SUPERSIZED HANDHELD GAMING

This transition towards handheld PC gaming platforms has been notably marked by the emergence of the Steam Deck.

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It’s also worth reflecting on how far we’ve come since the debut of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, a console-grade device that redefined what gamers could expect from portable gaming. The Legion Go, with its generous 8.8-inch display and detachable controllers is reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch. Its integration of a full Windows 11 operating system offers unfettered access to a broad spectrum of games and applications from platforms like Steam and Microsoft Game Pass, presenting a seemingly attractive option for those looking to merge the PC gaming experience with the portability of a handheld device.

However, reality is more complex. The device, for all its promising specifications, including a made-for-handheld AMD Ryzen Z1 processor and an adjustable kickstand, has divided opinions over its large and hefty (854g) footprint. I personally welcome the larger display of the Legion Go, but at the same time, a couple of my HardwareZone colleagues have preferred the lighter, svelte ROG Ally. This is particularly evident in the face of the Steam Deck, which, with its recent upgrades, including enhanced battery life and a slightly larger OLED display, continues to refine the balance between portability and performance.