In the evolving world of handheld gaming PCs, the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go stand out as two formidable contenders. Both devices offer unique features and capabilities, but the ultimate question remains: which one should gamers choose? This detailed comparison aims to help you make an informed decision based on various critical aspects.

Price: Steam Deck’s Affordable Edge

Price is a primary consideration for many gamers. Valve’s Steam Deck emerges as the more affordable option, offering three different configurations:

  • 256GB: $399
  • 512GB (OLED): $549
  • 1TB (OLED): $649

In contrast, the Lenovo Legion Go’s pricing starts higher:

  • 512GB: $699
  • 1TB SSD: $749.99

Display: Lenovo Legion Go’s Superiority

A top-notch display is vital for a satisfying gaming experience. Here, Lenovo Legion Go takes the lead with its 8.8-inch display, offering a higher resolution (2560 x 1600) and a smoother 144Hz refresh rate, compared to Steam Deck’s 7-inch screen with a 1200 x 800 resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. Even Valve’s newer OLED model with a 90Hz refresh rate doesn’t match Lenovo’s display quality.

Design: Steam Deck’s Comfortable Build

Design-wise, both devices resemble an enhanced Nintendo Switch. However, Steam Deck’s lower weight (1.47 pounds) compared to Lenovo Legion Go (1.88 pounds) offers a more comfortable gaming experience, despite the latter’s detachable controllers.

Performance: Lenovo Legion Go Leads

Both devices surpass the Nintendo Switch in terms of power, but Lenovo Legion Go edges out with its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, offering better performance for demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077. The average fps for this game is higher on Lenovo Legion Go (40 fps) than on Steam Deck (30 fps).

Operating System: Legion Go’s Windows Advantage

Steam Deck runs on a custom Linux-based SteamOS, which is great for Steam library access but requires extra effort for other platforms like Xbox Game Pass or Epic Games Store. Lenovo Legion Go, with its pre-installed Windows 11, offers more flexibility and ease of use.

Battery Life: A Close Match

While Lenovo Legion Go’s 49.2Whr battery slightly outperforms Steam Deck’s 40Whr battery, both offer similar battery life, ranging between two to four hours depending on the game.

Final Verdict

Considering all aspects, Lenovo Legion Go emerges as the superior choice, especially for serious PC gamers. Its enhanced display, better performance, and operating system flexibility make it the winner. However, for gamers prioritizing affordability and a console-like experience, Steam Deck remains a fantastic option.

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