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It will be, and that is the point of this device, except that this one launches with windows. So, I believe you are leaving a lot of performance on the table. When run in bazzite it does give better perf over the steam deck, even though its not fully optimized. This will have an official SteamOS version which will be a direct competitor with the Steam Deck at a lower entry price than the Windows Verison

So, it is a bit confusing with this gen from Lenovo. This is the Lenovo Legion Go S, it features the AMD Z2 Go chip. This chip is a 4 core apu with a "high-end" iGPU from "last gen" if looking for something to go by it essentially features the 680m iGPU. whereas the Legion Go 1 and ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) feature a 780m based iGPU. The "next gen" iGPU is currently the 880m/890m. With that being said; Z2 Go - aimed at efficiency to compete w/ Steam Deck APU with a better GPU and more RAM (up to 32GB as shown here). 4 core 8 thread 12 GPU Cores. This is based on Zen 3+ architecture. (for point of reference, Steam Deck is based on Zen 2) Z2 - 8 core 16 thread, same GPU core count as z2 go but has 4 more cores VS Z2 Go and is more in line with a "Z1 Extreme" refresh because it matches the CPU and GPU core count at 8/12 respectively. and the same zen4 arch. Z2 Extreme - will be a "beefed-up" next gen chip with 16 gpu cores and 8 cpu core but it will be built on the zen 5 arch. This will likely be featuring the 890m iGPU just basing on it having the same GPU CU's as the Z2E. NOW..... with all of the "chip confusion" (with no help from AMD) out of the way. The Legion Go S shown here is the 32 GB z2 go chip. However, there will be a SteamOS variant as as well as another version the is supposed to have the Z1E chip, same as ROG Ally and Legion Go 1. So, if you are interested in improved ergonomics over the Go 1 and never used the detaching controllers, you get a good screen here that also has VRR. it is native landscape so no game scaling wonkiness and generally just works, save for game issues. If you have the Go 1 or Ally right now i would just wait and see what the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip puts out as that will be the true replacement for the Z1 Extreme chip.

You and me both

Sorry!!! Here is the one that has the phone mount holder. (Aff links for shortened link don’t feel obligated to use) Mind you these are Canadian links but should give you a good idea what to search for. amzn.to/4107717 This one, is not as wide/not as legion go friendly, but it also doubles as a super comfortable pillow for when laying on the couch. It was decently comfortable when using the ROG Ally and Ayaneo Flip Edit: Whoops forgot the second link amzn.to/42K0x01

@@WinDeckTech Thanks!

@@gregspicer1238 thanks so much for the kind words. It is comments like this that make it all worth it! But also please feel free to offer any form of criticism, or changes/sections you’d like to see in future videos.

@@DarthRevan2.0117 not officially no

@@Kanafa-pb19x unfortunately I do not have the claw 8, I am hoping to get one but they also cost 1300 cad :( As for Ally X I did but one in December however I returned it due to it not being worthwhile for me. However! I do have an Ayaneo flip with the 7840u and 780m graphics, this unit has 64 GB of ram, so although I’ll not be able to do battery comparisons between the ally x and this, I will be able to show performance comparisons using the ROG Ally OG and the Ayaneo as a pseudo Ally x with more ram

@@jeffmeadows8094 I did, watch the whole video… That’s why this wasn’t labelled as a benchmark or review. Just a showcase playing games at reasonable settings. Basing off what I know to be playable on a steam deck. Believe me I’m intimately aware of resolution impacts. Edit: also clearly missed my point when saying upscale is a cpu process and often would be better to play at a native res instead of upscale (800p ornotherwise)

Kinda wish I could find one of the none z1 E* ally’s to test but I don’t think it was ever available in Canada Edit

@ for me i am wait for the legion go 2 because of oled and z2 Extreme

I can, likely runs well or just as well as the steam deck

My thinking as well, I’m not “upset” or even truly care, but… I think it’s important to give people as much information as possible especially because I think this wasn’t marketed very well. It would be quite easy to confuse that this is the Legion Go 2 or the “new legion” and people rightfully assume, newer is better or faster etc. I’ll save all of my thoughts for a formal in- depth “overview” video (not review). What is huge is that the stock amd drivers work

@@WinDeckTech can't wait for it 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

In my experience, auto vram results in stutters etc. So much so that I was immediately noticing the performance implications when an update reset VRAM to auto. Playing horizon 5 would result in lower FPS but also, moments of hangup/stutters, something that was not present when I allocated 8GB vram. Because the device has 32GB of ram 8GB is my recommendation because you’ll likely never be using more than 24 GB system memory, except I suppose in the case of Hogwarts Legacy using a ridiculous amount of ram. Basically think ROG ally X though of being able to set and forget it at 8GB and never look back. Hope this helps!!

