Unleashing Power: In-Depth Review of the Lenovo Legion Go 2 by IGN

In 2025, it’s hard not to notice the rising prices in tech, especially with the Lenovo Legion Go 2. This handheld gaming PC starts at a hefty $1,099, a significant jump from the original Legion Go, which launched at $699 just two years prior. The highest-end model can even reach $1,479. The version I reviewed is priced at $1,349.

When you look at what the Legion Go 2 offers, it does have some impressive upgrades. It features a stunning OLED display that’s faster and more vibrant than its predecessor. Plus, it adopts a better button layout from the Legion Go S. But, is all this worth the price tag? That really depends on what you’re looking for in a gaming device.

Design

At first glance, the Legion Go 2 might seem similar to the original. However, there are notable changes, like the repositioning of the ‘start’ and ‘select’ buttons, now located below the Legion buttons. This new layout improves navigation significantly. The added shortcut buttons for Task View and Windows Desktop enhance the user experience, especially as handheld gaming PCs evolve.

Lenovo has also introduced a fingerprint reader integrated into a larger power button. While it generally works well, its awkward positioning can be tricky for smaller hands. I found using my PIN easier and more comfortable.

Another standout feature is the large touchpad on the right controller, which simplifies navigating through Windows. However, the Legion Go 2 is quite hefty, measuring 11.64 inches long and weighing over two pounds. For long gaming sessions, this weight can be noticeable.

One exciting aspect is the removable controllers, similar to a sci-fi Nintendo Switch. They serve as a mouse in “First Person Mode,” making it easier to use the device for tasks that would typically require a keyboard and mouse. While this is great for quick actions, having a portable keyboard handy can maximize the experience.

The device includes a sturdy kickstand, perfect for proping it up when gaming on a table. While Lenovo offers an accessory for a more traditional gamepad layout, it ends up being nearly as bulky as the Xbox Duke.

In total, there are 27 buttons that you can customize via the Legion Space software, allowing you to save different layouts. This kind of flexibility is fantastic for gamers.

Display

The display is where the Legion Go 2 really shines. While the original model had a beautiful 1600p display, it struggled with performance. Lenovo scaled back to a 1920 x 1200 resolution with an OLED panel for the new model, which delivers vibrant colors and superior contrast. It features a smooth 144Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate (VRR) technology.

This could be the first OLED handheld you’ve encountered, and it’s honestly a game-changer. The reaction from early adopters on social media reflects excitement over this feature, especially with the increased fluidity it provides in gameplay.

Performance

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 showcases the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset. Initial tests show a remarkable performance boost over its predecessor. In benchmarks, the Legion Go 2 performed significantly better than the original Go.

For example, in “Call of Duty Black Ops 7,” the Go 2 hit 39 fps at 1200p, while the original lagged at just 20 fps. However, when pitted against rivals like the Asus ROG Ally X, the difference narrows, showing about 20% more performance on similar setups.

Notably, the Legion Go 2 comes with 32GB of RAM, a decent upgrade compared to the original’s 16GB. This increase is vital, as more RAM allows the GPU to operate effectively, enhancing overall system performance.

Battery Life

Gaming PCs are notoriously power-hungry. The Legion Go 2 pushes through a surprising battery life, lasting over two hours while playing demanding games like “Cyberpunk 2077.” In regular usage tests, it clocked an impressive 10 hours and 52 minutes. This is a standout statistic compared to its peers, suggesting it might have the best battery life in handheld gaming PCs.

The combination of OLED screen efficiency and the advanced AMD Z2 chipset plays a crucial role in this efficiency. The chipset’s design optimizes power consumption, allowing for a longer lifespan during intense gaming sessions.

Overall, the Legion Go 2 makes a strong case for itself in an increasingly competitive market. While its price might be a concern for some, its features could justify that cost for dedicated gamers. Experts suggest keeping an eye on future firmware updates that could unlock even more from its powerful chipset.

For anyone considering a new handheld device, this one could set the bar for what’s to come in the world of mobile gaming.

For more details about the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and other tech innovations, check out IGN for the latest updates and insights.

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