Playing the Lenovo Legion Go 2 changed how I see handheld gaming

Price When Reviewed

$1,349

Best Prices Today: Lenovo Legion Go 2

1349.99

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is a high-end handheld gaming PC that outshines the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X in some ways. The big 8.8-inch OLED show is gorgeous, and also you’re getting every little thing from a built-in kickstand to removable controllers for flexibility. For a handheld gaming PC, that is nice {hardware}.

There are two big elephants within the room right here, so let’s get them out of the best way so I can evaluation the Lenovo Legion Go 2 for what it’s.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: The elephants

First, Windows 11 nonetheless isn’t prepared for a gaming handheld. When I reviewed the Lenovo Legion Go S, I famous how a lot of a large number the interface is in comparison with the Steam Deck I personal.

For instance, Windows 11 has a “gamepad” keyboard format that permits you to navigate with the on-screen keyboard with the joysticks, however it’s not activated by default. You need to faucet into the little settings menu within the on-screen keyboard and switch it on earlier than you need to use stated on-screen keyboard with the joysticks. Many folks will miss this buried setting. Why is that this not activated by default on a handheld gaming PC? Windows 11 is stuffed with points like this.

The excellent news is that Microsoft is making Windows higher for handheld PCs, however the unhealthy information is that Legion Go 2 house owners should await the repair. The Legion Go 2 will get it in “Spring 2026.” If you need it sooner, you’ll have to purchase Asus’s ROG Xbox Ally, which shall be accessible in mid-October, shortly after the launch of this Lenovo’s Legion Go 2. I haven’t but gone palms on with ROG Xbox Ally console, however from a consumer expertise standpoint, I think about its optimized Windows expertise for handheld PCs goes to be a lot better than the Legion Go 2 at launch. (There’s already a leaked way to enable it on any handheld, however your mileage might differ.)

The second elephant within the room is pricing. The Legion Go 2 we reviewed is $1,349 at launch, and the bottom mannequin starts at $1,099. Handheld PC gaming began off with surprisingly inexpensive {hardware}, however this gadget prices greater than many gaming laptops. It’s a premium gadget.

Tariffs are nearly actually responsible for a part of this. But offers can nonetheless be discovered — as I write this, it’s the Steam Autumn Sale and you may seize a base-model Steam Deck for $319.20. You’d have to essentially need higher-end {hardware} (with out a polished working system expertise) to choose this over a Steam Deck.

However, in case you are searching for a high-end handheld expertise and also you don’t thoughts the additional expense — and if you understand what you’re stepping into with the Windows working system quirks on a tool like this one — this handheld combines the newest high-end handheld-optimized {hardware} with a ravishing OLED show in a pleasant kind issue, and I actually loved taking part in with it.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Specs

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 has an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor with AMD Radeon 890M-class graphics. I reviewed the $1,349 mannequin, which comes with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme {hardware} and 32GB of RAM. Bear in thoughts that the bottom mannequin comes with AMD Ryzen Z2 {hardware} and 16GB of RAM, so it received’t carry out on the similar degree.

Under the hood, that is RDNA 3.5 — the identical graphics you’ll discover in Ryzen AI 300 series (Strix Point) laptops, however tuned for a handheld the place energy utilization is essential.

There’s loads to love right here: The RAM is soldered, however the inner SSD is consumer upgradable. Plus, this machine’s USB4 ports imply exterior GPUs are a chance.

• Model quantity: Lenovo Legion Go 2 83N0000BUS
• CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
• Memory: 32 GB LPDDR5x-8000 RAM
• Graphics/GPU: AMD Radeon 890M
• NPU: None
• Display: 8.8-inch 1920×1200 OLED show with contact display screen and as much as 144Hz variable refresh fee
• Storage: 1 TB M.2 SSD
• Webcam: None
• Connectivity: 2x USB Type-C (USB4), 1x combo audio jack, 1x microSD card reader
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
• Battery capability: 74 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 11.64 x 5.38 x 1.66 inches
• Weight: 2.03 kilos
• MSRP: $1,349 as examined

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Design and construct high quality

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is made from black plastic — Lenovo calls this coloration “Eclipse Black.” It’s a considerate design that feels good to carry, and the plastic is high-quality. Lenovo has actually gone above and past pondering via methods to make the {hardware} higher than many competing consoles, together with the Steam Deck I personal and the Legion Go S I reviewed.

For instance, you may simply detach the facet controllers such as you’re utilizing a Nintendo Switch. The Legion Go 2 additionally has a built-in kickstand, so you may simply prop it up and apply it to any floor. The energy button has a built-in fingerprint reader so that you don’t need to faucet a PIN into the sign-in display screen every time you wake the console. While the facet controllers are removable, it’s important to press a button on the again of every one to detach them. While connected, they really feel extremely safe.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 isn’t making an attempt to be the lightest console — it has a giant 8.8-inch OLED display screen — so it’s no shock it’s slightly on the heavy facet. At 2.02 kilos (in comparison with 1.41 kilos for a Steam Deck OLED), that’s an actual issue. It’s not that it’s too heavy to carry, however the weight discourages me from holding it in sure positions for prolonged intervals of time. But the additional weight is a good commerce for the higher-end {hardware} and bigger display screen.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Joysticks, controls, and trackpad

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 touts Hall Effect joysticks for a {smooth} expertise and no stick drift, and so they really feel nice. The buttons on the Lenovo Legion Go 2 really feel nice. Lenovo has additionally added just a few additional buttons for accessing Legion software program options, the desktop, and Alt+Tabbing between apps. On the highest of the hand-held, you’ll discover energy and quantity buttons.

