and lacks features like extensive gamepad remapping capabilities currently offered by competitors.
• Windows not optimized for handheld gaming: While offering broader software compatibility, Windows 11 isn’t necessarily optimized for handheld gaming like SteamOS on the Steam Deck, potentially leading to issues like games not launching in full screen.
• Bulkier design: Weighing 1.88 pounds, the Legion Go is heavier than some competitors and might not be ideal for users who prioritize ultra-portability.
• Unreliable sleep mode: Users have reported issues with the device waking up unexpectedly from sleep mode, further impacting battery life.
• Limited mouse mode functionality: The transformation process for the mouse mode isn’t entirely seamless, and the small touchpad on the remaining controller might not be suitable for extended use compared to dedicated laptops.

By weighing these pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether the Lenovo Legion Go aligns with your needs and preferences as a potential handheld gaming PC.

Who Should Consider the Lenovo Legion Go?

• Desire a functional Windows tablet: The Windows 11 operating system and touchscreen functionality allow for use beyond gaming, making it a suitable option for tasks like web browsing, reading, and streaming video.
• Prioritize extensive software compatibility: Windows offers access to a wider range of software and games compared to dedicated handheld gaming consoles.
• Are comfortable managing battery life: While not the worst, the Legion Go’s battery life falls short of some competitors, and users might need to be mindful of power consumption for extended gaming sessions.
• Are receptive to software updates and improvements: Lenovo has shown commitment to improving the Legion Go’s software, and users should be comfortable with potential updates and bug fixes.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

While the Legion Go offers a compelling package, it might not be the ideal choice for everyone. Users who:

• Prioritize pure power and performance: The Legion Go might not be as powerful as some high-end gaming laptops in a more portable form factor.
• Demand exceptional battery life: For extended gaming sessions without access to a power outlet, the Legion Go’s battery life might be insufficient.
• Prefer a more streamlined and gaming-focused experience: SteamOS on the Steam Deck might be a better choice for users who prioritize a system optimized for handheld gaming.
• Dislike bulky devices: The Legion Go is heavier than some competitors and might not be suitable for users who prefer ultra-portable options.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Go is a compelling option for gamers seeking a powerful and versatile handheld gaming PC. It is a capable handheld gaming PC offering a large, high-resolution display, detachable controllers, and Windows 11 versatility. Its high-resolution display, smooth refresh rate, and cloud gaming capabilities make it a standout choice. However, its bulkier design and occasional performance limitations at the highest resolution might deter some users. Its shorter battery life, software quirks, and Windows-specific considerations make it essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase decision. Ultimately, the Lenovo Legion Go caters to a specific niche of gamers looking for a powerful and portable gaming solution for both local and cloud-based titles.