The handheld gaming industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with options like the Nintendo Switch, indie handhelds, and the groundbreaking Steam Deck reshaping the landscape. In this context, the Lenovo Legion Go enters the scene at a $700 price point, promising a full Windows 11 experience, detachable controllers, and a myriad of features. However, as enticing as its specifications may be, the Legion Go falls short in delivering a seamless gaming experience when compared to its competitor, the Steam Deck. Navigating the Landscape of Windows Gaming Handhelds.
Lenovo Legion Go foray into the handheld gaming world reflects the gradual evolution anticipated since the Nintendo Switch’s debut in 2017. Back then, the gaming community began to envision a future where handheld PC gaming could be a reality. Fast forward to today, and the Legion Go aims to capitalize on this vision by offering a comprehensive Windows gaming experience. Yet, despite its grand promises, the Legion Go reveals the growing pains and challenges faced by Windows-based handhelds.
In contrast, the Steam Deck, an already established player in the market, recently received notable upgrades, including improved battery life and a larger OLED display. It effectively runs numerous Steam games, providing a smoother gaming experience. Lenovo’s Legion Go, on the other hand, boasts a larger display than the Steam Deck, a faster AMD processor, detachable controllers akin to the Nintendo Switch, an adjustable kickstand, and even a built-in optical mouse and scroll wheel on the right controller.
Good stuff: The display, kickstand and controllers
The Legion Go’s 8.8-inch display is commendable, offering vivid and sharp visuals despite its 1.8-pound weight, reminiscent of a small laptop. The higher resolution of 2,560×1,600 pixels surpasses that of the Steam Deck, making it particularly advantageous for games designed for larger laptops and monitors. Additionally, the Legion Go introduces a Nintendo Switch-inspired tabletop mode with its built-in kickstand and snap-off wireless controllers, providing a comfortable alternative for extended gaming sessions.
However, despite these positive attributes, the Legion Go falls short in practicality. The controllers, while button-studded, feel chunky and confusing, with the right controller’s button arrangements flipping in the grip and incorporating a scroll wheel for FPS-focused mouse functions. Charging the controllers can only be done when connected to the Legion Go, unlike the Steam Deck’s all-in-one fixed design.
Bad stuff: Windows, game compatibility
The Legion Go’s potential as a handheld Windows PC is undeniable, with specifications like 16GB of RAM, two USB 4.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and the powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. Its flexibility in running various PC game stores is evident through the Legion Go launcher, a consolidated interface that links to platforms like Steam and Microsoft’s Xbox app. However, the practicality of these features is hampered by issues such as poor game performance, crashes, and the need for manual driver installations.
Navigating the Legion Go’s Windows 11 environment proved to be challenging, with frequent pop-ups and a lack of optimization for small-screened game handhelds. Lenovo Legion Go attempt to enhance the user experience through software solutions feels like a makeshift remedy. In comparison, the Steam Deck’s dedicated OS, clear game compatibility, and seamless software updates present a more user-friendly alternative.
The Legion Go’s controllers, while offering a unique hand-grip mouse function, suffer from bulkiness and occasional malfunctions. The cooling fans, despite being adjustable, emit noticeable noise, and the battery life disappoints in comparison to the Steam Deck. These factors, coupled with compatibility issues and a lack of native optimization for handhelds, make the Legion Go a challenging choice for users seeking a hassle-free gaming experience.
Conclusion
while the Lenovo Legion Go showcases the hardware potential of Windows gaming handhelds, its current shortcomings highlight the need for improved software integration and optimization. As the handheld gaming space continues to expand, driven by advancements in chip technology and a growing library of handheld-optimized games, the industry awaits Microsoft’s commitment to making Windows and Xbox app games seamlessly compatible with devices like the Legion Go. Until then, users may find the Legion Go to be more of a project than a polished gaming solution.
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