What To Know
- The real-world difference in performance might not be drastic for casual gamers, but hardcore enthusiasts might notice a slight edge in favor of the ROG Ally Extreme.
- The ROG Ally Extreme boasts a sleek and futuristic design, while the Legion Go leans towards a more traditional gaming console aesthetic.
- The ROG Ally Extreme features a microSD card slot for expandable storage, while the Legion Go includes a USB-C port and an optional Legion Go Charging Dock for wired charging and connectivity.
The world of handheld gaming has exploded in recent years, with the arrival of powerful devices capable of delivering AAA gaming experiences on the go. Two titans in this arena are the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go, each boasting impressive specs and features. Choosing between these two behemoths can be a daunting task, but fear not! This comprehensive comparison will delve into the nuances of each device, helping you determine which one is the perfect fit for your gaming needs.
Performance: A Battle of Processors
At the heart of both devices lies the power to deliver smooth and immersive gameplay. The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, which boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, clocked at up to 4.0 GHz. This powerhouse ensures smooth frame rates even in demanding titles.
On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Go opts for the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chip, a powerful processor designed specifically for mobile gaming. While it boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, its clock speed is lower than the Z1 Extreme.
In terms of raw performance, the ROG Ally Extreme takes the lead due to its higher clock speed and AMD’s proven track record in gaming. However, the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 is no slouch, offering impressive performance for most modern games. The real-world difference in performance might not be drastic for casual gamers, but hardcore enthusiasts might notice a slight edge in favor of the ROG Ally Extreme.
Display: A Visual Showdown
Both devices offer vibrant and immersive displays, but they differ in their size and technology. The ROG Ally Extreme features a 7-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1280) touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, minimizing motion blur and enhancing the overall visual experience.
The Legion Go, on the other hand, boasts a slightly larger 8.8-inch FHD++ (1920 x 1280) touchscreen, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. The larger screen provides a more expansive viewing experience, ideal for those who prefer a cinematic feel. However, the larger size might make it less portable for some.
Ultimately, the choice between the two displays comes down to personal preference. If you value portability and a more compact form factor, the ROG Ally Extreme’s 7-inch display might be more appealing. If you prioritize a larger screen for a more immersive experience, the Legion Go’s 8.8-inch display might be the better choice.
Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Style
Both the ROG Ally Extreme and the Legion Go prioritize comfort and ergonomic design. The ROG Ally Extreme features a familiar gamepad layout, with two analog sticks, a D-pad, and face buttons. Its compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions.
The Legion Go takes a slightly different approach, incorporating a detachable controller system. This allows for more flexibility in terms of grip and playstyle, but it also adds to the overall weight and bulkiness of the device.
Both devices feature high-quality build materials and a premium feel. The ROG Ally Extreme boasts a sleek and futuristic design, while the Legion Go leans towards a more traditional gaming console aesthetic.
Battery Life: Endurance for On-the-Go Gaming
Battery life is a crucial factor for handheld gaming devices. The ROG Ally Extreme boasts a 40Wh battery, while the Legion Go packs a 49Wh battery. Both devices offer enough juice for several hours of gameplay, but the Legion Go’s larger battery capacity provides a slight edge in terms of endurance.
However, battery life can vary significantly depending on the game you’re playing and the brightness settings. High-performance games will naturally drain the battery faster than less demanding titles.
Connectivity: Keeping You Connected
Both the ROG Ally Extreme and the Legion Go offer a wide range of connectivity options. Both devices feature Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. They also include Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting wireless peripherals, such as headphones and controllers.
The ROG Ally Extreme features a microSD card slot for expandable storage, while the Legion Go includes a USB-C port and an optional Legion Go Charging Dock for wired charging and connectivity.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance
The ROG Ally Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go are both premium handheld gaming PCs, and their prices reflect that. The ROG Ally Extreme is priced at around $1,000, while the Legion Go is slightly more expensive, starting at around $1,100.
The price difference can be attributed to the different hardware specifications and features. The ROG Ally Extreme offers a more powerful processor and a slightly lighter design, while the Legion Go boasts a larger screen and a detachable controller system.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your budget and priorities. If you’re looking for the most powerful handheld gaming PC on the market, the ROG Ally Extreme is a great option. If you value a larger screen and a more flexible controller system, the Legion Go might be the better choice.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go are both excellent handheld gaming PCs, each offering unique strengths and weaknesses. The ROG Ally Extreme excels in raw performance and portability, while the Legion Go stands out with its larger screen and detachable controller system.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Choose the ASUS ROG Ally Extreme if:
- You prioritize raw performance and smooth frame rates.
- You prefer a compact and lightweight design.
- You value portability and want a device that’s easy to take on the go.
Choose the Lenovo Legion Go if:
- You want a larger screen for a more immersive gaming experience.
- You prefer a detachable controller system for greater flexibility.
- You’re willing to sacrifice some portability for a more feature-rich device.
Ultimately, the best handheld gaming PC for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both the ROG Ally Extreme and the Legion Go offer compelling options for gamers who want to experience AAA titles on the go.
The Final Word: A New Era of Handheld Gaming
The ASUS ROG Ally Extreme and the Lenovo Legion Go represent a new era of handheld gaming, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of performance and portability. These devices are not just for casual gamers; they offer a true PC gaming experience that can rival desktop setups.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more powerful and innovative handheld gaming devices to emerge in the future. The battle for supremacy in the handheld gaming market is far from over, but the ROG Ally Extreme and the Legion Go have undoubtedly set a high bar for their competitors.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I play PC games on both the ROG Ally Extreme and the Legion Go?
A: Yes, both devices are capable of playing PC games. They run on Windows 11, allowing you to access a vast library of PC games through Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Lenovo Legion Go has a slightly larger battery capacity (49Wh) compared to the ROG Ally Extreme (40Wh). However, battery life can vary depending on the game you’re playing and other factors.
Q: Can I use a mouse and keyboard with both devices?
A: Yes, both devices support connecting external peripherals like mice and keyboards via USB-C or Bluetooth.
Q: Are there any other handheld gaming PCs available?
A: Yes, there are other handheld gaming PCs available, such as the AYA NEO 2 and the GPD Win Max 2. However, the ROG Ally Extreme and the Legion Go are currently considered the top contenders in the market.
