The handheld gaming scene continues to heat up, and a new rumor has thrown another contender into the mix: the Lenovo Legion Go 2. Whispers across the internet, pointing towards a possible leak, suggest that Lenovo might be gearing up to unveil the successor to their innovative Legion Go sometime in September. While official confirmation remains elusive, the potential timing aligns with industry trends and has fans speculating about what improvements and new features the second iteration could bring.
To understand the significance of a potential Legion Go 2, it’s important to look back at its predecessor. The original Lenovo Legion Go, launched to considerable attention, aimed to carve its own niche in the burgeoning handheld market. It distinguished itself with several key features:
- Large 8.8-inch QHD+ 144Hz Display: Offering a significantly larger and higher-resolution screen compared to competitors like the Steam Deck, the Legion Go aimed for a more immersive visual experience.
- Detachable Controllers: A unique selling point, the Legion Go’s controllers could be detached, similar to the Nintendo Switch, offering flexibility for different playstyles and even a tablet-like experience with a built-in kickstand. One controller could even be used as a vertical mouse for desktop navigation.
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Power: Under the hood, it packed the same powerful APU found in the ASUS ROG Ally, promising strong performance for demanding PC games.
However, the original Legion Go wasn’t without its critics. Some found its size a bit unwieldy compared to more compact devices, and software optimization was an area that many hoped would see improvement. Battery life, as with many powerful handhelds, was also a point of discussion.
Adding another layer to the Lenovo handheld narrative is the Lenovo Legion Go S. This device is already available on the market, positioned as a potentially more compact or streamlined alternative to the original Go. While specific details of its market performance vary, the Legion Go S has received mixed reviews. Some users appreciate its refined form factor or subtle improvements, while others might find its differentiators from the original Go less impactful, or still face similar challenges regarding software maturity or battery life that are common across Windows-based handhelds. If the Legion Go 2 is indeed on the horizon, the future strategy for the existing “Go S” remains an interesting question – could it be positioned as a more affordable entry point, or will the focus shift entirely to the next-generation flagship?
Compared to its rivals, the Lenovo Legion Go occupied a space between the Valve Steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally. The Steam Deck, with its strong software ecosystem through SteamOS and a more accessible price point, quickly established itself as a dominant force. The ASUS ROG Ally, leveraging Windows and boasting high refresh rate displays and potent performance, caters to users deeply embedded in the Windows PC gaming ecosystem.
Based on hands-on demos and reports from CES 2025, here’s what we can expect from the Lenovo Legion Go 2:
- Vibrant OLED Display: The Legion Go 2 is expected to feature an 8.8-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering improved vibrancy, contrast, and deeper blacks compared to its predecessor.
- AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Processor: Leaks point towards the Legion Go 2 being powered by the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, promising improved performance and efficiency. This chip uses AMD’s Zen 5 architecture and features Radeon 780M graphics with RDNA 4 technology.
- Improved Ergonomics: Lenovo has seemingly addressed concerns about the original’s ergonomics, with the Legion Go 2 featuring more rounded edges and refined hand grips for better comfort during extended play sessions.
- Enhanced Controls: The prototype showcased additional control buttons on both the left and right controllers, potentially offering easier access to quick settings and reducing controller mapping issues.
- Increased Storage and Memory: The Legion Go 2 is expected to offer up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage.
- Potentially Larger Battery: Reports suggest a larger 74Whr battery, a significant increase that could address battery life concerns.
- Slightly Different Dimensions: While the Legion Go 2 might be slightly smaller in some dimensions (11.64 x 5.38 x 1.66 inches) compared to the original, it is expected to be a bit heavier, weighing in at 2.1 pounds.
The rumored September timeframe for a potential Lenovo Legion Go 2 announcement could position it strategically for the holiday shopping season. While Lenovo hasn’t officially confirmed this release window, reports from CES 2025 and leaks suggest this is a plausible timeframe.
The potential Legion Go 2 looks to build upon the original’s bold ideas with significant upgrades. The new OLED display, more powerful processor, improved ergonomics, and other refinements make it an exciting prospect for gamers seeking a versatile and powerful handheld. We’ll be keeping a close eye on any further whispers or official announcements as September approaches.
