Since the Nintendo Switch dropped in 2017, the gaming trade has chased the dream of bringing as many video games as doable right into a handheld type issue. The Steam Deck (and its recent iterative upgrade) have come the closest, however most different makes an attempt have been plagued with massive problems. In the chaotic battle for third place, Lenovo’s Legion Go makes a compelling case.

On paper, the Lenovo Legion Go is most much like the Asus Rog Ally (3/10, WIRED Review). It’s like a Steam Deck with a much bigger, higher display screen and extra highly effective innards. Unlike the Ally, the Legion Go makes an bold barrage of adjustments to the shape consider an try to beat the Achilles’ heel of all these handhelds: Windows.

The Windows Problem

With the exception of the Switch (operating a proprietary OS) and the Steam Deck (operating the Linux-based SteamOS), most gaming handhelds on this house run Windows. And Windows simply is not nice to function on handheld, touchscreen gadgets that use controller-style inputs as a substitute of a keyboard and mouse.

Lenovo has carried out a greater job than Asus at smoothing a number of the software program issues. The two connected controllers every have a button that act as shortcuts to the Legion Space app—which helps you to launch video games and open third-party recreation shops or modify fast settings.

However, Lenovo’s implementation is complicated. Bafflingly, the correct button opens a menu on a special facet of the display screen (left, proper, left, proper) each time it’s pressed, alternating between the launcher and settings overlays. So in the event you open the settings menu, shut it, and need to open it once more, you need to press the button 3 times to open the launcher overlay, shut it, and then open the settings overlay. It’s bizarre!

Fortunately, the Legion Go has one benefit: a trackpad on the correct controller. Similar to the touchpads on the Steam Deck, this allows you to management a cursor utilizing your thumb. It’s a godsend for clicking on tiny contact targets within the Windows interface or for navigating menus that don’t actually work with controller inputs the way in which they need to.

You’ll have to make use of that trackpad loads, too. Steam incessantly appeared to launch in desktop mode reasonably than the controller-friendly Big Picture Mode. Other occasions, a recreation would kick me out to the Windows desktop. Once I discovered the settings overlay, altering some fundamental settings was easy sufficient, however no third-party app can fully repair the jank that comes from operating Windows on a tool like this.

A Bold Take on Control

Windows is irritating, however Legion Go’s {hardware} is spectacular. Unlike the Steam Deck or Rog Ally, the controllers are removable (just like the Nintendo Switch!) and cost wirelessly whereas connected. The left controller has a management stick, a D-pad, a number of menu buttons, a bumper and set off alongside the highest, and two additional programmable buttons on the rear.

The proper controller has some additional options. On high of the standard 4 gameplay buttons and a management stick, there’s the touchpad. There’s a typical proper bumper and set off, but in addition a 3rd bumper alongside the flat proper facet. And then there are two extra buttons, labeled M3 and Y3 alongside the again, that sit nearly immediately beneath my pinky. I usually felt myself unintentionally urgent them. Just beneath the correct set off, there’s a scrollwheel.

The button format is complicated however makes extra sense when you strive the FPS mode. The controllers are designed for bigger arms than the Switch’s Joy-Cons however are nonetheless gentle sufficient to be snug to carry when taking part in indifferent.

Refresh Me

This console has a huge IPS display screen. 8.8 inches, 2,560 x 1,600 pixel decision, and as much as a 144-Hz refresh fee. It’s overkill however feels luxurious. The rear of the console additionally has a large kickstand, much like the one on the Switch OLED. It’s robust and durable and has a remarkably huge angle, so you may prop up the display screen, play with indifferent controllers from a long way, and nonetheless see every thing with out straining your eyes.

Finally, I like that there are two USB-C ports, one on the highest and one on the underside. So whether or not you play in handheld mode or with the console propped up on a desk, you may nonetheless plug in a charger. Nintendo ought to take notes.

That FPS Mode, Tho

The most weird change the Legion Go affords is in what it calls FPS mode. With this management mode enabled, the left controller is held like regular and the correct controller is positioned in a small plastic disk (it magnetically attaches), positioning it like an upright joystick. But it behaves like a mouse. Slide it throughout the desk and your cursor/digital camera strikes round like it will with a regular mouse.

In this mode, all of the baffling button positions I famous earlier all of the sudden make sense. The shoulder buttons are completely positioned on your set off finger, the M3 and Y3 buttons that my pinky saved tapping accidentally in handheld mode are immediately beneath my thumb and are a lot simpler to press individually. It’s one thing of a best-of-both-worlds possibility. In my left hand, I’ve a management stick as a substitute of the extra restrictive WASD keys, and in my proper the precision of a mouse. It’s form of genius.