Lenovo Legion Go hands-on: A extra Swap-like handheld gaming PC

For followers of handheld gaming PCs, 2023 simply retains getting higher. Following the discharge of ASUS’ ROG Ally earlier this yr, Lenovo is coming into the class with the Legion Go. And, after getting the prospect to go hands-on with it, I feel a few of Lenovo’s twists could find yourself making a giant distinction.

Earlier than we get in too deep, it’s vital to say that the models I attempted are very a lot pre-production samples. You’ll be able to see proof of this on parts just like the shoulder buttons, the place one aspect of the machine options metallic paint (which is what you’ll get on retail units) whereas the opposite aspect is obvious black plastic. Lenovo additionally says that alongside a inventory set up of Home windows 11, it’s planning to equip the Legion Go together with a customized app launcher much like ASUS’ Amoury Crate. However, that wasn’t current on the demo models I used. The Legion’s Go’s physique additionally felt a bit tough in locations, so if you happen to spot labels or elements of its shell that don’t look fairly proper, Lenovo is probably going trying to polish these up earlier than its official launch someday in October.

OK, now that we received that out the best way, let’s speak about a few of the Legion Go’s spotlight options, probably the most notable of which is its display. It’s an 8.8-inch 2,560 x 1,600 IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh fee and listed at 500 nits of brightness. So not solely is the Legion Go’s panel as quick as what you get from the ROG Ally, it’s additionally the most important display on just about any machine on this class. On prime of that, colours completely pop, which makes the machine much more interesting than lots of its rivals.

The plain draw back to that is that between that massive show and a considerably boxy physique, the Legion Go is quite cumbersome. Measuring 11.Eight x 5.15 x 1.61 inches, the Legion Go is far nearer in measurement to the Steam Deck than sleeker rivals just like the ROG Ally. As for the remainder of its design, you get a well-known Xbox-style button format in entrance, with an fascinating asymmetrical rear paddle format in again, with a complete of 4 rear buttons together with a scroll wheel, although I’m unsure what’s the supposed objective for that final part. That stated, I’m not going to show my nostril up at further enter strategies.

Apparently, Lenovo can also be drawing inspiration from the Nintendo Swap as evidenced by the folding kickstand in again and the power to detach the Legion Go’s controllers from its most important physique. Nevertheless, I did discover that eradicating the controllers isn’t fairly as easy or simple as it’s on a Swap. First, it’s important to press the button within the again after which form of tilt and slide on the similar time. Granted, I largely received the grasp of it after a couple of minutes, nevertheless it positively takes some apply.

This kickstand does make it simple to prop the show up on a desk whereas utilizing the controllers remotely, although. And due to the 2 USB four ports, you’ll be able to even join peripherals like a mouse and keyboard if you wish to flip the Legion Go right into a tiny desktop. Alternatively, you need to use the one touchpad on the suitable management to mouse round in Home windows, which is a pleasant nod in the direction of common usability, as a result of in contrast to the ROG Ally, you’ll be able to’t use the Legion Go’s joysticks to maneuver your cursor.

One other intelligent function on the Legion Go is that on the underside of the suitable controller, there’s what Lenovo is asking an FPS Swap. When you toggle that after which drop the suitable controller into an included cradle, out of the blue you get what is basically a vertical mouse that you may drag throughout a desk whereas enjoying shooters. That stated, I’m unsure I’ll ever desire this setup over a standard horizontal mouse or perhaps a joystick.

Lastly, with specs together with an AMD Z1 Excessive chip, 16GB of RAM, as much as 1TB of storage and a 49.2 WHr battery, the Legion Go appears to be like to be simply as highly effective because the ROG Ally. However what makes this so spectacular is that along with coming with an included case (which you don’t get from ASUS), Lenovo is being very aggressive with pricing, because the Legion Go will begin at $699. That’s the identical because the Ally, regardless of the Legion Go’s larger display, larger battery and extra refined controllers.

So whereas Lenovo nonetheless has some sharpening to do earlier than the Legion Go formally goes on sale someday in October, with one other massive title becoming a member of the battle, it’s clear the battle for handheld gaming PC supremacy is simply starting.