Lenovo's latest attempt to crack the Windows handheld gaming market is the Legion Go 2, a device designed for power users who want more control over their gaming experience. While it's not perfect, the Legion Go 2 has made significant strides in improving performance, screen quality, and software support compared to its predecessor.
The device's OLED screen is one of its standout features, with vivid colors, deep blacks, and a high refresh rate that makes for smooth gameplay. The AMD Z2 processor provides decent performance, although it may not be enough for the most demanding games at native resolution. However, tweaking settings or reducing the resolution can easily push frame rates above 60 FPS.
One of the biggest hurdles with running Windows on a handheld device is the lack of a keyboard and mouse. Lenovo addresses this by including optical sensors in the detachable controllers that allow users to use them as mice. While it's not the most comfortable experience, especially for games that rely heavily on mouse input, it's still a viable solution.
The Legion Go 2 also boasts a sturdy build with a kickstand that allows for comfortable tabletop gaming sessions. The included case and fingerprint sensor add practical touches, but the device's bulkiness and weight may deter some users.
Where the Legion Go 2 falters is in its operating system. Windows on this handheld device can be slow to appear when you press the dedicated button, and flipping through settings can feel sluggish. This is partly due to the numerous ways to interact layered over each other, with too many buttons having vague icons. The experience feels janky compared to SteamOS, which offers a more streamlined setup process.
Ultimately, the Legion Go 2 is not for everyone. Its high price point ($1,100-$1,350) and complexity may deter casual gamers who just want to play games on their handheld device. However, power users who are willing to put in the work and tweak settings will find a robust platform with adaptability and potential for customization.
In short, Lenovo's Legion Go 2 is a solid choice for those looking for a Windows handheld gaming experience, but it requires patience, dedication, and some technical expertise to unlock its full potential.
The device's OLED screen is one of its standout features, with vivid colors, deep blacks, and a high refresh rate that makes for smooth gameplay. The AMD Z2 processor provides decent performance, although it may not be enough for the most demanding games at native resolution. However, tweaking settings or reducing the resolution can easily push frame rates above 60 FPS.
One of the biggest hurdles with running Windows on a handheld device is the lack of a keyboard and mouse. Lenovo addresses this by including optical sensors in the detachable controllers that allow users to use them as mice. While it's not the most comfortable experience, especially for games that rely heavily on mouse input, it's still a viable solution.
The Legion Go 2 also boasts a sturdy build with a kickstand that allows for comfortable tabletop gaming sessions. The included case and fingerprint sensor add practical touches, but the device's bulkiness and weight may deter some users.
Where the Legion Go 2 falters is in its operating system. Windows on this handheld device can be slow to appear when you press the dedicated button, and flipping through settings can feel sluggish. This is partly due to the numerous ways to interact layered over each other, with too many buttons having vague icons. The experience feels janky compared to SteamOS, which offers a more streamlined setup process.
Ultimately, the Legion Go 2 is not for everyone. Its high price point ($1,100-$1,350) and complexity may deter casual gamers who just want to play games on their handheld device. However, power users who are willing to put in the work and tweak settings will find a robust platform with adaptability and potential for customization.
In short, Lenovo's Legion Go 2 is a solid choice for those looking for a Windows handheld gaming experience, but it requires patience, dedication, and some technical expertise to unlock its full potential.