The Lenovo Legion Go enters the handheld gaming PC space with big ambitions, offering one of the largest and most striking designs in its class. Its massive 8.8-inch QHD touchscreen immediately grabs attention, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors that make games look impressive in portable mode. Under the hood, it runs on AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and a speedy NVMe SSD, making it powerful enough to handle modern titles at respectable settings.
Out of the box, the Legion Go runs on Windows 11, which means it can access the full range of PC games and software. Lenovo has included its own Legion Space interface to help manage games and settings, though it still feels clunky compared to more polished handheld platforms like SteamOS. The ability to detach the controllers and prop up the device with its kickstand adds welcome versatility, allowing you to use it in handheld mode, as a tabletop system, or even connected to an external display.
Performance on the Legion Go is impressive for a portable device. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3 run smoothly at reduced resolutions, and even demanding titles are playable with the right settings. The large, high-resolution screen is a highlight, making games feel more immersive. However, this comes with a trade-off, as battery life remains limited, often lasting between one and three hours depending on how demanding the game is and what settings are used.
The Legion Go’s size and weight can also be a challenge. At over 800 grams, it is noticeably heavier and bulkier than its competitors, which makes longer gaming sessions more tiring. That said, the ergonomic shape and quality of the controls help offset some of the strain. Lenovo has also been releasing regular firmware updates to address issues like inconsistent controller response and software glitches, but these problems have not been fully eliminated yet.
Price was another concern at launch, as the Legion Go debuted at a premium compared to other handheld PCs. Recent price cuts have made it more competitive, however, and for players who value its large display and flexibility, it is starting to feel like a better deal. It is especially appealing for those who already have a large PC game library and want to take advantage of the full Windows ecosystem on the go.
The Lenovo Legion Go is a bold entry into the handheld gaming market that shows real promise. Its powerful hardware, big screen, and flexible design make it one of the more exciting options for portable PC gaming. At the same time, its bulky form factor, short battery life, and imperfect software hold it back from being truly great. For now, it is a strong choice for players who prioritize performance and versatility over portability and polish, and with continued updates, it could become one of the best options in its class.