@@WinDeckTech Ok, thanks. Good to know.

I replied to a similar comment, here was more response!! In my experience, auto vram results in stutters etc. So much so that I was immediately noticing the performance implications when an update reset VRAM to auto. Playing horizon 5 would result in lower FPS but also, moments of hangup/stutters, something that was not present when I allocated 8GB vram. Because the device has 32GB of ram 8GB is my recommendation because you’ll likely never be using more than 24 GB system memory, except I suppose in the case of Hogwarts Legacy using a ridiculous amount of ram. Basically think ROG ally X though of being able to set and forget it at 8GB and never look back. Hope this helps!!

Keep in mind this is not the legion go 2 though! More of a steam deck pro

Legion Go 2 entered the chat

@@WinDeckTech They should now this a long time ago... and yet they scam people on the Z2 Go processor... that is basicaly a old asf chip and didnt even manage to put a decent battery to atleast hit some specific target group. The steam os version better be good asf!

I think the z2 E will be a nice upgrade (see 780m vs 890m) but I also think this chip was not marketed well. I do think a lot of people see the Go S as the legion go 2 whereas yes that device is coming but this is a more costed down version. Apparently Bazzite works on this already but also when steam os official comes out, I think this will be a great steamos machine

When I asked my rep about it, because I was unsure if there were any embargo restrictions (because I hadn’t seen them specifically listed for sale). They said it was out for sale now, but, that they did have availability issues. Presumably what you’re experiencing. I will check in with them in the morning and see if I can get any sort of timeline, if able to divulge. What I can say regarding the materials are that it is a very premium feeling product. I couldn’t find a link in Canada though so it may be limited regions, for the time being. Edit: sorry so tired, just re read it and that you did get your bridge. I do agree that is not cool at all for them not letting you cancel your order after such a long delay. I’m sorry you had that experience with them! (My bridge was sent from Lenovo so I did not go through the consumer experience)

Wait for the Z1E model if and when it comes! If I had that chip in this device, good by legion go 1 for me, personally

​@@WinDeckTechthe SteamOS variant of this handheld is coming in April right? That was the more exciting prospect, but mostly if it had improved performance. Is the Z1E variant Windows, and any idea if it's coming before or after the SteamOS one slated for April?

​@@user-s8jb3qb6y Steam OS variant is planned for May. Z1 Extreme variant -- no idea, but be aware that it may be even more expensive. Overall I'm not sure Lenovo itself knows what it's going to do, since there are too many rumors and too little concrete info from themselves. Meaning "haven't promised -- won't be held accountable after". See for yourself: * 16/512 Z2 Go Windows OS * 16/1024 Z2 Go Windows OS * 32/1024 Z2 Go Windows OS * 16/512 Z2 Go Steam OS * 16/1024 Z2 Go Steam OS * 32/1024 Z2 Go Steam OS * 16/512 Z1 Extreme Windows OS * 16/1024 Z1 Extreme Windows OS * 32/1024 Z1 Extreme Windows OS * 16/512 Z1 Extreme Steam OS * 16/1024 Z1 Extreme Steam OS * 32/1024 Z1 Extreme Steam OS 🤷

That's exactly what I was thinking. Unless I can get a bigger battery and ram, I'm completely fine with the Legion Go Z1 Extreme until then.

I’ll admit i thought there was a bigger battery in this before I got it (I like to try and do as much personal blackout on a device where I can)

Lets hope the steamos version works much more efficiently close to steamdeck🙏

Greed.

​@@fourtii8707it doesn't, bazzite hasn't shown to improve battery or performance over windows. The reason the deck is efficient is because of its apu. The legion go s is using a binned 6800u. The 6800u needs around 20w to run most games to match the deck at 12w. It needs the full 28w to get its best performance. Both the deck and every z1e or 7800u/8800u device are better.

Will do!! (I don’t have horizon four I think anymore because they delisted but five is already on the list!!!