The proper controller can be utilized in “FPS Mode” — you detach it, snap it right into a base, and flip a swap on the underside. Then you may maintain it and transfer it round. While it appears to be like like a joystick, it’s extra like a digital mouse. I didn’t discover it notably ergonomic in my experiments with it, however maybe you’ll find it irresistible for those who put a while into studying it.

This handheld additionally has a good-size trackpad on the best controller, and it’s simply the best facet and form to make use of the mouse along with your thumb. After the extraordinarily tiny trackpad on the Lenovo Legion Go S, this one feels glorious. But it’s not like a Steam Deck’s trackpads — there’s no haptic suggestions right here. It’s a handy option to accomplish some mouse enter, however I wouldn’t wish to use it on a regular basis.

The show right here can also be a contact display screen with multi-touch. That’s usually essential for navigating Windows, however it does imply you’re inspired to place fingerprint smudges on the show.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Display and audio system

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go 2’s show is one in every of its standout options. It’s an 8.8-inch OLED display screen on a handheld PC. What’s to not like? I’m unsure I’d even need a bigger display screen than this one after I’m holding it this near my face!

With HDR assist and as much as 1,100 nits of peak HDR brightness and a variable refresh fee as much as 144Hz, it’s lovely. And the show doesn’t appear to massively minimize into battery life, both. The battery life was ticking down at an affordable fee that felt just like different gaming handhelds I’ve used, regardless of this higher-end show.

While it is a vivid OLED show, it has a shiny floor. It’s liable to reflections in vivid environments like direct daylight. If you’ll be utilizing this as a handheld console outside in difficult lighting environments, that’s going to be an issue: You might wish to search for a tool with a extra anti-reflective display screen. But shiny screens look lovely in the best lighting, and this one isn’t any exception.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

The HDR assist was one other place the place Windows 11 doesn’t make sense on this handheld: By default, Windows disabled HDR on this gadget whereas it was unplugged “to save battery life.” That’s yet one more instance of Windows not understanding these gadgets.

The audio system listed here are nice for gaming. They had greater than sufficient quantity, and the chunky sounds of firing a shotgun in Doom: The Dark Ages had been satisfying. Naturally, there’s not loads of bass in a handheld console.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Microphone and biometrics

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 has a dual-array microphone setup. The microphone sounds advantageous, and the audio is evident sufficient for in-game chat on a handheld gaming gadget. It’s slightly muffled — this doesn’t sound like a high-end enterprise laptop computer mic choosing up crystal-clear audio for Zoom conferences. But it’s loads good for voice chatting whereas gaming.

There’s no webcam on the Lenovo Legion Go 2, however you most likely wouldn’t need one and it could be a problem to suit it into the bezel.

Lenovo put a fingerprint reader into the facility button, and it really works extraordinarily effectively. When you wake the Legion Go 2 by urgent the facility button, it may immediately signal you into Windows with Windows Hello. You simply need to relaxation your finger on it for a split-second longer. It makes the expertise of waking the console quick and streamlines a significant ache level Windows 11 has on a gaming handheld.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Connectivity

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 has two USB Type-C ports, and each of them are USB4. You’ll discover one on the highest of the hand-held and one on the underside. It comes with a USB-C charger, so it’ll cost via one in every of these ports. Because these are speedy USB4 ports, this handheld must be prepared for exterior GPUs, too.

Aside from the 2 USB-C ports, you’ll discover a combo audio jack and a microSD card slot on the underside of the hand-held. That’s it, and it’s loads of ports for handheld gaming PC. If you need extra ports when utilizing it at a desk, you may join a dock to the USB-C port.

This gadget has each Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. I’d favor to see Wi-Fi 7 at this level, particularly in a premium $1,349 handheld gaming PC, however most individuals don’t have Wi-Fi 7 but anyway.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Performance

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 had strong efficiency. I used to be capable of play Doom: The Dark Ages, and whereas I favor capturing demons with a better FPS, it was technically playable. Treating this like a console, I fired up video games like Sonic X Shadow Generations and noticed buttery-smooth efficiency. The actuality is that, whereas handhelds are bettering loads, their graphics efficiency is much from high-end desktop or laptop computer GPUs. If you’re primarily trying to play the newest high-end, most-demanding video games, these is probably not excellent. But the {hardware} right here presents unimaginable {smooth} efficiency in older video games.

I used to be impressed by how quiet the followers stayed, even in demanding video games like Doom: The Dark Ages. The audio system might simply drown them out, and the console itself stayed snug, with cool air being sucked in on the underside of the gadget and blown out the vents on the highest. Playing a light-weight 2D recreation like Deltarune, they had been so quiet I might solely simply barely hear them as soon as I muted the sport.

