Lenovo Legion Go Review

In the burgeoning arena of handheld PC gaming, a new titan has entered the ring. The Lenovo Legion Go isn’t just another Steam Deck challenger; it’s a maximalist, feature-packed powerhouse that attempts to be a gaming handheld, a tablet, and a makeshift desktop all at once. By blending the DNA of a Nintendo Switch with the raw power of a Windows gaming PC, Lenovo has crafted a device that is as ambitious as it is enormous. But does this kitchen-sink approach result in a master of all trades, or a jack of none?

Design and Display: A Beautiful Behemoth

The first thing you notice about the Legion Go is its sheer scale. This is an unapologetically large device, dwarfing both the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally. At its heart is a magnificent 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) IPS display. With a 144Hz refresh rate and brilliant color reproduction, it is unequivocally the best screen on any handheld gaming device today. Games look stunningly sharp and feel incredibly fluid, creating a level of immersion its rivals simply cannot match.

The build quality is classic Lenovo: robust, premium, and thoughtfully engineered. A sturdy, full-width kickstand on the back allows it to stand securely on a table, a feature that proves indispensable. The main party trick, however, is the detachable “TrueStrike” controllers. They slide off the main unit with a satisfying click, much like Nintendo’s Joy-Cons, but feel substantially more ergonomic and durable in the hand, thanks to their larger size and textured grips. Critically, Lenovo opted for hall-effect joysticks, which are immune to the dreaded stick drift, a welcome and forward-thinking inclusion.

Performance and the Windows Paradox

Under the hood, the Legion Go packs the same potent AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor found in the top-tier ROG Ally. As expected, performance is excellent. It chews through modern AAA titles with confidence, provided you are willing to manage your expectations and settings. Running games at the display’s native 1600p resolution is a tall order for the integrated graphics, often requiring significant compromises to achieve playable frame rates. The sweet spot for balancing performance and fidelity lies at a more reasonable 1200p or 800p, where the Z1 Extreme can truly flex its muscles and push high frame rates to match the 144Hz panel.

The device runs a full version of Windows 11, which is both its greatest strength and a notable weakness. On one hand, it grants you access to virtually every game launcher and application imaginable—from Steam and Epic to Xbox Game Pass. On the other, Windows remains a clunky, touch-unfriendly experience on a small screen. Lenovo’s “Legion Space” software overlay tries to create a more console-like experience, but it currently feels like a work in progress, lacking the polish and seamless integration of Valve’s SteamOS.

The Swiss Army Knife Features

Where the Legion Go truly sets itself apart is its versatility. The detachable controllers are more than a gimmick. The right controller can be placed into an included magnetic puck, transforming it into a vertical ergonomic mouse for an innovative “FPS Mode.” While it has a learning curve, it offers a surprisingly effective control scheme for first-person shooters on the go. Furthermore, the inclusion of two USB-C 4.0 ports—one on the top and one on the bottom—is a game-changer, allowing you to charge the device while simultaneously connecting a dock or peripheral without needing an awkward adapter.

This multi-faceted design means the Legion Go is more than just a gaming machine. Prop it up with the kickstand, detach the controllers, and you have a mini-workstation or a perfect screen for watching movies. It’s this adaptability that forms the core of its value proposition.

The Final Verdict

The Lenovo Legion Go is a device for the enthusiast who craves power, versatility, and the best screen money can buy in a handheld. It is not the most portable or pick-up-and-play-friendly option. Its size makes it less of a travel companion and more of a “couch-portable” device, and its software requires a bit of patience. However, if you are a tinkerer who values the freedom of a full Windows PC, appreciates innovative hardware features, and wants a stunning display to be your window into virtual worlds, the Legion Go delivers an experience that is ambitious, powerful, and uniquely compelling. It’s a bold statement in the handheld space and a fantastic, if slightly flawed, piece of engineering.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon