Legion Go S - Z1 Extreme - Overpriced at Best Buy
Legion Go S - Z1 Extreme - Overpriced at Best Buy
Finally received it. Appreciate Best Buy not adding extra protection... They didn’t even staple the screen in place.
Not yet used it much since I was setting it up for Windows. Tested SteamOS and it’s still problematic there. Same issue (indifferent about him) ETAPrime noted.
Comfortable design, the display remains solid after the size reduction from the original LeGo.
The biggest surprise is they opted for full-size NVMe drives even though a smaller one was available. Still opening it feels difficult. Plastic clips that can break easily...
Uncertain, but anyone with concerns is welcome to ask.
I don’t understand the change from the original Go version, since I mostly use it on a tabletop with an Xbox controller attached, which could mean I’m missing something about the controllers.
There are several upgrades, but the most significant change isn’t just improvements—it’s actually fixes. Initially, the display was a horizontal screen, which was a problem for many users. This included scaling issues and limited driver support for vertical panels. Next, there are solid enhancements such as VRR, larger battery capacity, more VRAM, a proper full-sized NVMe slot that stays cooler, improved speakers and placement, and 100W fast charging. The only major drawback is the absence of a case included. The smaller screen is still a concern but isn’t as bad as it appears. Lower refresh rates and resolution, though, were rare enough to be manageable for me. It feels more like a mid-life upgrade, similar to what Nintendo offers, with useful features. Whether it’s worth switching depends on your needs, but if you’re planning to buy a handheld, this is definitely the better option compared to the original, even at a higher price.
I purchased it some time back and it looks more like a mid-cycle refresh than a complete two. I’ll likely wait to evaluate the Xbox Alloy X before deciding on my next device. I’m satisfied with the Go, though the lack of VRR can be bothersome at times.
I'm feeling let down because Asus isn't planning an 8" screen, which means the upcoming Ally is off the radar for me right away. MSI's Z2E Claw should match the current LNL Claw in size. These models are set to launch later this year, so I'll have to wait and see how the PTL performance turns out before getting any new handhelds. Leaks suggest 4/12 Xe3 cores for it, indicating a 50% jump over the LNL version, plus a newer design.
ROG Xbox Ally Handhelds Revealed: Experience Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Gears of War: Reloaded and More - Wherever You Go - Xbox Wire
Announcing the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X—two new devices that merge Xbox power with Windows freedom.
I didn't choose Asus due to recurring problems with both the original and X Ally models. Those who own the new Claw should be cautious—it's not worth it despite its performance. Lenovo isn't entirely without fault (they seem to be covering up past issues). Handhelds are either just starting or a passing trend like 3D, so we'll have to keep an eye on things.
I believe the main problem lies in the narrow margins for mass-market models. Both LNL Claws were launched at prices lower than comparable laptops at that time, and the handheld segment is clearly smaller. This suggests any advantages from reduced hardware usage may be offset by limited sales volume.
If hardware manufacturers truly aim for success, they should adopt longer intervals between releases and avoid hesitating to refresh. They’re heavily influenced by prevailing CPU designs, so a gap of 3 to 4 years between major updates could be optimal. Although refreshes likely won’t drive most customers to upgrade, they might attract budget-conscious buyers.
I’ve experienced no issues with my device (day one Z1E), but I personally don’t rely on the high-performance modes and opted for a custom fan curve initially because the standard setting was unsatisfactory. I’m also curious if Ally holds most of the market share, which could explain the higher number of complaints.
What I observed for Ally was SD cards melting. For the AllyX its stricks and triggers. All devices are having problems, but with ROG it seems like their handhelds are a lottery—you either get a perfect one or not.
I just caught the commercial for the Xbox version by chance from the post above. It looks like a controller styled as Ally/X, possibly with a non-competitor interface from Microsoft to Valve. Mentions Ryzen power and focuses on streaming, while casually referencing Windows.
I wouldn't hold my breath.
The Claw performed poorly except for one model that had 8+AI, but it's out of stock and inconsistent.
I really hope they don’t lose interest. If Microsoft keeps offering games as a subscription service instead of hardware, I think they stand a chance.
Final update.
The two most challenging games I've played were Indiana Jones and Avatar, with only Avatar owned.
Original Legion Go had such a poor framerate, pacing, and input lag that it was nearly impossible to play.
Now, Low with Medium settings and no frame generation, I'm getting 30-35fps. Frame generation is around 55-60.
This was definitely worth the effort.
Edit: That's Performance (15w) TDP. It definitely didn't run at 15w on the original. 📢 That is all 📢