In September, the gaming community is eagerly anticipating the release of Lenovo Legion Go, a device touted for its portability and innovative control system. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the device, shedding light on both its strengths and areas where there could be potential improvements.

Initial Impressions

The Lenovo Legion Go made a notable first impression with its Nintendo Switch-like controllers, which seamlessly transform into a wireless mouse, offering a unique blend of handheld and desktop gaming experiences. Initially, there were concerns regarding its portability; however, upon personal use, it was discovered that it is not as cumbersome or heavy as it appears.

Design and Controls

The design of the Legion Go is indeed an intriguing mixture of innovation and utility. The controllers, which can be detached from the main body, present a novel approach to handheld gaming. Despite being an exciting prospect, the detachable feature may introduce a vulnerability point. During testing, it was noted that disconnecting the right controller mid-game caused a persistent connection failure, a matter that required intervention by a PR overseer.

Connectivity and Stability

While the sample encountered had certain connectivity issues, it is important to note that it was an early version. The retail version scheduled to release on October 31st promises to address these glitches with a refined finish on the plastic and smoother edges. However, this initial experience underlines the necessity for robust connectivity and a safety mechanism akin to the one found in Nintendo Switch to prevent potential malfunctioning in a system with multiple wirelessly connected components.

Functionality and Performance

Despite the noted issues, the Legion Go harbors significant potential, particularly due to its innovative mouse feature. The right controller morphs into an upright mouse, offering a natural and comfortable grip, making navigation through Windows 11 significantly smoother compared to the alternatives in the market.

Moreover, the device showcases evident potential benefits for strategy or FPS games. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU and priced competitively at £699, it presents a viable alternative offering practicality without additional costs.

Portability and Ergonomics

In terms of portability, the Legion Go, weighing 854g, is bulkier compared to its contemporaries, including the Asus ROG Ally and the Valve handheld PCs. Despite its substantial weight, the device maintains a balanced distribution, preventing undue strain on the wrists during prolonged usage. Furthermore, its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for extended gaming sessions without discomfort.

Display and Gaming Experience

The display of the Legion Go, featuring a 2560×1600, 144Hz screen, poses questions on its capability to support modern games at 1080p. During the testing phase, it was observed that adjusting the resolution to 1920×1200 allowed for a stable gaming experience, suggesting that users might prefer to compromise on resolution to prevent performance issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lenovo Legion Go, despite its initial hiccups, promises a refreshing and innovative approach to handheld gaming. Its unique features, coupled with a potentially game-changing mouse controller, make it a product worth looking forward to. While battery life might not be its strongest suit, it remains competitive with similar offerings in the market. As the release date approaches, gamers and enthusiasts alike are hopeful that the retail version will address the noted concerns, paving the way for a handheld device that brings practicality and innovation to the forefront.

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