Buzz
Handheld PC gaming has become a reality, offering a variety of impressive choices. Among these, Valve’s Steam Deck stands out for its user-friendly interface and superb emulation capabilities. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Go, though pricier, presents a compelling alternative. Deciding between these two devices can be a challenge—what sets them apart?
Cost and Technical Specifications
The Legion Go comes with a higher price tag, starting at $699 for its base storage model, which is nearly equivalent to the top-tier Steam Deck option. In contrast, the Steam Deck begins at $399 for its entry-level storage, positioning it as the more budget-friendly choice.
The pricing increases based on storage options, but the Steam Deck remains capped at $649, ensuring it stays more affordable than any Legion Go model. However, cost isn't the sole factor—each device has its own strengths and weaknesses post-purchase. Let’s dive into the specifications first:
Lenovo Legion Go specs:
Display: 8.8-inch 2560 x 1600 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate
Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
RAM: 16GB
Storage: Up to 1TB (expandable)
Battery: 49.2Whr capacity
Steam Deck specs:
Display: 7-inch 1280 x 800 IPS, 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: Custom AMD Zen 2/RDNA APU
RAM: 16GB
Storage: Up to 512GB (expandable)
Battery: 40Whr capacity
Performance
Examining the specifications reveals significant differences between the two handhelds, particularly in storage and display capabilities. The Legion Go boasts a higher-resolution screen with a superior refresh rate, promising smoother and more visually appealing gameplay compared to the Steam Deck. Additionally, the Legion Go provides up to 1TB of storage, nearly double the Steam Deck’s maximum. Both devices, however, support expandable storage, offering flexibility beyond their built-in options.
The Legion Go’s processor outperforms the Steam Deck’s custom AMD chip, which relies on the older Zen 2 architecture. However, this doesn’t always translate to better performance, as the Steam Deck’s GPU, with its higher core count, excels in handling graphics. Furthermore, many games, like the recently launched Starfield, are optimized for the Steam Deck, ensuring impressive performance despite its less advanced hardware.
While neither device can match the performance of a high-end gaming PC, that’s not their intended purpose. The Legion Go does deliver enhanced performance at higher wattages, but this comes at the cost of reduced battery life—a crucial factor to consider.
Battery Life
On paper, the Legion Go features a marginally larger battery, with a two-cell 49.2Whr capacity compared to the Steam Deck’s 40Whr. However, actual battery life for both devices largely depends on power consumption and how efficiently the internal components utilize the available energy.
The Steam Deck is finely tuned to maximize battery efficiency, delivering approximately two to four hours of gameplay with demanding titles like Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2. In contrast, the Lenovo Legion Go’s more powerful hardware may reduce battery longevity, especially when running games at higher settings.
Battery life is highly subjective and depends on usage patterns. Playing at lower graphics settings, which place less strain on the hardware, can significantly extend battery life compared to pushing the system to its limits. Both devices, however, feature robust charging capabilities, ensuring neither is at a clear disadvantage in this regard.
Operating System
One of the most notable distinctions between the Steam Deck and the Lenovo Legion Go lies in their operating systems. The Legion Go runs Windows 11 natively, offering a familiar experience, though it lacks the seamless optimization of Valve’s SteamOS, which was specifically designed for the Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck includes a Desktop mode resembling Windows and supports Windows 11 installation, this requires additional effort and setup.
Choosing between the operating systems ultimately comes down to personal preference, though the Steam Deck’s user-friendly SteamOS stands out as a major advantage. Its interface, similar to Steam Big Picture Mode, simplifies installing, playing, and streaming games from another PC. Conversely, the Lenovo Legion Go requires users to install and manage Windows 11 apps, navigating them as they would on a traditional PC.
This isn’t overly cumbersome, thanks to the Legion Go’s mouse-like trackpad integrated into its controller. However, it lacks the intuitive simplicity of the Steam Deck’s OS. Additionally, the Legion Go reportedly faces some challenges distinguishing between handheld controls and traditional mouse-and-keyboard inputs. Certain games may default to keyboard and mouse settings, ignoring the handheld’s built-in controllers, which could frustrate gamers seeking a seamless experience.
Both devices handle emulation effectively, though the Steam Deck requires more setup to get everything running smoothly. While neither device clearly outshines the other in emulation, the Steam Deck edges ahead in terms of overall ease of use.
Which Handheld Should You Choose?
The Lenovo Legion Go is slated for release in November 2023, while the Steam Deck is already widely available. If you’re looking to purchase immediately, the Steam Deck is the obvious choice. However, if you’re willing to wait, the Legion Go offers a compelling alternative, albeit at a higher price point.
Overall, the Legion Go emerges as the more powerful handheld, boasting a superior processor, full Windows 11 compatibility, and a larger, high-refresh-rate display. However, the Steam Deck’s value is undeniable—it offers nearly everything you’d want in a handheld gaming PC without unnecessary complications.
While a more powerful device might be appealing, the Steam Deck’s simplicity is unmatched. Starting a game is as effortless as pressing a few buttons, and you won’t have to deal with Windows 11-related distractions disrupting your gaming session. If you prioritize a seamless, hassle-free experience—core to handheld gaming—the Steam Deck is the way to go.
