In the ever-evolving world of handheld gaming, the Lenovo Legion Go emerges as a noteworthy contender. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of its features, design, and overall gaming experience, positioning it against industry giants like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. In this article we’ll be having a review about Lenovo Legion Go.
Design and Build Quality
Innovative Form Factor
The Lenovo Legion Go introduces a groundbreaking design in the handheld gaming segment. It features detachable controllers that charge wirelessly, a nod to modern convenience and functionality. This design choice not only enhances portability but also adds a layer of versatility to the gaming experience.
Display Excellence
The device boasts an 8.8-inch IPS screen, a significant step up in size compared to its competitors. With a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz, the Legion Go offers a display that is both luxurious and practical, providing crisp and fluid visuals essential for gaming.
Ergonomic Controllers
The controllers, designed for a more substantial grip compared to the Switch’s Joy-Cons, strike a balance between comfort and functionality. They feature a thoughtful layout that includes a control stick, a D-pad, menu buttons, a bumper, a trigger on the top, and additional programmable buttons on the rear.
Right Controller Specialties
- A touchpad for enhanced cursor control.
- An additional bumper on the right side.
- Strategically placed buttons (M3 and Y3) for accessibility.
- A scroll wheel under the right trigger for added functionality.
Sturdy Kickstand and Convenient Ports
The Legion Go is equipped with a robust kickstand, facilitating easy tabletop gaming. The inclusion of two USB-C ports, located thoughtfully on the top and bottom, allows for versatile charging options, catering to different gaming setups.
Performance and User Experience
Navigating Windows on a Handheld
Running on Windows, the Legion Go faces the inherent challenge of delivering a seamless experience on a handheld device. Lenovo’s Legion Space app attempts to streamline game launching and settings management, though it comes with its own set of navigation peculiarities.
The Trackpad Edge
The trackpad on the right controller is a significant ergonomic advantage, offering a practical solution for navigating the Windows interface and in-game menus that are typically less controller-friendly.
FPS Mode: A Game Changer
The FPS mode is a standout feature, transforming the right controller into a mouse-like joystick. This mode offers a unique blend of control stick agility and mouse precision, significantly enhancing the gaming experience, especially in first-person shooter games.
Gaming Performance
Handling Modern Titles
The Legion Go, powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 Series Processors, is more than capable of handling modern gaming titles. The combination of a powerful processor and a high-refresh-rate screen ensures that games not only look good but also run smoothly.
Audio Experience
While not the primary focus, the audio performance of the Legion Go is commendable. The device pairs well with Lenovo’s Legion E510 7.1 RGB Gaming In-Ear Headphones, offering an immersive audio experience that complements its visual prowess.
Software Integration and Challenges
The Windows Dilemma
The choice to run Windows on a handheld device is ambitious but comes with its challenges. The operating system is not inherently designed for handheld, touchscreen devices with controller-style inputs. Lenovo’s software attempts to mitigate these issues, but some jankiness remains, particularly when dealing with unexpected shifts to desktop mode or navigating non-controller-optimized interfaces.
Conclusion
We hope you like our review for Lenovo Legion Go. We think that Lenovo Legion Go has marked a significant step in the evolution of handheld gaming devices. Its innovative design, impressive display, and unique features like the FPS mode set it apart in a crowded market. While the integration of Windows as an operating system presents certain challenges, the overall experience offered by the Legion Go is promising. It stands not just as another option in handheld gaming but as a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to innovation and user experience in gaming technology.
