Lenovo Legion Go Review: A Portable Game Console for Dedicated PC Gamers

I haven’t used my PlayStation 4 in months. While I do feel a bit guilty, I’m tired of the long update times and the traditional console cycle. My perspective on game consoles changed when I got a Nintendo Switch. It’s not about superior graphics but its portability and fun games that keep me entertained during long flights.

Lenovo aims to offer a similar experience by allowing PC gaming without the need for a bulky gaming laptop. I took the Legion Go on a recent trip to the US to see if portable PC gaming lives up to the hype. Here’s my review.

Lenovo Legion Go Price in India (as reviewed): Rs 89,990

A Balance Between Switch and Steam Deck

The Legion Go, with its large screen and detachable controllers, seems to be a mix of the Switch and Steam Deck. It’s clear that Lenovo wanted to combine the strengths of these popular consoles while creating something unique.

Once you start using it, you realize that the Legion Go focuses more on being a portable PC gaming machine rather than mimicking the Switch’s success. It has more in common with the Steam Deck.

The Legion Go feels like a grown-up handheld console due to its size. It’s quite large and weighs 854 grams, but it fits comfortably in a backpack. The included carrying case is a lifesaver. However, a more compact version with the same power would be ideal. Playing AAA games from the comfort of your sofa or on a plane is a fantastic experience with the Legion Go.

Ergonomically, it fits well in hand, allowing for extended gaming sessions. The detachable controllers, similar to the Switch’s Joy-Cons, can be charged wirelessly, adding flexibility to gameplay.

The left controller features a D-pad, control stick, menu buttons, a bumper, and trigger, along with two extra programmable buttons on the rear. The right controller includes a touchpad that works as a mouse, along with the usual gameplay buttons and a control stick.

The FPS Mode, activated by a switch on the right controller, acts as a hybrid of a joystick and mouse, adding a new dimension for gamers who prefer aiming with hand motion. However, detaching the controllers isn’t as smooth as with the Switch’s Joy-Cons, which can be annoying.

The Legion Go’s size may not be suitable for smaller hands. It’s essentially a thick tablet with cooling mechanisms to enhance performance. Despite its size, it’s a well-designed handheld console, especially for a first-generation device.

Refreshed Screen and Excellent Kickstand

The Legion Go features a large 8.8-inch QHD display with a 2560 x 1660p resolution and up to a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen is sharp and detailed, even though it’s not OLED. Games like Hi-Fi Rush and Ori and the Will of the Wisps looked visually rich and vibrant.

The kickstand is another highlight. It covers most of the device’s back and has a strong hinge, allowing for various viewing angles. This makes it easy to play games on a plane’s seat tray or a desk.

Powerful Hardware, but Windows Isn’t Ideal for Handhelds

The Legion Go runs on Windows 11 OS and is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage, with microSD card expansion available. It’s essentially a gaming PC in a portable form.

I tested its power with games like Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Hitman 3. Playing AAA PC games on a handheld console was a big deal for me. The Legion Go performed well, with games like Cyberpunk 2077 reaching 55 fps at 800p resolution. However, the lack of a proper interface can be frustrating. While downloading games is straightforward, dealing with Windows 11’s complexities can be a hassle.

Battery Life

The Legion Go has a 49.2-watt-hour battery, about 25% larger than the Steam Deck’s. A full charge lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours during heavy gaming sessions. While the battery life is decent, longer battery life would be ideal.

Final Thoughts

The Legion Go is a significant step in portable PC gaming handhelds. While it faces challenges, it’s the best Windows-based portable game console available, despite some trade-offs. Lenovo has good ideas for future versions, evident in features like FPS mode, trackpad, and detachable controllers.

Pros: Beautiful high-resolution screen, detachable controllers, FPS mode, excellent kickstand, top and bottom USB-C charging ports.

Cons: Battery life and disjointed user interface.