Lenovo Legion Go Handheld Review
Valve’s Steam Deck was officially launched in Australia in November 2024, but we are no strangers to PC handheld devices. One such gaming handheld is the Lenovo Go. Unlike the Steam Deck, it runs Windows 11, has a larger screen, and is more powerful. In Australia, the Lenovo Legion Go retails for $1499 AUD (December 2024), offering more and easier customization than the Steam Deck. Both are excellent handhelds, but if you seek that pure PC Windows 11 experience, then the Lenovo Legion Go is your path to gaming glory.
Key Specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home (Includes 3-months Game Pass)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor (3.30 GHz up to 5.10 GHz)
- RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X-7500MHz
- Display Size: 8.8″
- Storage: 512 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 TLC
- Media/Memory Card Slot: Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC
- Inputs/Outputs: 2x USB-C (USB4) / Supports Video Alt Mode and Power Delivery
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Tri-Band (2.4, 5, & 6 GHz) with MU-MIMO Support (2 x 2)
- Battery: 49.2WHr with USB-C Charging
As you can see from the above specifications, it’s essentially a portable (handheld) PC that measures 298.8 x 131 x 40.7mm and weighs 854 grams. Unlike the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Portal, or Steam Deck OLED, the Lenovo Legion Go is a heavier device. However, it is a more powerful handheld with a larger 8.8” QHD+ Display and a resolution of 2560 x 1600 running at 144Hz with IPS. Undeniably, the Lenovo Legion Go has one of the best touch screen displays around, boasting excellent image quality, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. It is impressive with 500 nits brightness, making it playable in bright light, and an accurate 10-point touchscreen.
Box Contents
- 1 x Lenovo Legion Go Z1 Extreme (512GB)
- 1 × 65W AU/NZ Charger
- 1 x Controller Base
- 1 x Power Adapter
- 1 x Carrying Case
- 1 × 3-Month Xbox Game Pass
- 1 x User Guide
Lenovo Legion Go Gallery
For a handheld, the AMD Ryzen Z1 Series processor is quite a beast, boasting the latest Radeon DNA (RDNA) Graphics for true pocket power when paired with the equally powerful 16 GB LPDDR5X-7500MHz RAM. Additionally, Lenovo should be commended for their excellent thermal technology that keeps the device efficiently cooled with an exhaust vent at the top. Although it features a <25db quiet mode, the device can become a little loud for those Triple-A games, including heat management.
Unboxing Gallery
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The overall build quality is great with well-placed controls and inputs. For additional protection, the display uses Gorilla Glass. With some handhelds and many smartphones, audio can take a back seat, but thankfully, this is not the case with the Legion Go, thanks to its integrated 2x2W speaker system that produces clear, distortion-free audio for its size.
Although it comes with a large 49.2WHr battery, battery life depends on a wide number of factors such as the game you are running, resolution, and brightness. Indie games will run very well as they require less processing, but Triple-A titles will drain the battery considerably faster. I appreciate how the Go comes with an integrated kickstand and detachable joysticks, called Legion TrueStrike controllers (similar to the Nintendo Switch 2), allowing you to use this portable PC as a mini-console.
Like other handhelds that can be docked or streamed, the Legion Go supports five modes, including:
- Handheld Mode: Transform your beloved palm device into a portal gaming PC, pushing mobile performance limits and perfect for on-the-go gaming.
- FPS (First Person Shooter) Mode: When paired with the optional controller base, this mode is tailored for FPS enthusiasts, with the left side acting as WASD keys and the right side as a vertical mouse, enhancing aiming and precision.
- Detachable Mode: After a long day, unwind with a relaxing yet immersive gaming session. Simply dock your Legion Go to your favorite Legion monitor or TV and settle onto your couch with ergonomically crafted controllers. Experience gaming in the most comfortable way possible.
- Battle Station Mode: Dock it with your favorite Legion monitor, connect it seamlessly with all your beloved Legion accessories, and you’re poised to dominate the gaming battlefield.
- Legion Glasses: With Legion Glasses compatibility, explore augmented realities while comfortably indulging in the world of gaming from the comfort of your couch.
As the Legion Go runs on Windows 11, it is essentially a small handheld PC. One drawback is that sometimes the text can be a little small, a common issue with the Steam Deck as well. However, as it is a Windows 11 PC, it gives you access to games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Xbox Game Pass. To support gaming management and functionality, it comes with Legion Space, an app that helps provide the best optimization for gaming and also offers customization options.
Gaming Performance: Games such as Dragon Age: The Veil Guard, Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077, and Helldivers 2—Triple-A titles—all work well on the Lenovo Legion Go (30 – 60 fps). Indie titles like Hades and Brotato also perform excellently. Just be aware that Triple-A titles will drain the battery quickly, and some titles like Dragon Age may suffer from framerate issues, so you may need to tweak the details and resolution. However, indie titles work a treat! Other games I tested included Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, Dead Cells, Dave the Diver and Hollow Knight that like the other aforementioned titles, worked well on this handheld PC. So yes, gaming works well but just be warned that some tweaking is required for some titles.
Final Thoughts? The Lenovo Legion Go is a true handheld PC with excellent performance, an exceptional screen and well-designed controls. If you’re looking for something more powerful than the Steam Deck, this device successfully delivers both performance and customization for gamers on the go. Although a little on the heavier side, it does excel at gaming once you’ve tweaked the settings to find that perfect Zen for frames per second.
About the Author
Adrian Gunning Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.
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