Oct 11, 2025

Lenovo Legion Go 2 Review – OLED Handheld Gaming Powerhouse

Introduction

Lenovo’s latest handheld gaming PC, the Legion Go 2, arrives with a striking 8.8‑inch OLED screen, the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, and a host of ergonomic refinements. After two weeks of on‑the‑road testing, the device proves to be one of the most compelling handhelds on the market—provided you can stomach its premium price tag.

Display: OLED Excellence

The Legion Go 2’s centerpiece is its 1920 × 1200, 16:10 OLED panel capable of up to 144 Hz with variable refresh rate (VRR). Compared side‑by‑side with the Steam Deck OLED, the Go 2 is noticeably brighter even at 50 % screen brightness, and its HDR calibration delivers vivid colors and deep blacks.

Resolution options: 800p, 1200p (native 1920 × 1200), and 1600 × 1000
Refresh rate: Up to 144 Hz, VRR supported
Brightness: Higher than competing handhelds, especially with HDR enabled

The display’s quality makes the Go 2 feel less like a portable PC and more like a handheld console with a premium TV‑level panel.

Ergonomics and Build Quality

Lenovo has focused on balanced weight distribution. At 920 g, the Go 2 is heavier than most rivals, but the centrally placed battery and single‑fan cooling system keep it feeling well‑balanced in hand.

Detachable controllers with textured grips and a new fingerprint‑resistant coating (not 100 % but a marked improvement)
Button layout: Easy access to volume rocker, power button (LED indicates power mode), and two USB‑4 ports
Speaker system: Upward‑firing stereo speakers capable of high volume
Additional I/O: Micro‑SD slot, 3.5 mm audio jack, and a switch for FPS mode

Overall comfort approaches that of the Legion Go S, widely regarded as the most comfortable handheld on the market.

Connectivity and Expandability

The Go 2 offers generous connectivity options that future‑proof the device:

Two USB‑4 ports (up to 40 Gbps) – ideal for fast external SSDs, docking stations, or even an eGPU
Micro‑SD card slot for additional storage
3.5 mm audio jack for wired headphones
Optional accessories: detachable controller base for FPS mode, pogo‑pin cover, and a compact carrying case

These ports make the Go 2 a versatile platform for both portable and docked gaming.

FPS Mode and Detachable Controllers

Switching to FPS mode is straightforward: flip the switch on the right controller, attach the base plate, and the controller functions as a high‑precision mouse. Sensitivity can be tweaked to personal preference, delivering a smooth and accurate aiming experience. In docked mode, the controller doubles as a mouse for desktop navigation, expanding the Go 2’s utility beyond pure gaming.

Performance Modes and Power Management

Lenovo’s Legion Space software provides several preset power profiles, each adjusting TDP, fan curves, and boost limits:

Quiet (Battery): 8 W
Quiet (Plugged‑in): 15 W
Balanced (Battery): 16 W
Balanced (Plugged‑in): 25 W
Performance (Battery): 20 W
Performance (Plugged‑in): 32 W
Custom: 35 W sustain, 37 W boost (2 min), 45 W boost (10 s)

Higher performance settings increase fan noise, but the device remains manageable under most workloads.

Real‑World Gaming Tests

Racing & Arcade Titles

Forza Horizon 5 (800p, high settings, balanced mode) – smooth 60 fps, responsive triggers with linear throw.

Fighting Games

Street Fighter 6 (1200p, medium, balanced mode) – stable 60 fps, low power draw thanks to efficient power management.

AAA Benchmarks

The Witcher 3 (1200p, medium, performance mode) – 22‑23 W, solid frame rates.
Grand Theft Auto V (1200p, high, performance mode) – average ~63 fps, occasional dips below 60.
Spider‑Man 2 (1200p, medium with FSR + frame generation, performance mode) – requires frame gen to maintain 60 fps, demonstrating the limits of the Z2 Extreme at native resolution.

Overall, the Z2 Extreme delivers performance comparable to the previous Z1 Extreme at lower wattages, but the gap narrows as power limits increase.

Battery Life and Charging

The Go 2 houses a 74 Wh battery, providing varying runtimes depending on the power profile:

Quiet mode (indie games, 8 W): ~7 h 4 min
Balanced mode (AAA titles, ~24 W): ~3 h 6 min
Performance mode (high‑end AAA, ~28‑29 W): ~2 h 17 min

Charging is fast when paired with Lenovo’s Rapid Charge technology: up to 100 W (not included) can charge the device from 0 % to 50 % in ~30 minutes. The box ships with a 65 W charger, which is adequate but not optimal for the fastest charge rates.

Pricing and Market Position

The Legion Go 2 starts at $1,349 for the 1 TB model with the Z2 Extreme APU. Even the lower‑spec Z2 variant remains above the $1,000 mark. This places the Go 2 among the most expensive mainstream handhelds, limiting its appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize the OLED display and premium build over cost.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Stunning 8.8‑inch OLED display with high brightness and HDR
Balanced ergonomics despite a heavier chassis
Versatile connectivity (dual USB‑4, detachable controllers, FPS mode)
Flexible power profiles and custom TDP settings
Fast charging capability (with optional 100 W charger)

Cons

High price point (> $1,300)
Performance of the Z2 Extreme is only marginally better than the Z1 at higher wattages
Battery life drops sharply in performance mode
Included charger (65 W) does not fully exploit rapid‑charge potential

Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 sets a new benchmark for handheld gaming screens, delivering an OLED experience that outshines every current competitor. Its ergonomic design, detachable controllers, and robust connectivity make it a versatile device for both portable and docked play. However, the premium price and modest performance gains over the previous generation prevent it from being a universal recommendation.

For gamers who value a top‑tier display and are willing to invest in a high‑end handheld, the Legion Go 2 is a compelling choice. For everyone else, more affordable options may offer a better price‑to‑performance ratio.