While many handheld gaming PCs have followed in the wake of Steam Deck, there’s a distinct lack of OLED options out there for gamers like me with a penchant for perfect blacks levels. However, it seems Lenovo’s successor to Legion Go, aptly named Legion Go 2, will come complete with a self-emissive screen. At first this leak had my curiosity, but a host of other upgrades have firmly captured my attention.
Footage of Legion Go 2 has emerged on Chinese social media platform Bilibili. Leakers in the country have been able to get their hands on engineering samples of the device following the closure of the manufacturing plant for the device, according to the LegionGo subreddit.
While the hardware on display in these Bilibli videos isn’t entirely reflective of eventual retail units, it’s likely very close to final silicon. After all, Lenovo will undoubtedly launch their handheld close to (if not before) alternatives from Asus and MSI, namely ROG Xbox Ally X and Claw A8, that share the same Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU.
Unfortunately, the pre-release model that the Chinese leaker was able to acquire doesn’t feature a Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU. Instead, this is the less-powerful Ryzen Z2 which is effectively the same as Z1 Extreme. As such, there’s nothing notable to glean about performance levels in this case.
Compared to the original Legion Go, this device appears very similar at a glance. However, looking more closely, it’s clear that Lenovo has made several tweaks to its original design. For instance, the system sports a new directional pad as well as additional buttons.
Most eye-catching of all, though, is Legion Go 2’s screen. It’s the same size as the preceding model at 8.8in, but swaps out the old IPS panel for a beautiful OLED. Sensibly, Lenovo has reigned in resolution from the overkill that was 1800p to a more modest 1200p.
Lenovo’s detachable controller designs make a return. Their retention is welcome in my eyes, as it can prove a useful feature and helps separate Legion Go from other handhelds on the market. I actually used the original system as a laptop replacement for a while with a good degree of success.
One specification that gives me pause is weight. According to the leak, Legion Go 2 weighs around 938g. That’s exceptionally heavy for a handheld, with Claw A8 clocking in at a notably lighter 765g and Steam Deck OLED going further to lighten the load at 640g.
There’s sadly been no word from Lenovo on when Legion Go 2 will make its proper retail debut. I hope the wait won’t be much longer, as I’d love to get my hands on other handheld with an OLED panel. Until then, I’ll continue rocking my Steam Deck.
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