In the realm of portable PC gaming, two titans clash: the ever-popular Steam Deck and the newcomer, Lenovo Legion Go. Gazing at spec sheets alone can be a misleading exercise. Sure, the Legion Go boasts raw power and a gorgeous display, but is that all that matters? The truth is, choosing between these handheld powerhouses hinges on your specific priorities as a gamer. This guide will unveil the strengths and weaknesses of each contender, empowering you to make an informed decision and conquer your gaming quests from anywhere.
The Price Is the Big Differentiating Point
The Steam Deck lands at a friendly $399 for its 256GB model, with occasional refurbished options offering more storage. However, you’ll need to snag it directly from Valve’s online store, with limited regions having access.
On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Go offers more storage choices (512GB and 1TB) but starts at a steeper $700 price tag. It boasts wider global availability through Lenovo’s store and select retailers like Best Buy.
Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: Design
The Steam Deck isn’t shy about its size. It’s a hefty handheld, but its curved grips make it surprisingly comfortable for extended sessions. While it weighs in at a not-so-light 669 grams (think two Nintendo Switches!), it feels positively svelte compared to the 854-gram Lenovo Legion Go. That extra 200 grams makes a big difference, especially when you consider the Legion Go’s sharper, less ergonomic design.
The Legion Go might fit in larger hands, but comfort isn’t necessarily its top priority. If you crave marathon gaming sessions on the go, the Steam Deck takes the crown. However, the Legion Go has a few tricks up its sleeve to make up for its bulk.
Unlike the Steam Deck, the Legion Go boasts detachable controllers and a handy kickstand. It even comes with a dock that transforms one controller into a makeshift mouse, perfect for first-person shooter games. This ingenious feature helps bridge the comfort gap, but it can’t quite erase the fact that your hands might protest after long stretches of play (unless you invest in a separate kickstand case and external controller for the Steam Deck).
The Steam Deck prioritizes handheld mode, with joysticks, d-pad, and buttons clustered near the top of the screen to accommodate large trackpads and grips. On the other hand, the Legion Go’s layout prioritizes flexibility, designed for both handheld and detached controller use. The Steam Deck’s setup shines in handheld mode, offering a more natural grip. However, the Legion Go’s detachable controllers unlock a wider range of playstyles, from on-the-go gaming to tabletop sessions or even couch co-op with a friend.
Ultimately, the design that reigns supreme depends on your gaming habits. If pure handheld comfort reigns supreme, the Steam Deck beckons. But if you crave versatility and the ability to switch between handheld and controller modes, the Legion Go might be your perfect match.
What About the Display?
Both the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go utilize LCD screens, but that’s where the similarities fade. The Steam Deck boasts a respectable 1280 x 800 resolution with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While certainly functional, it can’t compete with the Legion Go’s crown jewel: a stunning 2560 x 1600 resolution display boasting a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. On paper, the Legion Go offers a feast for the eyes, delivering sharper visuals and smoother gameplay.
However, here’s the catch: the Legion Go’s hardware might not be able to consistently push pixels to match its display’s potential. While demanding AAA titles will likely look fantastic, maintaining smooth frame rates often requires sacrificing resolution or graphical settings. This can feel like a compromise, especially considering the display’s impressive specs.
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That said, the Legion Go’s larger screen shines when using the detached controllers. This makes it ideal for situations where you want a more traditional console experience, like kicking back on the couch or tabletop gaming with a friend. Ultimately, the display choice boils down to your priorities. If raw visual fidelity is paramount, the Legion Go boasts a superior screen. But if consistent performance is a dealbreaker, the Steam Deck might be the wiser choice.
Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: Software
The software experience becomes a clear battleground when comparing the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. The Steam Deck runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for gaming. This tailored approach offers a smooth and intuitive way to manage your Steam library. However, a downside to this focus is compatibility. Not every Steam game is guaranteed to work, although the “Steam Deck Verified” program attempts to flag these titles. The good news? This verification system isn’t foolproof – some unsupported games run surprisingly well, while some verified titles might hiccup.
Another hurdle: applications like the Epic Games Store and Xbox Game Pass require installing Windows alongside SteamOS. While this expands your library options, it adds a layer of complexity.
Despite these limitations, the Steam Deck’s software experience reigns supreme. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Go utilizes Windows – a familiar operating system, but not necessarily optimized for handheld gaming. Simple tasks like adjusting resolution become frustrating exercises in navigating clunky menus. While some competitors like the Asus ROG Ally address this with user-friendly software layers, the Legion Go’s “Legion Space” software proves nearly as cumbersome as Windows itself.
While the Legion Go boasts broader game compatibility due to Windows, the sheer frustration of using it might outweigh that advantage. The Steam Deck, with its limitations, offers a far more polished and user-friendly experience for managing and launching your games.
Steam Deck vs Lenovo Legion Go: Performance and Battery Life
Just like the display, the Lenovo Legion Go’s performance specs might appear mightier on paper, but real-world usage paints a slightly different picture. Both consoles utilize AMD processors, but the Legion Go boasts a newer, more powerful model. The same goes for the GPU – the Legion Go packs a more advanced punch. In theory, this translates to smoother frame rates for your favorite games on the Legion Go.
However, here’s the catch: muscle doesn’t always equate to finesse. The Legion Go’s hardware isn’t perfectly optimized, so some less demanding games might actually run better on the Steam Deck. More importantly, the Steam Deck’s hardware limitations can render some games entirely unplayable without significant tinkering. The Legion Go, on the other hand, lets you access these titles without extensive software modifications.
That said, don’t expect a night-and-day difference in performance, especially if you push the Legion Go’s display to its full potential.
Now, let’s talk battery life. The Steam Deck is estimated to last a mere hour when running a game that draws 40 watts of power. The Legion Go boasts a larger battery capacity (49 watt-hours). However, its high-resolution display sips battery life like a hummingbird on sugar water. This means the Legion Go won’t necessarily outlast the Steam Deck by a significant margin.
But there’s a silver lining! By dialling down the Legion Go’s resolution and refresh rate, you can squeeze out a noticeable battery life improvement, surpassing the Steam Deck.
