Lenovo Legion Go Review – IGN

Lenovo Legion Go – Design and Features

The Lenovo Legion Go has arrived just as the Steam Deck OLED has brought back the hype for handheld gaming PCs. Priced at $699 and up, it surpasses the Steam Deck in many aspects, although it may be a bit bulky for some users. This handheld device is powered by the AMD Z1 Extreme chip, the same chip found in the Asus ROG Ally, and features an impressive 8.8-inch, 1600p IPS display as well as up to 1TB of storage space. While it may be more expensive at the high end, the Legion Go offers a larger display and runs on native Windows 11, making it a worthwhile investment for users interested in those features.

Bigger Screen, Bigger Fun?

The standout feature of the Lenovo Legion Go is its massive 8.8-inch QHD display. Although the display is stunning, the current technology may not fully support the high resolution, with most content only being displayed at 2560×1600 for the Windows Desktop, videos, or older games with limited controller support. Adjusting the resolution to 1200p at 60Hz can help save battery life and improve performance, especially for newer and more demanding games. While the Legion Go offers flexibility and customization, users seeking a plug-and-play console-like gaming experience may be somewhat disappointed compared to the Steam Deck.

Lenovo Legion Go – Performance

Powered by the AMD Z1 Extreme chip, the Lenovo Legion Go delivers exceptional performance for a mobile gaming device. With a balance of performance and portability, users can expect solid frame rates of 30-60 fps at 1200p resolution in most games, particularly when graphics settings are adjusted. Synthetic benchmarks demonstrate the Legion Go’s capabilities alongside other handheld gaming PCs with the same chip. While its display supports QHD, the device shines when running games at FHD resolution, making it a top choice for handheld gaming enthusiasts.

Lenovo Legion Go – Battery Life

Although the Lenovo Legion Go may not offer all-day battery life, the device can still impress with its runtime, especially when playing less demanding games. While intensive gaming can drain the battery faster, the Legion Go suits scenarios where users can easily access a power source, such as during travel or leisure time. For a handheld gaming PC that excels in performance and can be comfortably used in fixed locations, the Legion Go is a great choice. However, for users looking for a more portable option with better battery life, alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED or the ROG Ally Z1 may be more suitable.

Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra