Lenovo Legion Go Handheld – Device Review

The Lenovo Legion Go is a handheld device that aims to dominate the market, but it is clear that this is Lenovo’s first time in the handheld scene. The hardware is well done, with a solid and premium feel. However, there are some comfort issues with the controls, such as mushy back buttons and the M2 side button getting in the way.

Build quality

First and foremost, the hardware of the Legion Go is exceptionally well-crafted. The device feels solid and premium, with evident attention to detail in its design. It’s also incredibly versatile, although it may fall into the category of “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Now let’s discuss the controls. If you’re transitioning from a Steam Deck and skipped the Ally, you’ll feel more at home with the ergonomics and shape of the Legion Go’s controls. The face buttons are great, similar to those on the Steam Deck and less noisy than the Ally. However, the back buttons can feel mushy and are prone to accidental presses due to their placement, particularly on the right controller. Removing the controllers is an odd and uncomfortable process, requiring a press and pull motion. It’s worth noting that this can be challenging to do with one hand, and be prepared for fingerprint smudges on the screen as you detach the controllers.

FPS Mode

Now let’s discuss FPS mode. While it may not be something I personally cared about, as most demos were conducted at a desk or table, I was pleasantly surprised by its functionality in bed. Yes, you heard that right – bed FPS mode is where this device shines. No need for a magnetic cover; it offers an exciting new way to use the device. Strategy games or point-and-click adventures are now more enjoyable on the Legion Go, eliminating the need for trackpads like those on the Steam Deck.

On a positive note, the kickstand is fantastic and adds to the device’s versatility. However, taking off the controllers while in kickstand mode can be problematic without angling or lifting the device. The right controller’s M2 side button often gets in the way and is accidentally pressed during gameplay, especially when held above you while lying down. The bumper buttons have a significant amount of travel from the triggers, making quick alternation between the two challenging.

Display

The display defaults to landscape mode, which was unexpected as it was advertised as having a portrait display.

Moving on to the display, there has been some controversy surrounding its orientation. Many felt misled or cheated by previous AMAs with Lenovo, as it was stated that the default display would be landscape. However, it defaults to portrait orientation. While this caused some initial confusion and disappointment, it’s something users have come to accept. The screen itself is beautiful, although whites can appear harsh. Luckily, AMD color correction can alleviate this issue to some extent.

Performance of the AMD Z1 Extreme

In terms of performance, benchmarks have been covered extensively by other channels. From my personal experience, games run decently on the Legion Go, albeit with a loud fan in performance mode. Sadly, at present, it seems that the Ally is outperforming it. There are also several issues with Legion Space and Windows itself. The aggressive fan curve, broken custom power mode, controller mapping functionality, and overlay are all areas that need improvement. These are core features that should have been ready at launch but were seemingly overlooked.

In terms of performance, the device works decently for games, but there are some issues with the power profiles. The custom TDP slider is broken and the device tends to throttle down when plugged in.

Legion Space

Furthermore, Legion Space lacks essential features and has broken functionality. For example, gyro functionality can only be used as a joystick rather than a mouse, rendering it less useful in many cases. Similarly, controller functionality feels incomplete as well. One cannot map any buttons other than X input when using controllers in non-FPS mode.

The Legion Go’s software has several problems, including odd button placement, a poorly designed menu, and a broken FPS counter. The gyro mouse and joystick functionality is also lacking. There are also issues with the TDP control and power consumption, as well as bugs and issues experienced in Windows. Lenovo needs to address these missing features and improve the software to provide a better user experience.

The software interface itself feels sluggish and lacks smooth animations. It falls short of expectations for a product from a Fortune 500 company like Lenovo. There is much work to be done on Legion Space to address these issues promptly and effectively.

Conclusion – opinion on the Lenovo Legion Go

Overall, the Lenovo Legion Go has potential, but it still needs a lot of work before it can be considered a reliable handheld gaming device.

Legion Space, in particular, is a disappointment. Browsing through the application is generally a frustrating experience. The right bar menu, while better than other aspects of the software, still feels unfinished. There are times when the overlay doesn’t take over input completely, leading to unwanted movement while browsing menus. Additionally, movement can get stuck after exiting an overlay, causing the analog stick to move in one direction on its own.

Lenovo has been receptive to feedback from the community and has shown efforts to address the problems through updates and communication with their product managers and team members. However, time is of the essence. Consumers need to see value in this product, which primarily aims to provide a troubleshooting-free gaming experience. Core missing features must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid an influx of returns.

While Lenovo may be new to the handheld scene, they must demonstrate their ability to understand what needs to be addressed and deliver on these core features promptly. The next couple of months will be crucial for them to prove themselves. If they fail to turn things around within this timeframe, it is likely that many consumers who purchased from Best Buy during the holiday season will opt for returns.

In conclusion, Lenovo needs to step up their game and show that they can handle the handheld market effectively. A lot of work remains in addressing core missing features and improving overall software performance. Constructive criticism is essential in helping them understand where they stand with their product and what needs to be accomplished.