But it cost more than the higher power devices so that’s what it needs to be compared against so people know exactly how bad of a deal it is

It’s tough… because yes the price is high no doubt. (Arguably should have been a 24gb ram model like the ally x) when we consider this as a potential “steam deck pro” or windows deck. I’m absolutely in the camp of comparing it against low powered devices, but like WuFlu said below, it needs to be compared against what is available. What will be the true test is the low wattage comparisons. So far I’ll be comparing the: SD OLED SD LCD Claw 135h ROG Ally (og) Legion 1 Ayaneo flip (7840 u with 64gb of ram) this will be my “simulated” ROG Ally X I do wish I had the 6800u still because it’s obviously the main competitor, and would be neat to compare some of the CPU limitations. But I traded that device for the claw 135h lol

Even the steam deck is more efficient at lower TDP and had a longer lasting battery. If you don't care about OLED just get an ALLY or regular GO on sale. This is just AMD recycling the 6800u.

Basically. But everyone's argument is the pricing, if that's the case. Completely ignoring the fact that valve sell it at a loss 😂

@@KayezTP less ignoring and more why pay more when a cheaper better option exists.

Will do!

Appreciate the kind words! There is a. Dock hidden in the video, can you find it?

It's cheaper than the older go

@@dvdmike007no it’s $30 more

@@dvdmike007where I’m at it’s $20 cheaper than the original… which it still doesn’t help its case 😂

But but, what would you say about the Z1E in this form factor, because that’s still apparently coming alongside the Z2Go Imagine it as a legion Go lite with much improved ergos, speakers and thermals. Although I have no clue what the pricing of that will be like for competent last gen tech. As well battery life will likely take a hit v z2 go chip due to this one being tuned for efficiency

​@@WinDeckTechif it had a z1e I still wouldn't get it because the battery in the ally x is a game changer. Plus the price has to be ridiculous if the 6800u unit is 730.

Wait for the SteamOS version to come. Bazzite is apparently working on it, will be checking it out as well

Me too, but its not even a steam deck, because the steam deck will get the same performance at 12w that this gets at 20w. Its a binned 6800u nothing more. We knew that from the start. The pricing is insane. $730 for the windows unit. Why? You can get an ally x for not much more with a bigger battery, faster ram, better apu, and some times it goes on sale for 700. For 550 you can get an OG ally z1e or a legion go. Both better choices then this. Or if you want a deck just get a deck or install bazzite on the others. It works great on my ally x.

@@creaturecore13 Yeah, I don't get it. There's a lot of Legion Go lovers out there who say big screen go vroom vroom. Ignoring the fact that the speakers, software, and heat dissipation are bad. Let alone the smaller battery. I hope most people don't get scammed by this.

The point of the test should be how long does it last having similar-ish performance. Go as low as you can for almost 60fps on this and Deck. Compare total tdp and battery life. This had potential to be slightly less gpu limited Deck. Sad to see most of the test focused on top tdp instead of trying to find best case for that design, because Z1E was designed with high tdp in mind for bigger number better crowd and those who apply the same logic from desktops into mobile devices. This device seems to be aiming at being slightly less efficient as Deck, but less gpu limited and I'm interested to see that point of comparison. On the other hand it also seems like more gpu power was aimed at higher resolution destroying any efficiency gains. And yes price is way too much, but it will drop very quickly

I got both. And I get MUCH better performance on the legion go s.........

Turn CPU boost on, if you have it off* Edit typo

You could install Lenovo and legion space apps but would lose some functionality They can be added back in with tools like universal x86 tuning or handheld companion (although HC can get in the way more than Lenovo at times)

Switch 2 is going to be a tough competitor I think, even if it is just a super switch. I think we will be seeing more ps4 era games come over that switch 1 couldn’t handle all while maintaining good thermals and battery life. While also costing not as much. But…. Then you pay the Nintendo launch msrp title pricing for the life of the system. Save for a 10 to maaaaaybe 20 dollars off if Mario feels generous haha.

