The detachable controllers really enhance the device’s portability and usability. The screen comes with a sturdy flip-out kickstand on the back, making it comfortable to set the console down on a table or bar in front of me while holding the controllers at lap level. One advantage of the solid build is the comfortable built-in grips on the controllers, featuring smooth magnetic Hall effect sticks and buttons that feel soft yet distinct.
There are also two minor features that significantly improve the user experience. First, the included case may not seem crucial, but many handheld gaming consoles don’t come with one. Because these devices aren’t standard size, finding a third-party case, especially at launch, can be a challenge. While I wouldn’t trust the semi-soft pouch to protect my device in a checked bag, it’s perfect for tossing in my backpack for a bike ride, and I like that it has a little spot for the FPS mode accessories. The second feature is the fingerprint sensor, which works quickly and reliably, making it much easier than having to type in a password on a touchscreen every time I wake the system up, even if its position is a bit awkward.
Game On
The performance of the AMD Z2 is thankfully much improved compared to the Z2 Go found in the Legion Go S. At native resolution with settings maxed out but ray tracing turned off, I clocked in at 20 FPS during the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark. While that may not sound great compared to desktop numbers, it’s fairly impressive for a handheld console. For context, the Z2 Go achieved only 20 FPS with graphics set to low at the same resolution. With some adjustments or lowering the resolution, you could easily exceed 60 FPS in some of today’s more demanding games.
In indie titles like the recently released Ball x Pit, the frame rate stays locked at the screen’s 144-Hz limit, which is fantastic since it allows you to consistently benefit from the smooth refresh rate. The display itself is OLED, and it’s one of the best gaming handheld screens I’ve tested so far, featuring vibrant colors and deep blacks. It measures a solid 336 nits at maximum brightness and impressively covers 100 percent of the sRGB and 94 percent of the AdobeRGB spectrums, with a delta color accuracy of .86. That level of color coverage and accuracy rivals some of the best laptops and dedicated monitors out there. It’s a pleasure to play on, and even with its glossy finish, I didn’t encounter any major issues with heavy reflections or glare.
