Summary
Lenovo is said to be working on a new handheld gaming device called the Legion Go, and hi-res images for it have now leaked. They show a device that seems to borrow inspiration from the current market leaders in the handheld gaming space (i.e. Valve, Asus, and Ayaneo). While rumors about the Lenovo Legion Go have been doing the rounds for about a month, the company has not shared any information officially.
Ever since the launch of the Steam Deck back in February 2022, the handheld gaming market has exploded withnew devices coming out almost every month or two. The form factor allows gaming on the go since they run Windows, meaning that gamers have access to the entire Steam, EA Play, Battle.net, or any other store’s library in the palm of their hands. While the Steam Deck offers great value for the money, it is not the most powerful handheld, especially considering the newer models from Asus and Ayaneo.
Valve Steam Deck
Having a portable console that mainly serves a purpose at home might seem strange, but theValve Steam Deckshowed that this is how many people choose to play video games.
RELATED:The 12 Best Steam Games, Ranked (August 2023)
Lenovo is seemingly attempting to penetrate this quickly growing market with its Legion Go. Windows Report hasshared hi-res imagesof what is said to be the Legion Go showcasing the design, some of the I/O, and most interestingly, removable Joy-Con style controllers. It’s clear that Lenovo has taken inspiration and design cues from the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, ROG Ally, and the Ayaneo devices.
Gaming Handhelds From Asus, Nintendo, Ayaneo
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
Asus ROG Ally
The Asus ROG Ally is the ultimate handheld system for PC gamers. Relying on the new AMD Ryzen Z1 series of processors, the ROG Ally can handle any game thrown at it. The 7-inch 1080p Full HD display with FreeSync Premium on the system provides gamers with a crystal clear and smooth gaming experience. The advantage of the ROG Ally is that it can run most Windows-compatible games and is compatible with Xbox Game Pass titles. It also comes with 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate. The ROG Ally also features an ergonomic design that makes gaming for long periods enjoyable.
Ayaneo 2
As Ayaneo describes in theAyaneo 2 is the collision and fusion of technology and art. Powered by the AMD 6800U, this handheld console rivals the Steam Deck with its performance, plus its ergonomic form makes it easy for hours of play at a time.
The Legion Go can be seen sporting a large display flanked by two controllers that are removable, much like the Nintendo Switch. Neither the Steam Deck nor the ROG Ally have detachable controllers. The left controller houses the D-pad, the left joystick, and a few other buttons. The right controller is home to the ABXY buttons, the right joystick, and a touchpad like the Steam Deck. On the back, there are three extra buttons on each grip as well as what seem to be extra buttons on the edges. A 3.5mm headphone jack, volume buttons, a USB Type-C port, some ventilation, and what appears to be a fingerprint reader can be seen on the top of the Legion Go. There also seems to be a USB Type-C port on the bottom.
Another interesting design choice that Lenovo has made is adding a Microsoft Surface-style kickstand. Other than the Nintendo Switch, none of the aforementioned handheld devices come with kickstands. However, the Onexplayer 2 Pro is one that comes with a kickstand as well as detachable controllers.
First images for Lenovo Legion Go via Windows Report
The Legion Go, according to Windows Report, will come with an 8-inch screen. The Steam Deck and the ROG Ally have a smaller 7-inch display. The exact specifications for the display and the Legion Go itself are unclear at this point. It will support Windows 11 which, alongside the removable controllers, suggests a touchscreen display – pretty common with handheld gaming devices. And for those wanting RGB lights, there is a ring of light under each joystick.
As of now, there is no information on the release date for the Legion Go. It should be noted that this is not Lenovo’s first attempt at a handheld gaming device as it previously developed, but never released, the Legion Play. That device was an Android-based handheld with a 7-inch 1080p screen, a Snapdragon processor, and 4GB of RAM. This time, it looks like Lenovo intends to make a big splash in the handheld gaming space.
