Highlights

  • Lenovo may release a lighter, cheaper version of the Legion Go handheld gaming PC similar in concept to the Nintendo Switch Lite.
  • The Legion Go may have a smaller screen, lower price, and less powerful AMD Z1 chip, addressing concerns around weight and cost.

According to a new report, Lenovo might be preparing a lighter and potentially more affordable version of its Legion Go handheld gaming PC. The market for these PC devices has witnessed a boom in both demand and competition in recent years, with entrants from companies like Valve, Asus, MSI, and Lenovo with the Legion Go in 2023.

The success of the Nintendo Switch has demonstrably influenced the handheld console market, prompting hardware manufacturers to reconsider the prospect of portable gaming. Advancements in chip efficiency and power, especially from AMD, have made this dream a reality, with devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go offering a compelling amount of power in a palatable form factor. However, the Legion Go's higher price has been a sore point for customers, and with the ROG Ally receiving a mid-cycle refresh this year, Lenovo may be working on a new portable model as well.

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The Lenovo Legion Go stands out for its large 8.8-inch display and novel detachable joysticks, a feature only previously found on the Nintendo Switch. These features, however, come at the cost of weight and bulk, which somewhat detracts from the point of a handheld. Thankfully, a new report from reputable leaker Jez Corden writing for Windows Central claims that Lenovo is readying a "Lite" version of the Legion Go, which will reportedly be a "less prolific" version of the standard device. It's also stated that the AMD Z1 range of chipsets will be carried over to the new model, but with "some refinements."

The Legion Go Lite Could Go the Way of the Nintendo Switch Lite

The report doesn't delve into specifics, but speculates that the Legion Go Lite might have a smaller screen, start at a more competitive price point, use the less powerful AMD Z1 chip, and forgo the detachable joysticks in the same vein as the Nintendo Switch Lite. If true, these changes could make for a much more portable and potentially more affordable option within the Legion Go lineup, and address most of the concerns surrounding the regular model, particularly its weight and higher price tag.

The handheld gaming PC space is set to heat up even further with the rumored arrival of the Legion Go Lite. Increased competition always benefits consumers by driving innovation and keeping prices in check, and Lenovo appears committed to the market, even confirming a next-generation Legion Go handheld in development earlier this year. Until then, the company seemingly wants to make the most of the Legion Go, and a Lite version that incorporates feedback from customers sounds like the right move.