2023 involve a whole bunch of microcomputer gaming handhelds launching , and we even get a reinvigorated Steam Deck . Two key Windows - flavoured players areLenovo Legion GoandAsus ROG Ally . We ’ve reviewed both , and here ’s how they equate .
Handhelds are rife in the gaming world now , with Lenovo , Asus and Valve being the big brands already on the scene . But , the likes of Aya Neo and OneXPlayer are releasing enough too . TheMSI Clawis another raw equipment sic to go far soon . That ’s all before the imminent arrival of more Qualcomm Snapdragon - sporting handhelds later in the year . For now , the Legion Go and ROG Ally are two of the top choice with plenty of deviation . Here at Trusted Reviews , our experts have thoroughly test both . lease ’s plunk in .
Design and Controls
see to comparison between the Asus ROG Ally and theSteam Deck , and you ’ll see the design has a similar philosophy . A more traditional all - in - one handheld , but the Legion Go takes things in a more Nintendo trade - like focal point . The foundation allows you to remove the controllers from the Legion Go and play in a more radiocommunication , as well as relaxed , style .
However , the more immersive nature of the Legion Go does lend additional bulk , with the Lenovo get along in at 854 K and 4.1 centimetre thick . By comparion , the Asus ROG Ally is positively featherlight at 608 gm and 2.1 cm deep . The difference means the Legion Go is a gimmick that requires far more design when it descend to deal it out and about , whereas the ROG Ally is far easy to just catapult in your bag wherever you go . On the other bridge player , the additional bulk , as well as the feel , of the Lenovo make it feel like a more premium twist than the plasticky Asus .
While the Lenovo may win on the adaptability of the controls , from how they detach to the wider circle of customisation controls and the joystick - like FPS Mode , the Asus has the upper - paw for how the push button feel to utilize . Like the Steam Deck , the Lenovo also offers a trackpad , which is handy for seafaring Windows . The clicks and press are all more satisfying than the Lenovo .
Display
Along with the restraint , the video display is one of the most significant points of differentation between the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally . Not only does the Lenovo offer a bigger display , come in at 8.8 - inch versus the 7 - inch rival , but it offers up a higher 2560×1600 compared with the 1920×1080 of the Asus .
However , the importance of this is a morsel of a miscellaneous traveling bag . The resolution may seem like a key factor , if you ’re craving higher result gaming , but these machines simply are n’t up to of taking reward of QHD+ across most titles . So , this should n’t be a key point in your decision . But , the dispute in size is far more substantial , with the Legion Go providing a unmistakably immersive hand-held experience .
Similar to the unrealized high resolution , both displays offer 120Hz , but neither is able to reach such heights except in rather low - requirement title and with dwindling setting apply .
Performance and Software
With both example we tested skylark the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 8 GB RAM , we find the operation of the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go to be highly corresponding . The only notable conflict came when push these equipment with higher requirement setting and features in Cyberpunk 2077 , where the Legion Go seem to fall down somewhat further behind . Both devices also impressed in how they seldom got uncomfortably red-hot and , even under intense load , fan noise did n’t become too much a distraction .
The deviation in performance may be negligible but that ca n’t be said for the onboard software system . Lenovo has its Legion Space to help take you through the Windows 11 hand-held experience while Asus offers its ROG Armoury Crate SE . We encounter the Asus choice far easier and fluid to navigate , provide a much more honest experience . Legion Space was sluggish and awkward by comparison .
In term of the games on offer , both devices use Windows 11 as the operating system have in mind the like of Steam , Xbox , Ubisoft Connect , Epic Games Store , Nvidia GeForce Now and more are all at your fingertips .
Battery Life
Battery biography is dead nothing to shout about with these two handhelds , but it is largely to expected give the cramming of modern technology into these relatively small gadget .
We feel both equipment can last around an average of 90 minute across AAA statute title , meaning these are n’t going to serve you that well on long trips . But , make for keen gadget to use around the plate . gratefully , both can be fully reload in around an minute .
Final Verdict
choose between the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally is largely a subject of taste , with both AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme models coming in at a even starting Leontyne Price of £ 699/$699/€799 . However , you could blame up a lower - powered AMD Ryzen Z1 model of the Asus ROG Ally for under £ 600/$600/€700 .
The cardinal point of differentiation are size of it and those detachable controllers of the Lenovo . If you need a more portable experience with better - feel controls and a more unlined software experience , Asus ROG Ally advance out . But , if you want the option of sit back and relaxing while playing games on a big exhibit , and would take advantage of the unique FPS controller manner , the Lenovo Legion Go is a better selection .