Honestly, price wise, I’d recommend a legion go 1 if you can get a good one on Facebook marketplace or eBay. There will be a lot of nice upgrades on the 2, but.. it will be full price and going based on its specs and the pricing of the go S, it will be as expensive if not more than the go 1. 1600p is super nice and if you are playing older or easier to run games you will likely be able to run most if not all at 1600p My wife who is completely not handheld friendly (tech friendly) loves the go 1 versus every other one I have one hand. You can correct some of the ergo issues with community mods and accessories like comfort grips, but also, go 2 controllers are supposed to be backwards compatible with the 1 So if you buy a 1 now, but really like the ergos of the new one, you may be able to buy the new ones and swap them out, plus you get to participate a little bit in the new device cycle and curb some of the FOMO that happens when a new one comes out. That is of course, if you are comfortable hunting for a Facebook or Craig’s list deal. For instance the one I bought in this vid was purchased off my local market place for $500 cad. The legion go 1 does seem to hold more value versus the ROG ally as well in the secondhand market, so sometimes it may be better to buy and open box at Best Buy, if you can/in your area. Hope this helps!!!!! For what it’s worth I sold this go (1st) to my friend who has never had a handheld before and he loves it. He thinks it’s the coolest thing. He has his complaint about it but all quite minimal

I mean, technically anything is possible, with enough time, money and determination. The battery does appear to be in a cradle so unless you were to remove that cradle or find a larger capacity that could fit into it, you may not be able to

No problem at all! What’s interesting about this improved thermal design is its ability to actually dissipate 40watts, at the cost of a high fan speed and noise. (About 80 c avg) So if and when we see those Z1E variants, this could make for a great and cool experience at 30w, much better than the z1 go ever could. Edit: punctuation clarity

@@f50_V3n0m that’s odd do the ports work with anything at all? (USB stick, flash card etc) I do not recall experiencing any issues like this however my best recommendation would be to 1) DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) and nuke all video card drivers (igpu and XGM) 2) install the OEM Ally GPU drivers (not AMD 780m workaround install) 3) reboot then plug in XGM and follow the driver installs with that. 4) Finally, download and install the proper Nvidia App and check for any final driver updates through there. 5) if none of that works still, ensure you search for and install the AMD Chipset drivers as well. (This includes usb4/io and soc drivers) 6) if NONE of that works, head into the Control Panel Power Plan options (search edit power plan in search) then change PCIe link state power management to off for plugged in and on battery. If all else fails, it is very likely it could be a hardware issue and only remedied via RMA or Return/Exchange In my experience you did lose some bandwidth using USB via the XGM and using something like an external SSD can overload the IO causing the connection to just drop out. I don’t have one on hand anymore but iirc my solution to this was to get a third party, powered, USB4 dock and I don’t believe using external storage was a viable option, at least for important documents due to its chances of cutting out. Please feel free to join the Handhelds United Discord group as there are a lot of super helpful people with a wide range of experience(s) and can provide more support than I could ever hope to give. You’ll also be able to communicate with other handhelds creators and myself more easily/direct. discord.gg/RHcC9Psb

@WinDeckTech thanks for the advice! Yes I forgot to mention that it works only with my portable usb hdd. Weird. I will join the discord!

@ yes so in my experience the usb hub in the xg is just not good enough to handle a hard drive reliably. At least when I used the 3080 and 6850. I know the 4090 has a USB C port so my last ditch effort advice would be trying to powered hub route, plugged into the USB C port on the 4090 Edit: feel free to @ me in discord any time, no issues with that at all!

Lenovo now has an official solution with a battery built in. I have one in now but availability is limited for the time being. Here is the support page for it support.lenovo.com/us/en/accessories/acc500344-lenovo-legion-go-charging-connector-with-battery-for-controllers-overview-and-parts

@WinDeckTech how do you charge the controllers with the jsaux connectors though

Unable to with JSAUX unfortunately, you have to attach them back to the device. There are some Etsy sellers that have something like that (3d printed bridge with battery built in) but the official bridge is the only recommended way now of doing that

@@WinDeckTech wow that's really inconvenient. I'm returning them then

@ totally understand! Sorry for that!! They are super convenient but yes the lack of a battery is a pain. I’m going to forward my experiences to JSAXU and implore them to make a v2 bridge that does have a built in battery! Edit: as they typically have a lot better accessories vs the OEM

It’s something that I think gets a bad rap and called out as being “a waste” (streaming handhelds) but if you’re totally just looking for a way to lounge on the couch whether due to kids, partner or just wanting to not be at a desk all day, with a silent comfortable device, you can’t go wrong. And also don’t need to charge it for a whole days worth of play.

@WinDeckTech wife and kids along with capabilities to play from anywhere is exactly why haha. While I love to play at my desk on my ultrawide for hours at a time, life keeps me mobile and if I want to game it has to be mobile too