Fewer than ten years back, gaming with console-quality or superior video games on a portable device felt more like an aspiration than actuality. Nevertheless, by 2025, Lenovo has already unveiled the sequel to its premier handheld gaming PC. How time flies!
I’m talking about the Lenovo Legion Go 2. Costing $1,099, this mobile dynamo provides everything one might desire in a handheld gaming PC: a robust AMD Ryzen processor, a spacious 8.8-inch display, detachable controllers with various optional buttons, and compatibility with any PC gaming platform.
However, after spending some time using it, I find myself pondering whether I truly want all these features when the more streamlined (yet also restricted) Nintendo Switch 2 is available. Even the Steam Deck OLED, while lacking in some respects, offers a more enjoyable gaming experience for me. If a device can possess too many features, the Legion Go 2 might serve as an example.
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 encompasses a bit of everything. There are multiple models with varying specifications, but here’s what’s included in the unit Lenovo provided for review:
– AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor
– 8.8-inch OLED display with 1920×1200 resolution and 30-144Hz adaptive refresh rate
– 32GB RAM
– 1TB storage
– Windows 11 OS right out of the box
Interestingly, Lenovo slightly reduced the display quality from the initial Legion Go, which had a higher 2560×1600 resolution. However, I don’t mind much, as beyond 1080p in handheld gaming, the returns diminish. Moreover, a lower screen resolution might enhance battery life, though I haven’t tested it sufficiently to verify.
The new processor claims greater power. I tested a few games, and the initial results are promising, especially when compared to the older Steam Deck OLED. Titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade and The Witcher 3 perform at or near 60 frames per second on lower settings, although minor stutters are noticeable. For these titles, it is a slight enhancement over the Steam Deck; FFVII Remake fluctuated between 45 and 60FPS on my Steam Deck a couple of years back.
On the software front, the Legion Go 2 operates on Windows 11. This enables the installation and play of games from any PC gaming marketplace, which contrasts with a Steam Deck running SteamOS. Nevertheless, I miss the intuitive interface of SteamOS. Utilizing the desktop version of Steam with touch is quite frustrating.
My colleague Zackery Cuevas at PCMag observed that the SteamOS variant of the original Legion Go exhibited superior game performance compared to the Windows model. Whether this holds true for the Legion Go 2 remains speculative, but it is worth pondering.
From a hardware perspective, the Legion Go 2 is thorough. It includes the standard analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and face buttons, along with optional mappable buttons on the sides and back. There are six additional buttons on the front designed for accessing the Legion Go-specific library hub, switching windows, and adjusting resolution and refresh rate.
Similar to the previous Legion Go and Switch, the controllers are detachable. I need more time to assess this feature, but it will likely be beneficial for some users. The device also features circular LED lights around each analog stick that change color, adding an entertaining element. Lenovo has enhanced the device’s ergonomics, a welcome update from the original’s angular design.
However, the Legion Go 2 can feel somewhat daunting at first. The extra buttons are prone to accidental presses during gameplay. Thankfully, they lack default functions, but mapping them could become tedious. The detachable controllers also add bulk to the device, which feels less acceptable after using the Nintendo Switch 2.
It’s challenging to criticize the Legion Go 2 excessively, especially in comparison to the Switch 2, which is more affordable but also less capable. The Legion Go 2’s game library is significantly broader, and it’s likely more powerful. Yet, in the initial testing phase, I’m coming to realize that I might not prioritize that. I lean towards form factor and sophistication over power and additional features. My Switch 2 likely won’t notify me of a game being incompatible with its graphics hardware, which occurred when I attempted to play Halo Infinite on the Legion Go 2.
I will have a comprehensive review with further insights on the Legion Go 2 shortly, but for now, I’m questioning if I’m the intended audience for it.