Unfortunately, without the magnets Nintendo uses in the Joy-Cons, detaching the game controllers from the Legion Go 2 isn’t as easy or seamless, but it’s still relatively simple. On the other hand, Lenovo uses Hall effect sensors for its joysticks, which makes them very responsive even though they are easier to move. I appreciate that Lenovo, unlike many of its competitors, has retained the support of its predecessor, as it is extremely useful if you want to ditch the Legion Go 2 and use it as a mini PC.
Elsewhere, there’s a familiar layout for the Legion Go 2’s D-pad, face buttons and triggers/shoulder pads, as well as two pairs of paddles on the back. Crucially, Lenovo has built the touchpad into the right controller, which is especially useful when you need to move the mouse around the Windows 11 desktop. And like its predecessor, you can detach the right gamepad, set the hidden power switch at the bottom to FPS mode, then combine it with Lenovo’s included stand to create a sort of vertical mouse.
It turns out that this setup is for those who want more precision in shooters, so there’s also an extra set of mouse buttons and a scroll wheel built into the controller. The only issue for me is that the puck isn’t much smaller than a regular travel mouse. If I really want maximum control in FPS games, I’ll use one instead of the bulky Lenovo option.
In terms of connectivity, the Legion Go 2 has two USB-C ports (one on the top and one on the bottom) that support data (up to 40 Gbps), power and display. There’s also a microSD card slot for expandable storage and a 3.5mm audio jack.
I have two minor criticisms of the Legion Go 2’s design (aside from the size). First, the headphone jack is on the bottom, which isn’t ideal because I find the top USB-C port easier to use when gaming when plugged into the wall. Second, Lenovo’s fingerprint reader (integrated into the power button) is quite sensitive. I had no problem unlocking the device, but the sensor is so sensitive that when I pressed the power button to put the Legion Go 2 to sleep, the screen would often turn off before turning back on. On several occasions, this made me think I could put the PDA to rest in the included case (kudos to Lenovo for the freebie), only to return to a device that was wide awake and looked like it was about to cook in its padded case.
If money and size aren’t an issue, Lenovo’s huge OLED screen is the main reason to choose the Legion Go 2 over competitors like the ROG Xbox Ally 1200). And at 500 nits, it’s as bright as the ROG Xbox Ally display
Performance and software
The $1,100 entry-level Legion Go 2 comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 chip with 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage. But if you want even better performance, you’ll need to upgrade to the $1,350 version, which comes with a Z2 Extreme chip and 32GB of RAM. This is the configuration I tried for this test. Frankly, that’s a lot of money to spend on any portable gaming device, though the Legion Go 2 makes up for it with top-notch performance. Yes, almost.
Although the maximum SKUs of Legion Go 2 and ROG Xbox Ally And don’t have much difference between the two, this optimization makes a difference.
Overall, the ROG Xbox Ally delivered around 7% higher frame rates than the Legion Go 2 at the same graphics settings and resolution. IN Cyberpunk 2077 With 35 watts in mid-range, 1080p resolution and FSR in performance, the Legion Go 2 achieved 57.5 fps compared to 62.1 fps on the ROG Xbox Ally. Backwards At an average of 17 watts, the Lenovo achieves 39 fps compared to the ASUS’s 42. Depending on the game and the exact resolution you’re using, this can make the difference between a good experience or not. for example indoors Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 With 1080p support, ROG Xbox Ally Sure, it’s not ideal, but for a laptop with a relatively new title, it’s not bad. However, on the Legion Go 2, the average frame rate at native resolution was closer to 25 fps, forcing me to lower the settings to low values for a smoother experience.
As with many Windows-based PDAs, it’s important to remember that speeds are faster when plugged into a wall outlet. For example, the Legion Go 2’s performance mode maxes out at 20 watts when powered off, but increases to 32 watts when plugged in. And if you want to go all out, it’s best to use the “Custom” setting, which gives you a sustained TDP of 35 watts and the ability to boost up to 45 watts for up to 45 watts.
When it comes to software, Lenovo’s Legion Space app has come a long way and has become a great option for launching games, adjusting settings and optimizing performance. As always with Windows-based calculators, there is still some setup work required when installing titles and switching between menus. Fortunately, Lenovo’s integrated touchpad makes this process much easier. I’d also say the trackpad and customizable handheld design make the Legion Go 2 the best-equipped handheld for anyone looking to use it as a mini PC. You can support the screen with the stand, connect a monitor via USB-C, and pair a wireless keyboard and mouse (or use the appropriate controller in FPS mode), and you’ve got a small desk to actually work on. (Who are we kidding? It’s still used for gaming, just on a bigger screen with better controls.)
Battery life
Thanks to a 74 Wh cell and a more efficient chip, the Legion Go 2 achieved a significantly longer battery life than its predecessor. However, the longevity is not as good as the ROG Xbox Ally X due to the large screen. I tried it while playing. Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33 at 1080p with medium graphics and maximum brightness. The Legion Go 2 performed well, lasting almost three hours, although that was 30 minutes less than I got with the ROG Xbox Ally.
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is big and powerful, both in price and size. The base model starts at $1,100, which is already $100 more than a fully loaded ROG Xbox Ally. To get the same silicon in Lenovo’s handheld, you now have to spend $1,350, and even then, performance still lags slightly behind Microsoft’s partnership with ASUS. But what the Legion Go 2 lacks in value, it makes up for in versatility.
The 8.8-inch OLED screen is a big improvement in both display capabilities and image quality, while features like the touchpad, detachable controls and kickstand make this device more of a laptop hybrid than a one-off gaming device. As an SUV that goes off-road once or twice a year, you may not always get all the features of the Legion Go 2, but when you do and everything works, you’ll realize that this tool isn’t just for show. Although the ROG Xbox Ally