We lately partook within the Lenovo Legion Go launch occasion in New York Metropolis. After studying extra concerning the handheld gaming PC, consuming massive portions of meals, and taking part in with the Legion Go at a number of demonstration stations. I used to be enamored with the gaming system, feeling that 10-year-old boy in me creep to the floor. The Legion Go stirred a sense in me I’ve not felt since 10-year-old me bought my first glimpse of the Atari 2600. I wished it, I wanted it, I needed to have it, and like Veruca Salt from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit“ I don’t care how I would like it now!”
So, though I loved myself totally on the Lenovo launch occasion, 10-year-old me was ready to throw a full-on mood tantrum, rolling on the ground, screaming and crying. Fortunately for my fellow journalists and the improbable people at Lenovo, there was no want for such theatrics, as those that attended got evaluation models as we left, and I performed it cool, however deep inside, because it was handed to me, 10-year-old me breathily whispered “ my valuable.”
Lenovo Legion Go first impression
After saying my goodbyes, I dashed residence, calmly driving the R practice. Nevertheless, ever watchful of others, because the Legion Go was mine, and mine alone, and sure, I’m able to combat to maintain my valuable all to myself.
As soon as I arrived safely, I exchanged hellos with my beloved Krystal, confirmed her the Legion Go, charged it up, and ignored her for the remainder of the night. I imply, positive, I answered her questions and feigned curiosity in what was on the tv whereas the Legion Go charged.
What would I title it? It’s a Home windows 11-based gaming system, working a full-fledged model of the OS, and as you already know, like all Home windows units, it seeks a reputation throughout setup, so as soon as that was found out, and it was totally charged, I arrange my gaming providers, and downloaded Madden 24 and my goto, Borderlands 2, and started working.
Home windows 11 runs easily on the Legion Go, and from a efficiency standpoint, it’s like having a laptop computer in your hand. As soon as I downloaded Xbox Sport Go, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Steam, I used to be off to the races. I performed Madden 24, and it ran easily as I waxed Dallas, taking part in as my NY Giants. Then I hopped into Borderlands 2, an oldie however goodie, and spent hours slaughtering mutants and baddies. I misplaced observe of time, which is the true take a look at for any gaming system.
As soon as I had all of the controls found out, and because of the Legion Go’s wonderful ergonomics, I used to be transferring round Borderlands just about as I’d whereas taking part in on a PC. I imply, if I actually wished to, I may join a wi-fi mouse and keyboard to it and play it precisely the identical means, however I wished the hand-held expertise.
Gameplay
The gameplay was tremendous easy in each Madden and Borderlands, however how good is it to observe content material on? I downloaded my favourite streaming apps and watched Lupin on Netflix, and it regarded improbable.
The audio high quality was strong and even higher with my earbuds in. The Lenovo Legion Go takes a bit getting used to. There are a ton of buttons, triggers, a gamepad, joysticks, and a trackpad, it has extra choices than a brand new automotive in relation to interacting with it. You may even disengage the right-side controller, put it right into a holder, and use it as a wi-fi mouse. I even discovered a scroller; Lenovo considered all the things.
Throughout gaming, all of the sticks, triggers, and buttons are effectively positioned, so it feels pure, and the sport controls are tremendous responsive, making for a slick total expertise. It does take some adjustment, particularly since I’m primarily a keyboard gamer, however after a short while, the transition went easily.
I can see myself snuggled up in mattress with the Legion Go for weekends on finish, gaming, streaming content material, replying to emails, and answering telephone calls as a result of, because of Home windows 11, it connects to my OnePlus Open and permits me to take calls and ship and obtain texts. I may lay there totally entertained, ordering meals and ignoring the whole universe, particularly my children.
Closing ideas
The Lenovo Legion Go isn’t only a highly effective handheld gaming PC; it is a full-on leisure middle that matches in my palms. I by no means have to depart the confines of my bed room ever once more. My recommendation to anybody who purchases the Lenovo Legion Go ($699) is to cancel all of your different plans. You’re going to get addicted and spend a whole weekend with it. I fell asleep, snuggled as much as it, and awoke with it subsequent to me on my pillow, like a pet.
Total, the AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive Processor and built-in Radeon GPU do an important job of pushing easy gaming onto the 8.8-inch QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS Touchscreen with 144Hz refresh fee show. For as soon as, Home windows 11 doesn’t really feel like a hindrance, because it really is an asset on the Legion Go. You need to use the puny transportable as a laptop computer, plug it right into a monitor or TV, or join a Bluetooth keyboard and push some paperwork and emails out.
Positive, 10-year-old me would hate that I may additionally get work performed with the Legion Go, and he would by no means do something however play countless hours of video games. Sadly, I’m an grownup, and I do need to pay payments, so the Go’s functionality to deal with a few of my adulting additionally frees up time for extra gaming. I see what you probably did there, Lenovo, and I’m grateful.
The Lenovo Legion Go is improbable, and though I recognize all of your vacation invitations, I received’t be leaving my mattress till no less than CES 2024 as a result of it is my job to be there. Until then, I will likely be gaming endlessly, because the grownup me has left the constructing, and 10-year-old me has turn into a Legion Go-addicted child who cuts college.
