Legion Go 2 Z2 Review – Affordable Power and Stunning OLED

Introduction

Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 returns with a more affordable configuration that still packs a premium experience. While the flagship Z2 Extreme model still commands a premium price, the Z2‑based version drops the cost by roughly $250 without sacrificing the standout 8.8‑inch 144 Hz OLED display, detachable controllers, and a robust 74 Wh battery. In this review we break down the hardware, software, and real‑world performance to see whether the cheaper variant lives up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

The Legion Go 2 retains the sleek, handheld‑PC silhouette that has become familiar on the platform. Key physical attributes include:

• 8.8‑inch OLED panel – 144 Hz, 1920 × 1200 resolution, 97 % DCI‑P3, 500 nits, HDR support, and variable refresh (33‑144 Hz).
• Detachable controllers with a spring‑loaded lock, textured grips, and an FPS‑mode switch on the right hand side.
• Single‑fan cooling and a 74 Wh battery that supports up to 100 W rapid charging (65 W charger included).
• Connectivity – USB‑4 (x2), 3.5 mm audio jack, micro‑SD slot, and a fingerprint‑enabled power button.
• Weight – 2.38 lb (1.08 kg), making it heavier than the Legion Go S but still comfortable for most sessions.

The overall design feels premium, and the removable controllers are solid, with no flex and a satisfying click. The FPS‑mode base adds a spring‑loaded lock and a small pogo‑pin cover for a cleaner look.

Hardware Overview

Processor and Graphics

• CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 (Zen 4) – 8 cores / 16 threads, 3.3 GHz base, up to 5.1 GHz boost.
• GPU: Integrated Radeon 780M (12 compute units) – up to 2.7 GHz.
• Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5‑7500 MT/s (no 24 GB option).
• Storage: 1 TB M.2 2280 SSD.
• Battery: 74 Wh, supporting up to 100 W fast charge.

The Z2’s specs sit between the older Z1 Extreme and the higher‑end Z2 Extreme, which uses a Zen 5 CPU and faster 8,000 MT/s RAM. The performance gap at a 25 W TDP is modest, but the Z2 still outperforms the Z1 Extreme in most benchmarks.

Display and Audio

The 8.8‑inch OLED is arguably the best handheld screen on the market. Deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a 144 Hz variable‑refresh panel make games look stunning. Upward‑firing stereo speakers provide clear audio, and a 3.5 mm jack offers a reliable wired option.

Controls and FPS Mode

The detachable controllers feature:

• Linear triggers with adjustable travel (5‑95 % range).
• A scroll wheel and extra programmable buttons.
• An FPS mode that transforms the right controller into a mouse‑like input, complete with a scroll wheel for weapon changes.
• A spring‑loaded lock that secures the controller to the base for comfortable shoulder‑mounted play.

Software – Legion Space UI

The built‑in Legion Space interface replaces a traditional desktop UI with a game‑centric hub:

• Store – Access Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and other storefronts.
• Library – Install, launch, and manage games directly from the handheld.
• Performance Profiles – Quiet (8 W), Balanced (16 W), Performance (20 W), plus custom boost modes (10 s @ 45 W, 2 min @ 37 W, sustained 35 W).
• Controller Settings – Remap buttons, adjust dead zones, enable/disable gyro, and customize joystick lighting.
• Quick Menu – On‑the‑fly access to performance mode, brightness, volume, Bluetooth, and external‑display settings.

Benchmarks and Real‑World Gaming

Synthetic Scores

• Geekbench 6 (Performance mode) – 2,444 single‑core, 11,000+ multi‑core.
• 3DMark Time Spy (25 W TDP) – 3,285 total score, beating the Z1 Extreme (≈3,170) and trailing the Z2 Extreme (≈3,600).

Game Tests (16 W‑20 W TDP)

• Forza Horizon 5 – 73 FPS on 1200p, medium settings.
• Cyberpunk 2077 – 84 FPS with FSR Frame Generation at 1920 × 1200, 25 W.
• Elden Ring – 57‑59 FPS on 1600 × 1000, medium settings.
• Borderlands 4 – 800p low settings with FSR Frame Gen, showing noticeable frame‑skip but still playable.

Across the board the Z2 holds its own against the Z2 Extreme, especially when the latter’s higher TDP is capped. The difference is most noticeable in sustained workloads where the Extreme’s 8,000 MT/s RAM and higher boost clocks give a modest edge.

Battery Life and Power Management

The device offers three primary power envelopes:

• Quiet – 8 W, ideal for emulators and 2D titles.
• Balanced – 16 W for mainstream gaming.
• Performance – 20 W (up to 25 W boost for short bursts).

A custom fan curve lets you trade noise for performance, and the “Smart” mode dynamically balances the two.

Verdict

The Legion Go 2 with the Zen 4 Z2 delivers a premium handheld experience at a considerably lower price point than the Z2 Extreme. Its OLED screen remains the class‑leading display, and the detachable controllers add genuine FPS versatility. While the Z2 Extreme still leads in raw performance, the gap is narrow enough that the $250 savings make the Z2 a compelling choice for most gamers.

If you’re looking for a handheld that blends a top‑tier screen, solid build quality, and configurable performance modes without breaking the bank, the Legion Go 2 is a strong contender.

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For detailed specifications and further updates, refer to the product page linked in the description.