Gone are the days when handheld gaming meant only Nintendo. With the market diversifying at an unprecedented pace, we find ourselves amidst a whole new realm of portable consoles, arguably kickstarted by Valve’s Steam Deck last year. But, while the Deck holds the pole position, Lenovo’s upcoming Legion Go is shaping up to be the talk of the town.
Looking at the leaked images by Windows Report, the Legion Go is indisputably a fascinating blend of its counterparts: Valve’s Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch. In many ways, this product seems like a best-of-both-worlds solution.
For starters, the Lenovo Legion Go, coated in sleek black, channels a thicker and more formidable essence compared to the ASUS ROG Ally. Its edges are generously designed to house side buttons and reverse triggers, reminding many of the ergonomic nuances needed in high-end gaming gear. Moreover, it boasts of an 8-inch screen, making it stand out from its 7-inch counterparts like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. This larger display could be a game-changer for titles optimized for bigger screens.
Perhaps the most captivating feature of the Legion Go, borrowed unashamedly from Nintendo’s Switch, is its fully detachable controllers. These “nun chucks” or “Joy-Con” mimics are brimming with inputs, from standard face buttons to an inventive mini trackpad. Windows 11, known for its suboptimal touch compatibility, necessitates such a trackpad feature, especially for those navigating the system’s intricate UI.
On the back, Lenovo seems to be preparing for intense gaming sessions. A large ventilation grill hints at robust cooling mechanisms, likely to cater to the rumored AMD Phoenix processor. This choice of processor, paired with Windows 11, not only promises a vast library of PC game titles but also teases an intersection of gaming performance and aggressive pricing.
However, it’s not just the internals that pique interest. Lenovo’s design choices, seemingly influenced by Nintendo’s premium handheld design, exude innovation. The thin bezel, a sturdy kickstand, and intriguing button layouts push the Legion Go into uncharted design territories. The combination of triggers, bumpers, and even back buttons, reminds us of the esteemed Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 as well. With this layout, customization and game controls could take a fascinating turn.
Yet, no product is without its challenges. The Legion Go’s ambitious design, especially the detachable controllers, could be a double-edged sword. Manufacturing these unique components might not come cheap. Consequently, while the Legion Go seems like it’s aiming to bridge the gap between high-end gaming handhelds and budget-friendly alternatives, its price point remains shrouded in mystery.
Nevertheless, Lenovo’s foray into this space couldn’t have been timed better. With Nintendo’s next console expected in 2024 and Valve’s Steam Deck models intermittently out of stock, the market is ripe for disruption. The Legion Go, if priced smartly and marketed well, has the potential to bridge console gamers to the PC realm.
As summer events like IFA in Berlin and Gamescom loom on the horizon, official information on the Legion Go is keenly awaited. If Lenovo delivers on the teased promises, the handheld gaming sphere could witness a revolution. Embracing the best features from other gaming giants while injecting its unique touch, Lenovo might just hit the sweet spot between innovation and familiarity.
While the Legion Go might borrow heavily from its peers, it’s forging a path all its own. Lenovo seems poised to offer a device that’s not only powerful but also versatile. The coming months will determine if this handheld can redefine portable PC gaming.
But, if you can’t wait, Valve is offering refurbished Steam Decks for a discount.
