Lenovo Legion Go Meets SteamOS: A Match Made in Gaming Heaven?
The handheld gaming market is heating up, and Lenovo's Legion Go is the latest contender throwing its hat into the ring. But does this Windows-based portable stand a chance against established players like the Steam Deck? We took it for a spin with SteamOS to find out.
First Impressions: Premium Build Meets Familiar Form
Right out of the box, the Legion Go impresses with its premium construction. The matte finish feels great in hand, while the 8.8-inch QHD+ display delivers crisp visuals that rival some of the best in the handheld space. At 854g, it's noticeably heavier than its competitors, but the ergonomic design helps distribute the weight comfortably.
Performance Punch: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and RDNA 3 graphics, the Legion Go delivers solid performance across most modern titles. We tested everything from indie darlings to AAA blockbusters, and the device handled them with surprising grace – though you'll need to tweak settings for optimal performance on more demanding games.
The SteamOS Experiment: Promising But Flawed
Installing SteamOS on the Legion Go reveals both the potential and limitations of this approach. While Valve's operating system runs surprisingly well, some key features like the touchpad controls don't translate perfectly to the Legion Go's hardware. The lack of official driver support means you'll need some technical know-how to get everything running smoothly.
Battery Life: The Achilles' Heel?
Like most powerful handhelds, battery life remains a challenge. You'll get about 2-3 hours of gameplay on demanding titles, though less intensive games can stretch this to 5-6 hours. The 49.2Wh battery charges quickly, but you'll likely want to keep a power bank handy for longer sessions.
Verdict: A Strong Contender With Room to Grow
The Lenovo Legion Go shows tremendous potential as a high-end handheld gaming PC. While the SteamOS experience isn't perfect, it demonstrates the device's versatility. For Windows gaming on the go, it's currently one of the best options available – though the asking price might give some gamers pause.
