What To Know
- The Lenovo Legion Go, on the other hand, opts for a more robust design with a detachable controller and a larger 8-inch screen.
- The Legion Go, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter battery life of around 6 hours, but it comes with a fast-charging feature that can quickly replenish the battery.
- The ROG Ally features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and a 3.
The handheld gaming PC market is heating up, with two major contenders vying for your attention: the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go. Both devices offer powerful specs and a dedicated gaming experience, but which one comes out on top? This in-depth comparison will explore the key features, pros, and cons of each handheld, helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your gaming needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Asus ROG Ally boasts a sleek, ergonomic design with a comfortable grip and a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen. Its lightweight construction, weighing in at just over 600 grams, makes it easy to hold for extended gaming sessions. The Lenovo Legion Go, on the other hand, opts for a more robust design with a detachable controller and a larger 8-inch screen. While it’s slightly heavier than the ROG Ally, the Legion Go’s sturdy build inspires confidence.
Display and Visuals
Both devices offer impressive displays, but there are some key differences. The ROG Ally features a 1080p 120Hz display with a fast response time, ensuring smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals. The Legion Go, however, goes a step further with its 8-inch 2560×1600 resolution display, delivering a sharper and more immersive visual experience. However, the Legion Go’s display only refreshes at 60Hz, which might be a dealbreaker for some gamers who prioritize high refresh rates.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, both devices pack a punch. The ROG Ally is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a powerful chip specifically designed for handheld gaming. This chip enables smooth gameplay at high frame rates, even with demanding titles. The Legion Go, however, takes a different approach by utilizing the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chip, which is known for its excellent power efficiency and impressive performance.
Software and Ecosystem
The ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, giving you access to a vast library of PC games through Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms. This open platform allows for greater customization and compatibility. The Legion Go, however, runs on a custom version of Android, offering access to a wide range of Android games and the Google Play Store. While the Android ecosystem is expanding rapidly, it still lacks the vast library of PC games available on the ROG Ally.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial factor for handheld gaming, and both devices deliver respectable performance. The ROG Ally boasts an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours, allowing for extended gaming sessions on the go. The Legion Go, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter battery life of around 6 hours, but it comes with a fast-charging feature that can quickly replenish the battery.
Connectivity and Features
Both the ROG Ally and the Legion Go offer a range of connectivity options. The ROG Ally features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Legion Go also includes a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, the Legion Go features a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing and a detachable controller for a more traditional console-like experience.
Price and Value
The Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go are both priced competitively within the handheld gaming PC market. The ROG Ally offers a more affordable option, while the Legion Go comes at a slightly higher price point. However, both devices provide excellent value for money, offering high-performance gaming experiences in a portable form factor.
Choosing the Right Handheld for You
The choice between the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go ultimately depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
Choose the Asus ROG Ally if:
- You prioritize a vast library of PC games.
- You prefer a lighter and more ergonomic design.
- You need a device with a higher refresh rate display.
- You are on a tighter budget.
Choose the Lenovo Legion Go if:
- You value a larger and sharper display.
- You prefer a more robust and durable build.
- You enjoy the versatility of a detachable controller.
- You are willing to pay a premium for additional features.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Titans
Both the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go are exceptional handheld gaming PCs that offer a compelling gaming experience. The ROG Ally shines with its powerful performance, vast game library, and comfortable design. The Legion Go, on the other hand, stands out with its immersive display, detachable controller, and robust build. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific gaming needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I play PC games on both devices?
A: The ROG Ally runs on Windows 11, allowing you to play a wide range of PC games through Steam, Epic Games Store, and other platforms. The Legion Go runs on Android, giving you access to a vast library of Android games and the Google Play Store. While it’s possible to play PC games on the Legion Go using cloud gaming services like GeForce Now, the experience may not be as smooth or as reliable as playing them directly on the ROG Ally.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The ROG Ally boasts a longer battery life of up to 8 hours, while the Legion Go offers a battery life of around 6 hours. However, the Legion Go features fast charging, which can quickly replenish the battery.
Q: Can I connect external peripherals to both devices?
A: Both devices offer a range of connectivity options, including USB-C ports, microSD card slots, and 3.5mm headphone jacks. This allows you to connect external peripherals like controllers, keyboards, and headsets.
Q: Which device is better for cloud gaming?
A: Both devices can be used for cloud gaming, but the ROG Ally might be a slightly better choice due to its more powerful processor and its ability to run Windows-based cloud gaming services like GeForce Now more smoothly.
Q: Can I play VR games on either device?
A: Currently, neither the ROG Ally nor the Legion Go supports VR gaming. However, there are rumors that future iterations of these devices might incorporate VR capabilities.
