CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics: AMD RDNA Graphics
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X (7500Mhz)
Screen: 8.8-inch QHD+, 144Hz, 500 nits, 97% DCI-P3
Storage: Up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD
Ports: 2x USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
Weight: 1.88 lbs | 854 g
Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.76 x 5.16 x 1.60 ins | 298.83 x 131 x 40.7 mm
The Lenovo Legion Go stands as one of the premier gaming handhelds, attributed to its potent APU, impressive display, and comprehensive customizability.
CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X-7500
Screen: 7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), 120Hz, 500 nits
Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 SSD
Ports: 2x USB Type-C ports, 1x combo jack, 1x SD card reader
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Weight: 1.49 pounds (678g)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.02 x 4.37 x 1.45 inches (28.0 x 11.1 x 3.69 cm)
The latest entrant in the PC gaming handheld realm boasts some serious capabilities; however, does it surpass its predecessor?
The introduction of the Steam Deck has significantly transformed the realm of PC gaming handhelds, demonstrating that a portable system designed for high performance can be economically feasible.
Since that launch, we have witnessed numerous iterations from different brands including the Lenovo Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X, with these two particularly vying against each other given their similarities in design and specifications.
So, how do these two titans of handheld gaming compare? We’ll evaluate both to determine which excels in performance and which represents the superior investment overall.
Lenovo Legion Go vs Asus ROG Ally X: price
The Lenovo Legion Go begins at $699.99 / £700 (inc. VAT) / AU$1,299 for the standard model that includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with availability across the US, UK, and Australia. The pricier model is priced at $749.99 and enhances the storage to 1TB, although there may be variances in specifications and prices depending on the region.
The Asus ROG Ally X is priced at $799.99 / £799 / AU$1,599 and made its entrance in 2024. It is available in just one version, which incorporates 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
The Legion Go narrowly claims an advantage over the ROG Ally X concerning pricing, given the $100 disparity for the former’s base model and the $50 difference for its upgraded variant.
Lenovo Legion Go vs Asus ROG Ally X: design & features
Both the Legion Go and ROG Ally X are equipped with dual analog sticks, identical CPUs, and control buttons on both the front and rear of the device. Additionally, both units feature fairly equivalent ventilation systems on the upper section to manage the substantial heat produced by their components. Their button configurations and grips exhibit significant similarities, although the ROG Ally X provides a more ergonomic experience with a customizable updated stick design.
The Legion Go boasts a stunning 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a refresh rate of 144Hz. It showcases an impressive 97% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring that games appear clear and vibrant on its screen. The touchscreen is exceptionally well-crafted and integrates seamlessly with Windows 11, arguably the best version to date. Unique features include the dual detachable joysticks for first-person gaming and a back-mounted kickstand that is ideal for extended gaming sessions.
In terms of design, the Legion Go comes out on top. It shares a similar appearance, button arrangement, and feel with the ROG Ally X, but offers a superior display, UI, and features that enhance the overall gaming experience. Its only notable drawbacks are the added weight (though this is alleviated by the kickstand) and the fact that Legion Space pales in comparison to Asus’s Armoury Crate CE.
Asus ROG Ally vs Asus ROG Ally X: specs
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Lenovo Legion Go | Asus ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.76 x 5.16 x 1.60 inches (298.83 x 131 x 40.7 mm; W x D x H) | 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97 ~ 1.45 inches (28.0 x 11.1 x 2.47 ~ 3.69 cm; W x D x H) |
| Mass | 1.88 lbs (854 g) | 1.49 lbs (678 g) |
| Display Resolution | WQXGA (2560×1600) | FHD (1920 x 1080) |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Graphics Processor | AMD RDNA Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Memory | 16GB LPDDR5X (7500Mhz) | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD | 1TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Brightness Level | Up to 500 nits | 500 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz or 144Hz | 120Hz |
| Touch Support | Yes | Yes |
| Networking | 802.11ax 2×2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) 2*2 + Bluetooth® 5.2 |
| Sound | Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, built-in array microphone |
| Battery | 49.2 Wh USB Type-C | 65 Wh USB Type-C |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Video Output Resolution | Up to 1080p | 1080p |
| USB Port | USB Type-C for charging | USB Type-C for charging |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Battery duration | around 2 to 3 hours of gameplay | around 3 to 5 hours of gameplay |
| Recharge duration | around 3 hours | around 3 hours |
Lenovo Legion Go vs Asus ROG Ally X: efficiency
Both the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally X utilize the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme SoC, resulting in nearly identical performance levels; however, the latter pulls ahead slightly due to its Turbo Mode feature.
I examined both handheld devices using a variety of titles such as Forza Horizon 5 and Cyberpunk 2077 to assess their capabilities. In Forza Horizon 5, the Legion Go managed to maintain ray tracing on Medium settings and achieved frame rates exceeding 50fps. When analyzing Cyberpunk 2077, the device operated at approximately 26fps on Medium and Low settings. Activating ray tracing on the Legion Go caused the framerate to drop to 15fps, yet it continued to function.
The ROG Ally X was tested on Turbo Mode with Forza Horizon 5 using ray tracing enabled and displayed impressive performance at over 50fps even on High settings. For Cyberpunk 2077, the performance of the ROG Ally X was roughly equivalent to that of the Lenovo Legion Go, maintaining around 28fps in Turbo Mode. The drawback is that Turbo Mode drains the battery incredibly fast, necessitating AC power for optimal usage.
The Legion Go excels with its user interface, benefiting from Windows 11’s superior optimization for the hardware and enhanced touchscreen compatibility. The only downside is Legion Space, which pales in comparison to the upgraded Armoury Crate CE, although this is mitigated by the fact that usage of Legion Space is not mandatory.
Lenovo Legion Go vs Asus ROG Ally X: conclusion
So, which handheld is superior for PC gaming? The Lenovo Legion Go takes the lead as it matches the performance and overall design of the Asus ROG Ally X but surpasses it in nearly all other aspects.
Pricing emerges as the critical factor to evaluate, with the Legion Go available at $50-$100 lower (without discounts) than the ROG Ally X while providing a more comprehensive experience due to its array of features, enhanced UI, and improved display.
Recently acquired a Lenovo Legion Go or Asus ROG Ally X? Consider exploring our compilation of the top Steam games and top PC games to kickstart your collection on either device.