Frustrations with Lenovo Legion Go: A Deep Dive into the Handheld Gaming Market
Lenovo has stirred the gaming community’s pot with the launch of its Lenovo Legion Go 2, starting at $1,049 / £1,000 / AU$1,609 for the AMD Ryzen Z2 model. Upon assessing the price-to-performance ratio, many enthusiasts—including myself—are left questioning this significant price increase. The performance upgrades from previous-generation processors don’t seem substantial enough to justify such costs, particularly when more powerful gaming laptops are available at similar prices. The situation becomes even more concerning when considering the Lenovo Legion Go S Z1 Extreme, which is priced at $829 / £699 / AU$1,599.
Interestingly, UK customers are getting a better deal, with the Legion Go S priced at £699. That price point feels far more appropriate given the device’s features, such as an impressive 8-inch display powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme—similar to what’s found in the original Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally.
Display and Build Quality
The Legion Go S is delivered with a stunning 8-inch display that enhances the immersive gaming experience. It boasts 32GB of RAM and runs on SteamOS, which truly sets it apart in the overcrowded handheld gaming market. However, I have to mention the battery—its 55.5Wh capacity has been a point of concern for many. Yet, for me, 99% of the usage occurs while plugged in, making battery life less of a deal-breaker. For users prioritizing longevity on a single charge, the Asus ROG Ally X with its 80Wh battery may be a better fit.
One of the standout features of the Lenovo Legion Go S is its build quality and ergonomics. In my experience, this device offers the best comfort among handhelds I’ve used. It fits effortlessly into my hands, alleviating any strain during extended gaming sessions. Lenovo has evidently learned from the criticisms aimed at the original Legion Go, which was deemed too heavy and uncomfortable for prolonged use. The S model’s 8-inch display, along with the lack of detachable controllers, has greatly enhanced its usability. The design allows for effortless handling, with the grips cupping the palms perfectly.
Adjustable Triggers and Gaming Experience
Another notable feature includes adjustable triggers, akin to those in my favorite controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2. This is particularly advantageous for genres like first-person shooters that demand quick reactions. The comfort and intuitive controls elevate the overall gaming experience, making me wonder if Lenovo might consider crafting an OLED version of the Legion Go S in the future—though high prices may deter such prospects.
Performance: The Power of AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme
The combination of AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 32GB of RAM brings forth astonishing performance metrics. Transitioning from the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, which has only 16GB of RAM, I was genuinely surprised by how impactful the increase in RAM is for gaming. The frame rates that often clogged in demanding or poorly optimized games are noticeably stable, reducing frustrating stutters.
Furthermore, I’ve optimized RAM allocation to enhance performance even more, allowing for a seamless experience while gaming. When applying the Decky Loader Lossless Scaling plugin, I observed substantial gains—enabling me to run graphically intense games like Resident Evil 4 on high settings, with frame rates exceeding 80fps. This kind of performance makes one reconsider the viability of handheld gaming against alternatives like Nvidia’s GeForce Now RTX 5080. Yet, when leveraging stability and high frame rates, the Legion Go S excels.
Final Thoughts
If it weren’t for the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, I probably wouldn’t have given the Legion Go S a second thought. I’m convinced that the Legion Go 2 won’t offer the most bang for your buck. Instead, if you come across the Legion Go S SteamOS version, I wholeheartedly recommend snatching it up. I see no reason to opt for other models such as the MSI Claw 8 AI+ or even the MSI Claw A8. This device promises to be a reliable gaming companion for many years to come.
For further details and specs of the Lenovo Legion Go S, check the official Lenovo website here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