As all the time after we evaluation gaming PCs, we ran the Lenovo Legion Go 2 via our standard benchmarks to see the way it performs. The outcomes present us the way it carried out in opposition to earlier technology {hardware} (I benchmarked the Lenovo Legion Go S) in addition to fashionable gaming laptops.

Spoiler: It’s a giant improve during the last Lenovo handheld I reviewed. In many workloads, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme {hardware} within the Legion Go 2 was usually practically twice as quick because the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go {hardware} within the Legion Go S.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of total system efficiency. This is designed as an total system efficiency benchmark, however CPU efficiency is a giant issue.

With an total PCMark 10 rating of 7,285, total efficiency was fairly good. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme {hardware} right here is considerably forward of the lower-end AMD Ryzen Z2 Go {hardware} within the Lenovo Legion Go S. It scored on par with lower-end gaming laptops.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run Cinebench R20. This is a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on total CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling underneath prolonged workloads isn’t an element. But, because it’s closely multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores have an enormous benefit.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 with its eight-core Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU produced a multi-threaded rating of 5,239, an enormous soar over the Legion Go S. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t catch as much as bigger and extra power-hungry gaming laptops, however that is very respectable for a handheld PC.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. This is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, however it runs over an prolonged interval. This calls for the PC’s cooling kick in, and lots of PCs will throttle and decelerate underneath load.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 accomplished the encode course of in 1,076 seconds, which is almost 18 minutes. That’s solely a bit slower than gaming laptops with AMD Ryzen {hardware}. It’s additionally an enormous enchancment over the Legion Go S’s efficiency right here.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run a graphical benchmark, identical to we do on gaming laptops. First, we run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency.

With an total 3DMark Time Spy rating of 3,984, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 confirmed substantial enhancements over the Legion Go S. The HP Elitebook X G1a within the chart right here isn’t a gaming laptop computer, it’s a premium enterprise laptop computer with the same GPU. That’s an ideal instance of what you’re getting right here — higher-end built-in graphics from AMD.

Compared to gaming laptops with beefy discrete GPUs, this machine is much behind on GPU efficiency. But that’s the concept. It’s designed for handheld use, presumably away from {an electrical} outlet. Big gaming laptops have to be plugged in to ship strong gaming efficiency.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

After that, we run the benchmark constructed into Shadow of the Tomb Raider, an older recreation, however one which’s very helpful for evaluating efficiency throughout {hardware}.

With a mean FPS of 40, Shadow of the Tomb Raider was playable on the very best settings right here, in contrast to on the Lenovo Legion Go S. You’ll get even smoother efficiency for those who nudge the settings down, however as soon as once more it is a nice instance of the relative efficiency of a handheld vs. a standard gaming laptop computer.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

Finally, we run the benchmark in Metro Exodus. This is a really demanding recreation, and we run it with excessive element settings. With a mean FPS of 14 in our customary benchmark, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 was considerably quicker than the Legion Go S right here — practically twice as quick. But you may see how a lot quicker gaming laptops are.

Overall, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme and its Radeon 890M-class graphics delivered strong efficiency for a handheld gaming PC.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Battery life

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 has a 74 Watt-hour battery together with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme {hardware}, which may function between 15W and 35W of TDP. The exact battery life you’re going to get will closely rely on how you utilize the hand-held. A much less demanding recreation will use a lot much less energy. Also, you may configure energy utilization by urgent the button on the high of the best controller and selecting your most well-liked thermal mode. “Performance” will ship extra {hardware} energy for gaming however drain the battery quicker, for instance. Depending on the sport you’re taking part in, decrease thermal settings could also be simply advantageous.

Foundry / Chris Hoffman

For our customary Windows PC battery benchmark, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Steel on Windows 11 with airplane mode enabled till the PC suspends itself. We set the display screen to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks. This is a best-case state of affairs for any PC since native video playback is so environment friendly, and actual battery life in day-to-day use is all the time going to be lower than this.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 lasted 796 minutes on this take a look at — that’s over 13 hours and beats even the HP Elitebook X G1a, which is a enterprise laptop computer. This {hardware} can actually scale down and sip electrical energy while you aren’t taking part in demanding video games.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is a high-end handheld gaming PC. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and its Radeon 890M-class graphics delivered strong efficiency and effectivity for a handheld gaming PC, the display screen is massive and exquisite, and the {hardware} is effectively thought out. You get removable controllers and a kickstand for additional flexibility, too.

But, between the Windows handheld expertise and tariffs driving up the price of {hardware}, Lenovo is preventing an uphill battle right here. At $1,349, you possibly can at the moment purchase a $999 gaming laptop computer and a $319 Steam Deck and are available out forward with a extra highly effective laptop computer at your desk and a extra light-weight handheld for on-the-go gaming.

But if you would like a handheld gaming PC with higher-end premium {hardware} — that 8.8-inch OLED is good — and also you’re keen to attend for an improved software program expertise or take care of the realities of Windows 11 immediately, you’ll be proud of this, assuming you’re able to spend this a lot money.