Summary
- Legion Go 2 is ultra-premium: 8.8 in 1920×1200 OLED, Z2/Z2 Extreme, up to 32GB RAM and 2TB storage.
- Base $1,100, top $1,480 — incredible specs but likely prohibitively expensive for many buyers.
- Lenovo’s premium push could boost interest or confuse buyers as pricey handheld options flood the market this fall.
I would definitely describe myself as a fan of what Lenovo has been doing in the handheld gaming space. Their initial Legion Go handheld received mixed reviews, but its Switch-like detachable controllers made it unique. The subsequent Legion Go S series featured a more familiar form factor, but a zippy processor, brilliant screen, and the ability to choose from either Windows or Steam OS made these more traditional handhelds attractive additions to Lenovo’s growing lineup of devices.
For its next handheld, Lenovo has announced it is updating the original Legion Go, updating this device’s signature detachable controllers with a new design, and adding substantial upgrades including an 8.8-inch 1200p OLED screen with VRR, 50% larger battery and a new, hidden optical mouse. This base model of this new handheld will be powered by AMD’s Z2, and ships with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Upgraded models include 32GB of RAM, the more powerful Z2 Extreme chip, and an extra TB of storage.
I feel confident in saying that the Lenovo Legion Go 2 will be the most cutting-edge handheld available when it releases later this year, even as it launches alongside the new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally. However, I fear that no one will be able to purchase this handheld, as the base model will cost an eye-watering $1100, with upgraded models going all the way up to $1480. To put that in perspective, for the price of the base model you could buy a PlayStation 5 and a Nintendo Switch 2, or an Xbox Series X alongside a Steam Deck.
- Chipset
-
AMD Z2, Z2 Extreme
- RAM
-
16GB, 32 GB
- Storage
-
1TB, 2 TB
- Display
-
8.8-inch 1920 x 1200 OLED with 30–144Hz VRR
- Ports
-
USB4 x2, MicroSD UHS-II, 3.5mm headset
- Battery
-
74 wHr
What is the future of handheld PC gaming?
Lenovo looks like they are going all in on the ultra-premium market
Gaming handhelds have exploded in popularity over the past few years with the Steam Deck paving the way for companies like ASUS, MSI, and Lenovo to each offer their own twist on handheld PCs. And with Xbox officially getting in the ring later this year (in partnership with ASUS), and Acer working on their own spin on the gaming handheld with the Nitro Blaze 7, there will be more variety than ever in time for the holidays.
I applaud Lenovo’s two-pronged approach offering the mid-tier Lenovo Go S alongside this new, ultra-premium Legion Go 2, but I have to wonder what effect flooding the market with all of these pricey handhelds will have on consumers. Will more models help drive additional interest in these gaming devices? Or will the high price points, varying specs, and seemingly endless options drive buyers away? I don’t have any answers, but it will be interesting to see how consumers react to this new, ultra-premium option when it releases this fall.
No release date has been shared just yet, but the Lenovo Legion Go 2 is expected to launch this fall and pre-orders should be available on Lenovo’s website. soon.
