Lenovo Legion Go: The Handheld That Almost Got Windows Right

Are you ready to dive into the quirky world of handheld gaming devices? Well, buckle up, because today we’re talking about the Lenovo Legion Go, a device that’s been stirring up some serious buzz in the gaming community. It’s like the gaming world’s attempt at making lemonade out of Windows—a little sweet, a little sour, and definitely worth a sip.

So, what’s the big deal with this gadget? Picture this: it’s 2017, the Nintendo Switch has just hit the shelves, and gamers everywhere are losing their minds over portable gaming. Enter the Lenovo Legion Go, trying to make a grand entrance into this party, alongside contenders like the Steam Deck. But here’s the twist – it’s running on Windows. Yep, you heard that right.

Now, before you start picturing the blue screen of death while you’re mid-game, let’s talk about what Lenovo did to avoid the typical Windows-on-handheld headache. First off, the Legion Go boasts a better screen and more muscle than its Asus Rog Ally cousin. It’s like the Steam Deck went to the gym and came back with a bigger screen and brawnier internals.

But the real kicker? Lenovo took a swing at redesigning the whole handheld experience to make Windows less of a pain. They’ve got these nifty controllers with shortcut buttons to the Legion Space app. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the catch – the right button’s a bit of a wild card. It opens menus willy-nilly, like it can’t decide whether it’s coming or going. One moment, it’s all about launching games, and the next, it’s flipping over to settings. It’s like playing menu roulette.

Now, let’s talk about the trackpad on the right controller. It’s a lifesaver for dealing with those pesky Windows touch targets and menu navigation that just doesn’t gel with controller inputs. Think of it as your little thumb-operated magic wand.

But here’s the thing – you’ll be using that trackpad a lot. Steam loves to kick off in desktop mode, and sometimes, games just rudely boot you back to the Windows desktop. It’s like playing a game within a game, “Find the Settings Overlay.”

Hardware-wise, the Legion Go is a show-off. The controllers? Detachable and wirelessly rechargeable, just like the Switch. But it’s got its own flair. The button layout is like a puzzle that makes sense once you try the FPS mode – more on that in a bit.

That screen, though! It’s a whopper at 8.8 inches, with a resolution that makes you wonder if it’s compensating for something. And the kickstand on this bad boy? It’s like the Switch OLED’s sturdier, more flexible cousin. Plus, two USB-C ports for charging, no matter how you play. Lenovo’s out here giving Nintendo some homework.

Now, the FPS mode is where the Legion Go gets wild. It turns into a makeshift mouse-joystick hybrid, making those confusing button placements suddenly seem like genius. It’s a little like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time – confusing but strangely satisfying.

But let’s talk battery life. It’s like the device has a vampire thirst for power. Despite its hefty battery, you’ll be tweaking settings like a mad scientist to keep it alive. Playing Doom Eternal? You might get an hour and forty minutes before it begs for juice. Stardew Valley? Three hours, tops. It’s like a high-maintenance pet that constantly needs your attention.

And when it’s not plugged in? It’s like a drama queen. One minute it’s full of life, the next, it’s dramatically dying on you overnight. Windows treats this thing like it’s just another laptop, not understanding the whole “portable gaming” concept.

So, is the Legion Go worth the $700 price tag? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. If you’re the type who enjoys fiddling with settings and navigating Windows’ quirks, this could be your new best friend. But if you’re looking for a pick-up-and-play experience, you might want to stick with the Switch or Steam Deck.

In conclusion, the Lenovo Legion Go is like that friend who’s a little rough around the edges but has a heart of gold. It’s trying its best to fit into the handheld gaming world, and while it’s not perfect, it’s definitely worth a look. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and ready to tackle Windows in handheld form, give the Legion Go a whirl. Who knows, you might just find yourself charmed by its quirks!

This little powerhouse packs a punch with its detachable controllers, impressive 8.8-inch screen, and unique FPS mode. Sure, it’s got a few quirks, like a battery that’s thirstier than a marathon runner and a Windows setup that’s a bit of a puzzle. But if you’re up for a challenge and want a handheld that breaks the mold, the Legion Go might just be your new gaming buddy.