In the summer of 2023, the Lenovo Legion Go made an unexpected debut in the handheld gaming market. Notably, the device incorporates an AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor, similar to the one found in the ROG Ally console. However, the Legion Go stands out for its unique features and advantages, such as a larger screen, detachable gamepad, and distinct SSD specifications. This blog post delves into these features, offering insights into the device's storage capacity and recently confirmed eGPU support.
Unique Features That Set It Apart
Larger Screen and Detachable Gamepad
The Lenovo Legion Go boasts a larger screen compared to many other handheld gaming consoles on the market. This can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Furthermore, the detachable gamepad is a noteworthy addition, allowing players to use one of the pads vertically as a mouse. This function improves precision in First-Person Shooter (FPS) games and offers a more flexible gaming experience.
Different Form Factor and SSD Specifications
Another distinctive feature of the Lenovo Legion Go is its SSD form factor. While the ROG Ally and Steam Deck primarily use the 2230 form factor, the Legion Go utilizes 2242. The device comes with a default storage capacity of 512GB, compliant with PCIe Gen4 standards and utilizing the NVMe protocol. This difference in form factor and specifications offers a unique edge in data access and storage performance.
Storage Upgrade Options
MicroCenter's Storage Upgrades
While the Legion Go starts at a somewhat premium price of $699, MicroCenter provides storage upgrades to 1TB and 2TB for an additional $50 and $100, respectively. What sets this offer apart is that MicroCenter performs these upgrades, thus preserving the device’s warranty despite the modified storage. However, these storage upgrade options are currently showcased only on the main website banner and will likely be listed separately upon the product's official release.
Impact on the Global Handheld Market
The availability of such storage options is not unique to the Legion Go. Many handheld gaming systems, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, offer similar storage capacities. However, these often come with a price tag exceeding $1000. The storage options provided by MicroCenter could potentially put downward pressure on the overall pricing in the global handheld gaming market.
