Lenovo Legion Go: A Game-Changer in the World of Handheld Gaming

 




In a world where handheld gaming has become increasingly popular thanks to the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck, Lenovo has thrown its hat into the ring with the Lenovo Legion Go. 


Lenovo, primarily known for its laptops, has entered the handheld gaming console market with a bang, and we got the chance to go hands-on with this ambitious new device ahead of its big reveal at IFA 2023.


Design: Big Screen, Compact Form Factor:

The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its unique design. Running on Windows 11 and powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and offering up to 1TB of storage space, this device packs a punch. 


However, what catches your eye first is its stunning 8.8-inch display, boasting a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a rapid 144Hz refresh rate. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, this screen is the largest you'll find on a handheld gaming console, outclassing even the Asus ROG Ally's 1080p display. While not OLED, the panel still delivers vibrant visuals.


The larger screen does make the Legion Go bulkier than some of its competitors, but it remains highly portable compared to gaming laptops. 


Lenovo hasn't released specific battery life estimates yet, but they've introduced "Super Rapid Charge," promising a 70% charge in just 30 minutes. Connectivity options are also plentiful, featuring USB Type-C ports, microSD support up to 2TB, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.


Using the Lenovo Legion Go: Gaming Freedom:

What sets the Legion Go apart from other gaming handhelds are its detachable controllers, reminiscent of the Nintendo Joy-Cons. These controllers connect via Bluetooth when detached and provide a versatile gaming experience. 


One controller includes a touchpad and an angled mouse wheel, while the other boasts a large D-pad. Together, they offer mappable shoulder buttons, triggers, and grip buttons, providing customization options akin to desktop PC gaming setups.


Lenovo has even devised a unique first-person shooter mode for one of the controllers. By fitting the right-hand controller onto an included base, it stands vertically, acting like a vertical mouse for precise aiming and movement in shooter games.


Although the controllers felt sturdy, some users might find their buttons and sticks a tad stiff. Detaching and re-attaching them requires practice due to their intricate mechanism.


Lenovo introduces an exclusive interface overlay called Legion Space for the Legion Go. Legion Space is designed for controller use and allows quick access to all your game platforms, stores, and locally installed games. 


You can also purchase games through the Legion Game Store in collaboration with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers three months of free access with the Legion Go.


Performance and Future Prospects:

While we couldn't conduct exhaustive benchmark tests during our hands-on session, the Lenovo Legion Go impressed us with its smooth performance, lacking noticeable frame-rate drops. Games from the Xbox Game Pass library, such as Forza Horizon 5, Halo: Master Chief Collection, and PowerWash Simulator, ran without stuttering and showcased vibrant visuals.


However, questions remain regarding battery life, whether games will fully utilize the device's high refresh rate and resolution, and how it will harness AMD's newly announced FSR 3 technology.


The Verdict:

In conclusion, our initial experience with the Lenovo Legion Go has left us excited. With its unique design, detachable controllers, and impressive performance, it's poised to be a strong contender in the crowded handheld gaming market.


Priced starting at $699 for the Z1 Extreme with 512GB of storage, it promises excellent service for gamers. Stay tuned for our comprehensive review and benchmarks as we get out later this year. Lenovo's Legion Go could be a game-changer for handheld gaming enthusiasts.












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Lenovo Legion Go, handheld gaming, gaming console, Windows 11, AMD Ryzen, detachable controllers, big screen, gaming performance, portable gaming.
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