The gaming world is abuzz with excitement, as it seems Valve’s Steam Deck might have a new competitor on the horizon. Just last month, Windows Central broke the news that Lenovo is busy working on a handheld gaming PC named the Legion Go, which will run on Windows. This week, the first images of the device surfaced in a report by Windows Report, giving us our first glimpse at what’s to come.
At first glance, Lenovo’s new creation looks quite familiar, bearing a resemblance to existing gaming handhelds such as the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. But don’t be fooled; it has some distinct features that align it closer to the likes of Nintendo Switch. According to Windows Report, the Legion Go is armed with an eight-inch screen, and features two Joy-Con-like controllers that can be detached. Not stopping there, it even has a wide kickstand reminiscent of the Switch’s OLED model, perfect for setting up on a table for gaming with friends.
Diving into the details of the controllers, they seem to be an intriguing fusion of the Switch’s flat and detachable Joy-Cons, with the Steam Deck’s ergonomic and attached grips. There’s one touchpad on the right controller, as opposed to the Steam Deck’s two, and the right controller also seems to boast a wheel on its back. Given the removable nature of these controllers, it’s speculated that the Legion Go’s screen will be a touchscreen.
A standout observation from the images of the Legion Go is its thickness. While Asus went the slim route with the ROG Ally and compromised battery life, Lenovo is taking the opposite approach. Similar to the upcoming Ayaneo Kun, the Legion Go appears to be embracing a heftier design, likely aimed at housing a more substantial battery.
Under the hood, Windows Report mentions that the Legion Go will run on Windows 11. This means that it should be compatible with any Windows games that meet the device’s specifications. As for the processor, it is said to be equipped with AMD Phoenix, also found in devices like the ROG Ally.
Lenovo has remained tight-lipped about this device so far and declined to comment. However, this isn’t their first foray into handheld gaming. They’ve previously experimented with devices like the “LaVie Mini” concept, revealed at CES 2021, and the unreleased Android-based Legion Play.
The Legion Go, if real, signals a more determined effort by Lenovo to make its mark on the handheld gaming market. It’s hard not to be excited about this news, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it compares to the Steam Deck and other handheld gaming devices. If Lenovo’s past innovations are anything to go by, we might be in for something special with the Legion Go.
