Nintendo Swap followers, pay attention up. At IFA 2023 Berlin, expertise model Lenovo has introduced a brand new handheld gaming system that options removable controllers, identical to Nintendo’s console. It’s known as the Lenovo Legion Go.
The Go might be hooked as much as a TV because the Swap can, although you’ll want a third-party USB-C to HDMI dongle.
The Lenovo Legion Glasses are additionally launching alongside the Go. It is a wearable system that makes use of micro-OLED expertise to undertaking graphics behind the lenses through augmented actuality(AR). It plugs into the console through USB-C cable to privately show your gameplay.
The good thing about this set-up implies that you aren’t confined to at least one area, as you’ll be with a conventional TV and console set-up. You possibly can port the Go and Legion Glasses round with you, and get the identical expertise out of your bed room, workplace, lounge and even your lavatory (however I don’t advise utilizing it within the bathe).
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In the event you’re out there for each gadgets, then be ready to fork out a bit of cash. The Go is retailing from $699/£699/€799, while the Legion Glasses will begin $329/£399.99/€499. Each will hit the cabinets in October.
The Go is fitted with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor with AMD RNDATM Graphics and runs on Home windows 11. It comes fitted with an 8.8in QHD+ show in a 16:10 format, which is considerably bigger than the screens on the Swap OLED, Asus ROG Ally, Steam Deck and Logitech G Cloud.
Video games might be downloaded and put in for offline play through Legion House, which incorporates entry to storefronts such because the Legion Sport Retailer, Xbox Sport Go and Gamesplanet. Which means you’ll be capable to play huge titles akin to Bethesda’s Starfield, which launches in only a few days’ time.
The Go’s show helps refresh charges of 144Hz and 60Hz, and resolutions of 1600p and 800p. It comes with 16GB RAM and both 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage (markets relying; the UK solely has the 512GB model), and 2TB of further storage through the microSD slot.
The unit boasts a 2-cell 49.2WHr battery, although Lenovo couldn’t present an estimate on battery life. The addition of fast-charging through the USB-C port means it is best to be capable to juice the console from zero to 70% in simply half an hour. There’s a further port to attach further gadgets, such because the Legion Glasses.
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There’s a whole lot of energy beneath the hood, so Lenovo has fitted the console with coldfront thermal expertise and a liquid crystal polymer 79-blade fan. In the event you’re anxious in regards to the noise, then you’ll be able to allow both a quiet or customized mode to fit your preferences.
Lenovo claims the removable joysticks shouldn’t have any joystick drift and minimal lifeless zones. There are additionally ten mappable shoulder buttons, triggers and grip buttons. FPS mode implies that you should utilize the joysticks like a conventional gaming mouse for extra exact actions.
In the meantime, the Lenovo Legion Glasses are additionally suitable with Home windows, Android and macOS gadgets which have full-function USB-C. The graphics produced have a FHD decision, with a 60Hz refresh charge. They aren’t wi-fi, so that you’ll want to attach them through the 1.2m cable.
I went hands-on with prototypes of each the console and the glasses, taking part in Sizzling Wheels Unleashed. AR gaming can take some getting used to, however I can actually see the profit in the case of privateness – particularly if you happen to and your housemates have common arguments over the TV.
Caught in FHD
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While the Legion Glasses have built-in audio system across the temples, those I examined weren’t highly effective, particularly when it got here to the bass. If that is nonetheless a problem on launch, then you’ll be able to at all times join a third-party pair of wired or wi-fi headphones. Lenovo can be releasing its personal devoted gaming pair.
Arguably the most important draw back to the console is how darn heavy it’s. With the joysticks hooked up, the Go has a monstrous weight of 854g. I bought fairly the arm exercise utilizing this product, even simply holding it for 5 minutes (although as common Tech Advisor readers will know, I may do with pumping some iron).
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
AR has been delivered to the forefront of expertise over the past 12 months, particularly with the launch of the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. While the Lenovo Legion Go and Lenovo Legion Glasses are nonetheless an funding, the worth tag is extra manageable than Apple’s $3,499 product.
If in case you have glasses although, beware. While Lenovo’s pair provides totally different nosepieces to go over any further headgear, the expertise is just not as comfy as with out. As somebody with questionable eyesight at finest, I did encounter some blurriness going sans frames. Lenovo confirmed {that a} prescription lens might be added to the glasses, however clearly it will incur an additional value.
That is extra of a tech-wide drawback than a Lenovo situation, in fact – however one thing to bear in mind if the longer term really is AR.