Handheld gaming consoles are setting a new trend in the gaming world by bringing high-end specifications of a gaming PC in a portable form factor. In comparison to gaming laptops, the new-age Lenovo Legion Go has revolutionized the world of e-sports. But with so many options and features, Legion Go VS Nintendo Switch OLED is a hot debate as both consoles are famous for their unique reasons and let us tell you why.
The Lenovo Legion Go is like a mid-range gaming PC running on Windows 11 that hosts a wide variety of games. On the other hand, Nintendo Switch keeps the decades-old legacy alive by introducing newer games like Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda. However, Legion Go is better than Nintendo Switch when it comes to hardware capabilities, choice of games, and compatibility to install game launchers.
So which console should you buy? Nintendo Switch or Lenovo Legion Go? To get you better insights on which console is worth buying, we have thoroughly reviewed the Lenovo Legion Go VS Nintendo Switch by comparing both consoles based on different facts and figures.
Nintendo Switch OLED VS Lenovo Legion Go
Before comparing and reviewing both consoles’ gameplay experience and optimization, let’s compare the technical specifications of Nintendo Switch VS Lenovo Legion Go to state which one is winning on paper.
| Lenovo Legion Go | Nintendo Switch | |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | Nvidia Tegra X1 |
| GPU | AMD RDNA 3-based graphics | Nvidia Tegra X1+ |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 | 4GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 64GB (eMMC) / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe SSD) | 32GB/64GB eMMC |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 5 & Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Display | 8.8-inch QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) IPS 144Hz | 6.2-inch IPS, 7-inch OLED, 5.5-inch IPS (LITE) 1280×720 |
| Battery | 49.2Wh | 16Wh |
So, there you have it. After looking at the technical spec sheet in the Nintendo Switch VS Lenovo Legion Go comparison, we can confidently say that Lenovo has won the game statistically. But that’s not entirely fair. It also depends on the gameplay experience, performance, and console optimization.
Display and Size
If we take the Nintendo Switch OLED into consideration, we get a fairly better and larger display. A 7-inch 720p OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate is the best Nintendo Switch has to offer out of all of its variants. This is quite good for a handheld gaming console but not the very best in its category. The console itself has dimensions of 9.5 x 4 x 0.55 inches and weighs only 0.88 pounds, which is quite convenient to carry.
On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Go is a bit larger and almost double the weight, measuring 11.8 by 5.15 by 1.61 inches and weighing 1.88 pounds, which is a bit heavier but not substantial. However, the real treat of Legion Go is the 8.8-inch QHD display that offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which is currently the most superior display screen in a portable handheld gaming console.
Hence, in terms of Display and Size, Lenovo Legion Go is clearly the winner!
Processor and Graphics
The Nintendo Switch does come with a custom-made Nvidia CPU that gives decent output. However, it lacks modern-day graphics features like DLSS support and ray tracing. It can barely reach higher frame rates on 60 Hz on the 720p screen. For a higher resolution, you may have to dock the Nintendo Switch.
In comparison, we got the most powerful processor in a handheld gaming console by Lenovo in the Legion Go. This console has the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, the Legion Go’s processor equivalent to the Ryzen 5 series. The RDNA 3 Graphics makes Legion Go’s GPU equivalent to the Nvidia GTX 1650 series, which is top of the class. With such processor and GPU hardware, you get a performance output that delivers 90FPS on average at a 1080p display. If you amp up the resolution to 2,560 x 1,600, you may have to compromise on FPS. Still, it would be a stable yet vivid gaming experience.
Control Setup
The control setup on Nintendo Switch was known to be one of its kind. The controllers are detachable, and you can use them as individual pairs to play co-op games with your friends. You can always get extra paid to play games with 4 of your friends at a time. Apart from the POWER Button, Volume, HOME, and SYNC Button, you can remap the rest of the buttons on the Nintendo Switch.
On the other hand, Lenovo went crazy with Legion Go and took the controller setup concept from every handheld gaming console out there and infused it in the Legion Go. This console also features the standard ABXY setup, D-pad, trigger buttons, and up to 10 assignable buttons. However, the most unique feature of the Legion Go controller setup is the removable controllers, which is quite similar to something that we have seen on a Nintendo Switch console.
Hence, you can enjoy multiplayer and co-op games on this console by simply detaching the controllers and playing with them individually. Each controller has a dedicated mouse wheel that comes in handy with playing FPS games or esports titles.
Yet again, Lenovo Legion Go gets an extra point for bringing a unique controller setup concept inspired by Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.
Game Library
The operating system of Nintendo Switch adds the gaming library’s limitations and the activities you can perform on your device. The Nintendo Switch has software called the Proprietary OS that has a pretty straightforward interface. You can only play Nintendo games on this OS, and the choice for the gaming library is pretty much limited.
In comparison to that, the gaming library on Lenovo Legio Go has no limits as the Windows 11-based operating system makes Legion Go compatible with every game launcher available for PC. You can manage Steam Client, Epic Games launcher, Origin Games, and much more right from the Legion Space. However, some games won’t launch on Legion Go if the battery power outage is not managed properly.
So when it comes to which console hosts the most games available right now, Lenovo Legion Go is the winner.
Battery Life
Next to the power, battery life is the most concerning factor in a handheld gaming console. The output of the battery backup comparison in Nintendo Switch VS Legion Go has a substantial difference. Nintendo Switch delivers a full-charge playtime of over 4 to 5 hours. You can also play the console while plugged in, but it’s not recommended as it might cause Switch to overheat.
When it comes to Lenovo Legion Go, you barely get a play-time of 1.5 to 2 hours because of the power-consuming processor and display screen with QHD and 144Hz refresh rate. There are ways to improve battery life on Legion Go, but you may have to compromise on performance to get some extended gameplay time.
Hence the battery life of Nintendo Switch OLED is far better as compared to Lenovo Legion Go.
Price
Now it all comes down to the price point where we can conclude which console is worth buying for its performance, control setup, and game library support.
The Nintendo Switch comes in two different variants. The standard Nintendo Switch only costs $299, while the Nintendo Switch OLED version retails for $349, which is fairly affordable. The OLED version has the same screen resolution and refresh rate. However, the design of the OLED version is more pleasing than the standard version.
With the Lenovo Legion Go, you don’t have many affordable choices for now. Legion Go is only available in two variants, the 512GB version that costs $699 and the 1TB variant that costs $749, which is quite expensive as compared to some other handheld gaming consoles available on the market. However, when we compare the hardware capabilities of Legion Go, it does seem worth its price.
Conclusion
Lenovo Legion Go is the best handheld gaming console currently available with its superior processor, high-quality display screen, customizable control setup, and OS compatibility for the game library. This console combines Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and Asus ROG Ally, bringing the best of all consoles in one. The only factor where it lacks is the battery life, which is quite low as compared to other handheld gaming consoles. So, if you want to enjoy the experience of a high-end gaming PC in a portable form factor, go for Lenovo Legion Go without a second thought.
