Legion Go At $600 Is It Worth Buying? A Detailed Review

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Are you guys wondering if snagging a Legion Go for $600 is a smart move? Well, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into this handheld gaming PC to help you make an informed decision. We will explore the device's specs, performance, pros and cons, and ultimately, whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash at that price point. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

What is the Legion Go?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the price, let's quickly recap what the Legion Go actually is. The Legion Go is Lenovo's entrant into the handheld gaming PC market, a space that's been heating up with devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Think of it as a portable gaming powerhouse, packing PC-level performance into a compact, take-anywhere form factor. This means you can play a wide range of games, from indie darlings to AAA titles, all on a single device. The Legion Go is characterized by its large 8.8-inch display, detachable controllers, and powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. This combination of features makes it a versatile device for both gaming and productivity tasks. Its versatility allows you to switch seamlessly between gaming on the go and using it as a mini-desktop with a keyboard and mouse. The device is designed to cater to gamers who want the flexibility of playing their favorite PC games anywhere, anytime. The large display offers an immersive gaming experience, while the detachable controllers provide multiple ways to play. Whether you're on a long commute, waiting at an airport, or simply relaxing at home, the Legion Go offers a compelling alternative to traditional gaming setups. Its ability to run Windows also means that you can use it for other tasks, such as browsing the web, watching videos, or even doing some work.

Key Features and Specifications

Now, let's break down the key features and specifications that make the Legion Go tick. This will give you a better understanding of what you're getting for your $600. The heart of the Legion Go is the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, which is a powerful chip designed specifically for handheld gaming devices. It features 8 cores and 16 threads, along with AMD Radeon graphics, providing plenty of horsepower for running demanding games. This processor ensures smooth gameplay and responsiveness, even in graphically intensive titles. The device also comes with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is crucial for multitasking and ensuring that games load quickly and run smoothly. In terms of storage, the Legion Go typically comes with a 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD, providing ample space for your game library and other files. This fast storage solution ensures quick load times and smooth performance. One of the standout features of the Legion Go is its 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This large, high-resolution display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making games look stunning. The high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, which is particularly important for fast-paced action games. The detachable controllers are another key feature of the Legion Go. They provide a flexible gaming experience, allowing you to play in various modes. You can use the device in handheld mode with the controllers attached, or detach them and use the built-in kickstand for a more relaxed gaming experience. The controllers themselves are well-designed and comfortable to hold, with responsive buttons and triggers.

Performance Analysis

Okay, specs are great, but how does the Legion Go actually perform in real-world gaming scenarios? Let's dive into a performance analysis. The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor is a beast, and it shows in the Legion Go's performance. You can expect to play most AAA titles at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. Games like Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Elden Ring are all playable, although you might need to tweak the settings to achieve the optimal balance between visual quality and performance. For less demanding games, such as indie titles and older games, the Legion Go can easily handle max settings with smooth frame rates. This makes it a versatile device for playing a wide range of games. The 16GB of RAM ensures that you can multitask without any issues, and the fast SSD storage means that games load quickly. The high refresh rate display also contributes to a smoother gaming experience, especially in fast-paced action games. However, it's important to note that the Legion Go is still a handheld device, and it has its limitations. Demanding games will drain the battery faster, and you might need to lower the settings to achieve a stable frame rate. The device can also get quite warm during extended gaming sessions, which is a common issue with handheld gaming PCs. Overall, the Legion Go offers impressive performance for its size and price. It's capable of running most games, although you might need to make some compromises in terms of visual settings.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons to get a clearer picture. Like any piece of tech, the Legion Go has its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

  • Powerful Performance: The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor delivers excellent gaming performance for a handheld device.
  • Large, High-Resolution Display: The 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides a stunning visual experience.
  • Detachable Controllers: The detachable controllers offer flexible gaming options.
  • Versatile: The Legion Go can be used for gaming, productivity, and media consumption.
  • Expandable Storage: The device supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: Battery life can be a concern, especially when playing demanding games.
  • Heat: The device can get quite warm during extended gaming sessions.
  • Price: While $600 is a good deal, the Legion Go is still a significant investment.
  • Size and Weight: The device is relatively large and heavy compared to other handheld gaming devices.

Is $600 a Good Price?

Now, let's get to the million-dollar question: Is $600 a good price for the Legion Go? In short, the answer is likely yes, but it depends on your specific needs and expectations. At $600, the Legion Go offers excellent value for its performance and features. It's a powerful handheld gaming PC that can run a wide range of games, and its large, high-resolution display provides an immersive gaming experience. The detachable controllers and versatile design make it a compelling alternative to traditional gaming setups. Compared to other handheld gaming PCs, such as the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, the Legion Go at $600 is competitively priced. It offers similar performance and features to these devices, and in some cases, it even surpasses them. However, it's important to consider the device's limitations. Battery life can be a concern, especially when playing demanding games, and the device can get quite warm during extended gaming sessions. The Legion Go is also relatively large and heavy compared to other handheld gaming devices, which might be a consideration for some users. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile handheld gaming PC that can run a wide range of games, and you're willing to accept the limitations of battery life and heat, then the Legion Go at $600 is definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize portability and battery life, you might want to explore other options.

Alternatives to Consider

Before you pull the trigger, let's quickly touch on some alternatives to consider. The Legion Go isn't the only game in town, and there are other compelling handheld gaming PCs out there.

  • Steam Deck: The Steam Deck is Valve's entry into the handheld gaming PC market. It's a powerful device that runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed for gaming. The Steam Deck is a great option if you primarily play games on Steam, as it offers seamless integration with the Steam platform. It has a large library of compatible games and a vibrant community. The Steam Deck is also known for its excellent ergonomics and comfortable design. However, it has a smaller display than the Legion Go, and its performance is slightly lower.
  • ASUS ROG Ally: The ASUS ROG Ally is another powerful handheld gaming PC that runs Windows. It features a similar processor to the Legion Go, the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, and offers excellent gaming performance. The ROG Ally is known for its lightweight design and comfortable ergonomics. It also has a high refresh rate display, similar to the Legion Go. However, the ROG Ally has a smaller display than the Legion Go, and its battery life is also a concern.
  • Nintendo Switch: The Nintendo Switch is a popular handheld gaming console that offers a different gaming experience than the Legion Go. The Switch focuses on first-party Nintendo games, such as Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, and offers a unique and family-friendly gaming experience. The Switch is also known for its portability and excellent battery life. However, it has significantly lower performance than the Legion Go and a smaller library of compatible games.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict? Is the Legion Go at $600 worth it? In my opinion, it's a pretty sweet deal for the right person. If you're itching for a handheld gaming PC that packs a punch and can handle most of your gaming library, the Legion Go is a solid choice, especially at this price point. The powerful processor, vibrant display, and versatile design make it a compelling option for gamers on the go. However, don't forget about the potential downsides, like battery life and heat. If those are major concerns, you might want to weigh your options and consider alternatives like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. Ultimately, the decision is yours, guys. But hopefully, this deep dive has given you the info you need to make the right call. Happy gaming!