Out today, the Lenovo Legion Go is one of the most versatile systems in gaming. Not only is it a fully portable Windows-based gaming handheld, but it’s detachable controllers allow for full mouse control in FPS games. Add in a larger-than-average screen and high-powered CPU and you’ve got a killer on-the-go system that’s ready for almost any game you want to play – even those on Xbox Game Pass!
We got a chance to sit down with the Legion Go to test it out a bit ahead of launch. To say we were impressed is an understatement. Check out our initial impressions then watch our full breakdown video below!
Pulling the Legion Go out of the box, two things immediately jump out: the size of the screen and the detachable controllers. Compared to other, similar gaming handhelds, the Go has a massive 8.8” screen and I was immediately excited to see what it looked like powered up. And, while I didn’t immediately make use of the detachable controllers, I was curious to see what they were capable of – a question that got answered almost as soon as I picked up the Go.
It was surprisingly light, coming in slightly under the weight of the Steam Deck, but it was also absolutely loaded with buttons. I was prepared for a similar number of input options as the Steam Deck, but quickly found several more on the right controller, conspicuously labeled M1 and M2. As it turns out, the right controller can be used as a physical mouse. Not a “use the joystick to move the cursor around mouse” but a real, working mouse with scroll wheel and everything. The Go includes a stand that the controller slots into, turning it into a mouse that looks like a joystick but works beautifully for FPSs.
Booting it for the first time was similar to the initial boot of a Windows laptop. I spent time choosing my language, setting up Wi-Fi, the usual routine. A few minutes later, I was done and looking at a Windows desktop. Unlike the Steam Deck, the Legion Go operates on Windows OS. Anything that can be installed on Windows can be installed here, easily and readily. That means things like Xbox Game Pass will run natively, without any extra hoops to jump through. And, of course, Steam.
Once we had a few games installed, it was time to see how far we could push the Go. Lighter, esports games like Valorant run perfectly and are a great showcase for the 144Hz refresh rate. Gameplay is fluid and the high refresh rate enables snappy responses, keeping you ahead of your 60Hz opponents. Valorant also offers a perfect opportunity to try using the detachable controller as a mouse and it works just as well as a traditional mouse. I was a bit weary of the concept, but after a few seconds of use, I saw the potential. There was no hitching, and the stand moved smoothly across desks and mouse pads. After a minute or two, I was comfortable with the joystick grip as well, and ready to win some matches! (I did not, though that one is entirely on me.)
The testing didn’t stop with esports titles. We moved on to some more intense titles as well, like Cyberpunk 2077. While it mostly held in the upper 50s for FPS, we did have a few dips into the 30s. This is still absolutely playable and, for how much of a hog Cyberpunk is, pretty good! The plethora of buttons allowed for deep customization while playing, enabling me to bind grenades to back paddles for easy chucking.
The Go even offers multiple binding profiles, so you can easily swap you key binds as you change games. Rather than fiddle in menus, trying to remember which key you had mapped to a trigger button, you can just hit a couple of buttons and you’re back in action.
All of this combines to make an absolute beast of a portable system. If you’re sitting in the car or waiting for your flight, you’ve got a stellar handheld system. But put a flat surface in front of you, and you’ve got an esports set up, ready to grind out a couple games of ranked. The Legion Go is wildly powerful, wildly versatile, and wildly fun to use.
Check out our full breakdown video below!
I got to check out one of the Lenovo Legion GOs in our store. It's a very well build machine. You can feel the quality and it looks really sleek. I like the features it offers also!
I can't wait to get my hands on one to try myself!
Great read about a new and interesting product, looking forward to getting my hands on one.
I really enjoyed playing with this in the store. I highly recommend getting the ADH plan on this unit.
-V
This is going to be a great holiday item! 🔥
I love the demo set up too @Vladdy
I like the fact that because it's windows 11 based, it has all the options of playing on my pc or laptop.
I love the FPS mode that allows the right controller to be docked and used as a vertical mouse.
Absolutely @TreBouncee it has sold like crazy in Mayfield Heights.
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