Handheld gaming PCs have quickly evolved from niche tech curiosities into serious alternatives to traditional consoles and even entry-level gaming laptops. Two of the most talked-about devices in this space are the Lenovo Legion Go and the ASUS ROG Ally X. Both promise high-end PC gaming performance in a portable format, but they approach design, battery life, and user experience quite differently. Choosing the right one depends on what kind of gamer you are—and what you value most in a handheld.
TLDR: The ASUS ROG Ally X delivers better battery life, refined ergonomics, and improved RAM configuration, making it the more balanced handheld for most users. The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its massive 8.8-inch display, detachable controllers, and versatile design. Performance is similar in many games, but the Ally X is slightly more consistent under sustained loads. If battery life and portability matter most, go with the Ally X; if screen size and flexibility are priorities, the Legion Go is compelling.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Legion Go immediately distinguishes itself with its size. Featuring an 8.8-inch display and detachable controllers, it resembles a hybrid between a Nintendo Switch and a compact Windows gaming PC. It feels substantial and premium, but also heavier than most competitors.
Key design highlights of the Legion Go:
- Detachable controllers with a built-in trackpad
- Large 8.8-inch QHD+ display
- Integrated kickstand for tabletop gaming
- Multiple USB-C ports for flexibility
In contrast, the ASUS ROG Ally X refines the original Ally’s design into a more ergonomic and travel-friendly device. While it lacks detachable controllers, it feels more cohesive in-hand. ASUS also improved grip texture and internal layout to accommodate a much larger battery.
Notable design features of the Ally X:
- Improved ergonomics and grip comfort
- Upgraded internal cooling
- Dual USB-C ports (including USB4)
- More compact overall footprint compared to Legion Go
In practical use, the Legion Go is more versatile, especially for tabletop gaming. However, the Ally X feels more comfortable during long handheld sessions.
Display Quality
Display differences are among the most significant factors separating these two devices.
Lenovo Legion Go:
- 8.8-inch IPS display
- 2560 x 1600 resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 16:10 aspect ratio
ASUS ROG Ally X:
- 7-inch IPS display
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 16:9 aspect ratio
The Legion Go clearly wins in terms of size and resolution. The 8.8-inch panel makes games feel more immersive and improves productivity for general Windows use. The 144Hz refresh rate is excellent on paper, though most AAA games will not consistently reach such high frame rates.
The Ally X’s 1080p 120Hz display may be smaller, but it’s well-balanced for handheld gaming. Running games at 1080p is significantly easier on the integrated GPU than pushing 1600p. As a result, users often achieve more stable performance without aggressive scaling.
Performance and Hardware Specs
Both devices use AMD’s Z1 Extreme processor architecture in most high-end configurations, built on RDNA 3 graphics and Zen 4 CPU cores. However, implementation matters.
ASUS ROG Ally X upgrades:
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
- 24GB LPDDR5X RAM
- Upgraded cooling system
- Larger battery without major bulk increase
Lenovo Legion Go configuration:
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
- 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
- Efficient thermal design but less compact
The most notable difference is RAM capacity. The Ally X’s 24GB provides more headroom for modern AAA games and background Windows processes. Since integrated graphics share system memory, this can meaningfully impact performance stability, particularly in demanding titles.
In real-world gaming tests at 1080p medium settings:
- Both systems handle titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5 in the 40–60 FPS range with scaling technologies enabled.
- The Ally X tends to maintain slightly more stable frame pacing during longer sessions.
- The Legion Go can perform similarly but may require more aggressive resolution scaling at 1600p.
Thermal management also favors the Ally X. ASUS redesigned internal airflow, helping the device sustain higher performance profiles for extended periods without becoming uncomfortably warm.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the gap widens significantly.
The ASUS ROG Ally X includes an 80Wh battery—nearly double that of many earlier handhelds. The Legion Go, while decent, cannot match this capacity.
Typical battery expectations:
- AAA gaming (performance mode):
- Ally X: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
- Legion Go: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Indie or low-power gaming:
- Ally X: 4 to 6 hours
- Legion Go: 3 to 4 hours
This difference fundamentally changes portability. With the Ally X, you can realistically leave the charger behind for moderate sessions. With the Legion Go, planning around charging becomes more necessary.
If battery life is your top concern, the Ally X is clearly superior.
Storage and Expandability
Both devices offer fast NVMe SSD storage and user-upgradeable internal drives. The Ally X improves accessibility compared to earlier models, making upgrades simpler for technically inclined users.
Both systems also support:
- MicroSD card expansion
- External GPU solutions via USB4 (on supported configurations)
- Docking to external monitors
For users interested in turning their handheld into a hybrid desktop gaming setup, both options are viable. However, ASUS’ USB4 support may offer slightly broader compatibility with high-speed accessories.
Software Experience
Since both systems run Windows 11, usability can sometimes feel less streamlined than console-style interfaces. However, each brand adds its own overlay software.
Lenovo Legion Space provides controller configuration, performance modes, and a centralized game launcher. It has improved over time but can still feel slightly less polished.
ASUS Armoury Crate SE offers robust customization, quick performance tuning, and relatively stable updates. The Ally X benefits from ASUS’ longer refinement of its software ecosystem.
Neither device offers a perfect console-like experience, but the Ally X currently provides a smoother interface overall.
Portability and Everyday Use
Portability goes beyond weight. The Legion Go is larger and heavier, making it less comfortable for prolonged handheld use. However, its kickstand and detachable controllers make it excellent for airplane trays, desks, or shared gaming sessions.
The Ally X feels more like a traditional handheld console. It is easier to slip into a bag and more comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions. Combined with better battery life, it is arguably the more travel-friendly machine.
Price and Value
Pricing varies by region and configuration, but both devices sit in the premium handheld segment. The Ally X may cost slightly more depending on the RAM and storage configuration, but it justifies the difference with:
- Larger 80Wh battery
- 24GB RAM
- Improved thermals
- Refined ergonomics
The Legion Go justifies its price with:
- Massive 8.8-inch high-resolution screen
- Detachable controllers
- Unique productivity flexibility
Value depends on whether you prioritize performance stability and battery life or display size and modularity.
Which Handheld Is Worth Buying?
The answer ultimately depends on your priorities.
Choose the ASUS ROG Ally X if you:
- Care most about battery life
- Want smoother sustained performance
- Prefer ergonomic comfort
- Value higher RAM capacity for future-proofing
Choose the Lenovo Legion Go if you:
- Want the largest display possible
- Appreciate detachable controllers
- Use your handheld in tabletop mode frequently
- Prefer 1600p resolution for lighter games and productivity
For most gamers seeking a balanced, long-lasting portable PC gaming experience, the ASUS ROG Ally X currently stands as the more practical choice. However, the Lenovo Legion Go remains a powerful and innovative alternative, especially for those who value screen size and versatility above all else.
Both devices represent the future of handheld PC gaming—and either one can deliver a compelling experience when matched to the right user.