Lenovo has officially opened pre-orders for its new Legion Go 2 handheld gaming PC, with an anticipated release in October. This premium device carries a price tag of $1,100 for the standard Z2 model and $1,350 for the more powerful Z2 Extreme version, positioning it as a high-end option in the portable gaming market.
Detailed Specifications
Both models feature impressive hardware, though with distinct power levels:
- Base Model (Z2):
- Processor: AMD Z2 SoC
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
- Premium Model (Z2 Extreme):
- Processor: AMD Z2 Extreme chip
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X
- Shared Features:
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD (expandable up to 2TB via MicroSD)
- Display: 8.8-inch 1200p OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Battery: 74Wh
- Audio: 2W speakers with Nahimic and spatial audio, near-field dual mics
- Connectivity: 3.5mm jack, dual USB-C ports with DisplayPort 2.0 and 40Gbps transfer speeds
Innovative Design and Features
The Legion Go 2 boasts a versatile design, similar to the Nintendo Switch, with its detachable TrueStrike controllers. This allows for flexible usage across handheld, tabletop, console, and even a unique FPS mode where the controller adapts a joystick position for enhanced aiming.
Further enhancements include an improved thermal system, delivering up to 45% more airflow for sustained performance. Purchasers will also receive a voucher for three months of PC Game Pass, providing immediate access to a wide library of games upon release.
Competition: The ROG Xbox Ally
The handheld gaming PC landscape is expanding, with the ROG Xbox Ally also slated for a holiday season launch. Developed in partnership by Xbox and Asus, this Windows-based handheld will be available in a base model and a premium `X` edition.
- White Xbox Ally (Base Model):
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2A chip
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: 60Wh
- Black Xbox Ally X (Premium Model):
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU
- RAM: 24GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Battery: 80Wh
- Shared Features:
- Display: 7-inch 1080p screen with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Ergonomics: Sculpted handles for improved comfort
- Target Resolution: 720p for base, 1080p for Ally X
A key advantage of the Xbox Ally series is its optimized Windows experience, designed to streamline game access. Addressing the common challenge of navigating a desktop OS on a small screen, the Xbox App on these devices unifies various storefronts like Steam, GOG, and Epic Games into a single, user-friendly launcher.
Previous Generation Legion Go Models
For those seeking more budget-friendly options, earlier Legion Go models remain available at lower prices:
- Lenovo Legion Go S (Entry-Level): Priced at $650, this model features an 8-inch 120Hz Lenovo PureSight display and an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip with Radeon graphics. It includes 16GB of RAM and a 512TB SSD, offering solid performance for various games, though it lacks detachable controllers.
- First-Generation Lenovo Legion Go (Z1 Extreme): Available for $740, this model retains detachable controllers and is powered by the Z1 Extreme processor. It comes with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, delivering surprisingly powerful performance despite being an older generation device.