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.

Confirmed eGPU Support

USB4 Connector for eGPU

A recent in-depth review has confirmed that the Lenovo Legion Go supports eGPU connectivity via its USB4 connector. This is a crucial feature that many reviewers had previously overlooked. This USB4 support means that the device can facilitate cheaper eGPU upgrades compared to the ROG Ally, which requires a proprietary XGM port compatible only with ASUS external GPUs.

Performance Metrics

With an RTX 3060, the observed performance loss was approximately 10%. This implies that users looking for eGPU upgrades will find the Legion Go to be a cost-effective option, requiring only a compatible external GPU and a cable for connection.

Official Launch Date

The Lenovo Legion Go is set to officially launch on October 31, 2023. Given its unique features and advantages, it is poised to make a significant impact on the handheld gaming industry.

Final Thoughts

The Lenovo Legion Go is emerging as a formidable player in the handheld gaming market. With its distinct features such as a larger screen, detachable gamepad, and unique SSD specifications, it offers something different for gamers. The available storage upgrade options from MicroCenter, coupled with the recently confirmed eGPU support, make it a versatile and future-proof choice for gaming enthusiasts.

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