The world of portable PC gaming handhelds has exploded in recent years, with numerous devices hitting the market. Many of these handhelds boast similar performance thanks to the powerful Ryzen Z1 chip, which can deliver impressive 1080p gaming experiences. However, one handheld that stood out from the crowd was the Lenovo Legion Go, thanks to its premium design featuring a large display and detachable controllers reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Cons.
Now, rumors are swirling about a more affordable version of the Legion Go, dubbed the Legion Go Lite. New images leaked online by YouTube creator NITTRX provide a glimpse of the Legion Go Lite’s outer shell, hinting at a design that resembles the Switch Lite with its smaller form factor and non-detachable controllers. This move aligns with previous reports suggesting Lenovo was working on a budget-friendly variant of its popular handheld.
The Legion Go Lite is expected to feature a smaller display and a more compact build compared to its larger sibling. This reduction in size and features will likely contribute to a lower price point, making it more accessible to gamers looking for a budget-friendly PC gaming experience. However, it’s anticipated that the Legion Go Lite will not feature the new Ryzen Z2 chip, which offers enhanced RDNA 3.5 graphics and is scheduled to arrive early next year. Integrating the Z2 chip could potentially increase the cost and defeat the purpose of releasing a cheaper unit.
Although we would love to see Lenovo embrace the new Ryzen Z2 or Strix Point chip for the Legion Go Lite, the chip’s reported 30% performance boost over the current Z1 chip could push the price beyond the intended affordability range. Ultimately, the Legion Go Lite aims to compete with other budget-friendly handhelds like the Valve Steam Deck, offering gamers a more accessible entry point into the world of portable PC gaming. Lenovo is expected to unveil the Legion Go Lite before the end of the year, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to the handheld gaming scene.