The Windows handheld gaming console market in India has seen rapid growth over the past year, with big brands like Asus, MSI, and Lenovo entering the fray. These handhelds offer a new level of portability, making it possible to enjoy PC gaming on the go. However, until recently, India had limited options available officially. Thankfully, the Lenovo Legion Go has now entered the market, and it seems poised to give the Asus ROG Ally and MSI Claw A1M a run for their money.
The big question is: Does the Lenovo Legion Go offer enough features to make it the best Windows handheld for Indian gamers? Does it have what it takes to handle AAA games? How portable is it compared to a laptop? And what about battery life?
After spending a week testing the Lenovo Legion Go, here’s what I found.
Key Specifications:
Price: Rs. 89,990 in India (available from July 1)
Storage: 512GB SSD (upgradeable)
Display: 8.8-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) touch screen, 144Hz refresh rate
Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
Battery: 49.2Wh with fast charging support
Color Option: Shadow Black (only variant available in India)
Design and Build:
At first glance, the Lenovo Legion Go has a premium feel. The build quality is solid, and the handheld feels comfortable to hold, even during extended gaming sessions. The controller layout is similar to other handheld consoles, with triggers, thumbsticks, and ABXY buttons that are well-positioned for ergonomic use.
One standout feature of the Legion Go is its 8.8-inch display with a WQXGA resolution. This makes it larger and sharper than other Windows handheld consoles like the Asus ROG Ally, which sports a 7-inch screen. The additional screen real estate makes games look better and provides a more immersive experience, especially when paired with the 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
Performance and Gaming Experience:
The AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensures that the Legion Go can handle most AAA games with ease. I tested several demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Forza Horizon 5, and the device performed admirably. The Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset delivers enough power to run these games at high settings, with minimal lag and stutter. While you won't get the same raw power as a gaming PC, the Legion Go punches above its weight.
The 144Hz display plays a key role here, as it ensures smooth gameplay. The 8.8-inch screen offers vibrant colors and crisp details, making it a pleasure to game on, even during long sessions. Whether you're playing fast-paced shooters or open-world RPGs, the screen refresh rate helps keep everything fluid.
Portability and Design:
Portability is a huge selling point for handheld consoles, and the Lenovo Legion Go doesn't disappoint. While it’s larger than the Asus ROG Ally or MSI Claw A1M, it’s still compact enough to carry around. The 8.8-inch display adds bulk compared to smaller handhelds, but the increased screen real estate is a worthwhile trade-off for gamers who want a more immersive experience. It’s definitely more portable than a full-fledged gaming laptop, making it an excellent option for on-the-go gaming.
That said, it’s not as small and pocket-friendly as devices like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, so if absolute portability is a priority, you might want to consider other options. However, in terms of sheer performance and versatility, the Legion Go stands out.
Battery Life:
The Lenovo Legion Go comes with a 49.2Wh battery. In my testing, I found that the device could last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the intensity of the game being played and the screen brightness. For casual gaming or indie titles, you might stretch it further, but if you're playing graphically intensive AAA games, expect the battery to drain more quickly.
The good news is that the Legion Go supports fast charging, so you won’t be waiting long to get back into action. Still, like most gaming handhelds, it’s best suited for shorter gaming sessions or on-the-go gaming where you can plug it in when needed.
Storage and Upgradeability:
At Rs. 89,990, the Lenovo Legion Go comes with 512GB of SSD storage, which is more than enough for most games. However, the real standout feature is the upgradeable storage. While other devices in this category often have fixed storage, you can expand the Legion Go’s storage to suit your needs, ensuring that you won’t run out of space as game sizes increase over time. This flexibility is a huge bonus for gamers who like to maintain large libraries of titles.
Is the Lenovo Legion Go the Best Windows Handheld?
The Lenovo Legion Go brings a lot of excellent features to the table. Here’s a summary of what stands out:
Powerful performance with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset and 16GB of RAM
Large, high-quality display (8.8-inch, WQXGA, 144Hz) for immersive gaming
Upgradeable storage option (512GB SSD) provides flexibility
Portable design makes it easier to take anywhere
Fast charging ensures minimal downtime
However, it’s not without its trade-offs. The battery life could be better, especially during intense gaming sessions, and its larger size may make it less portable than some competitors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Lenovo Legion Gooffers a balanced mix of performance, portability, and features, making it one of the top contenders in the Windows handheld gaming space.
Pros:
Large 8.8-inch display with 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset handles AAA games well
Upgradeable storage (512GB SSD) gives users flexibility
Premium build quality and ergonomic design for long gaming sessions
Fast charging support for quick top-ups
Cons:
Battery life could be better, especially during demanding gaming sessions
Larger size might not be as portable for some users
Currently only available in Shadow Black color
Final Verdict:
At Rs. 89,990, the Lenovo Legion Go is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a Windows-powered handheld console. Its performance, display, and storage flexibility make it a serious contender in the space. While not perfect, it does a lot right, especially for gamers looking for a device that can handle modern titles without compromise.
Rating: 9/10
If you're looking for a premium handheld gaming console that balances performance with portability, the Lenovo Legion Go is definitely worth considering.
