Lenovo is gearing up to enter the handheld gaming space in a big way with its upcoming Legion Go device. Running Windows, it packs high-end hardware into a portable gaming machine with detachable controllers.
The Legion Go features an 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a speedy 144Hz refresh rate, a rarity in the handheld market. Lenovo opted for both sharp 2560×1600 resolution and smooth high frame rates.
Design-wise, the company took inspiration from the 65W fast charging which can fully replenish the 49.2Wh battery in under an hour. That power enables lengthy gaming sessions.
At 640 grams without controllers attached, the Legion Go is hefty but typical for a handheld. Controllers add another 214 grams for a complete weight of 854 grams. They provide a Switch-style experience with extra buttons and touchpads.
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Gaming performance comes courtesy of AMD’s custom Ryzen 7 6800U chip made specifically for compact Windows devices. Lenovo claims it can power AAA games like Red Dead Redemption 2 at 720p and 60fps.
The Legion Go offers ample ventilation and cooling with large intakes along the top and rear. It remains to be seen how well fan noise is contained during intensive gaming loads.
For storage, users can choose between 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB capacities, further expandable via MicroSD cards up to 2TB. A USB-C port enables external monitors when docked for a quasi-console experience.
By running Windows, the Legion Go avoids software limitations of custom OS handhelds. Tapping into the massive Windows gaming ecosystem is a major advantage.
Initial pricing is set at $799, competitive with premium handhelds like the Steam Deck. The combination of portable form factor, Windows gaming support, and high-end hardware makes Legion Go a compelling option.
Lenovo is leveraging its expertise in Windows laptops and gaming PCs to make a splash in the handheld market. For mobile gamers wanting flexibility and performance, Legion Go checks the right boxes.
It takes a different path than competitors by emphasizing its desktop-like capabilities through Windows, a keyboard, high resolution, and docking. Lenovo aims to shake up perceptions of what a handheld gaming device can be.
By merging multiple usages like on-the-go play, big-screen gaming, and productivity into one device, the Legion Go could carve a new niche. Lenovo’s first foray into dedicated gaming handhelds appears full of promise.
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