Lenovo’s follow-up to the original Legion Go — the Legion Go 2 — is less an incremental refresh and more a purposeful redesign: the company rounded the chassis, shifted controls and ports, swapped an IPS QHD panel for an OLED landscape display, and repositioned hardware to favour longer sessions and better ergonomics rather than slimmer dimensions.
The original Legion Go introduced a bold modular idea to Windows handhelds: a large 8.8‑inch display paired with removable TrueStrike controllers and a built‑in kickstand. That formula prioritized flexibility — docked, tabletop and handheld modes — while the Gen‑1 hardware emphasized compactness and novelty. The Legion Go 2 recasts that concept with a clear set of priorities: superior display quality, more aggressive thermal headroom, and refined ergonomics. These shifts are apparent in side‑by‑side photos and in the official specifications Lenovo published for the Go 2.
Key headline changes from the original to the Go 2 include:
Compared to peers (such as the upcoming Xbox‑flavored Ally devices or other high‑end handhelds), the Go 2 offers:
These conclusions rest on both the photographic comparisons and the official specifications and hands‑on coverage: the physical differences in button placement and kickstand geometry visible in images align precisely with the stated changes — OLED screen, Ryzen Z2 silicon, larger battery, and redesigned controllers — in Lenovo’s and independent reports. If the design photos are any guide, Lenovo succeeded at turning an intriguing first attempt into a purpose‑built, premium handheld experience.
Source: Windows Central Legion Go 2 vs original: side‑by‑side photos reveal key design upgrades
The original Legion Go introduced a bold modular idea to Windows handhelds: a large 8.8‑inch display paired with removable TrueStrike controllers and a built‑in kickstand. That formula prioritized flexibility — docked, tabletop and handheld modes — while the Gen‑1 hardware emphasized compactness and novelty. The Legion Go 2 recasts that concept with a clear set of priorities: superior display quality, more aggressive thermal headroom, and refined ergonomics. These shifts are apparent in side‑by‑side photos and in the official specifications Lenovo published for the Go 2. Key headline changes from the original to the Go 2 include:
- Display: IPS QHD (original) → 8.8" WUXGA OLED (1920×1200) with 144 Hz and VRR (Go 2).
- SoC: Ryzen Z1 Extreme (original) → AMD Ryzen Z2 / Z2 Extreme (Go 2).
- Battery: ~49 Whr → ~74 Whr.
- RAM: fixed 16 GB → configurable up to 32 GB LPDDR5X.
Design and ergonomics: rounded, thicker, more comfortable
A shift in chassis philosophy
Where the original Legion Go adopted a somewhat angular, compact tablet aesthetic, the Legion Go 2 intentionally thickens the tablet core and softens the corners. The result: a device that feels heavier and more substantial, designed to be held for longer gaming sessions rather than slipped into a bag for occasional play. Hands‑on photos make the difference obvious — the Go 2’s shell has more curvature and a slightly wider top bezel that helps tilt the screen toward the viewer without forcing an aggressive wrist angle.Kickstand and posture
Photographs show the Legion Go 2 kickstand is shorter than the original’s, yet both prop the device at a similar tabletop angle. The shorter kickstand and adjusted hinge geometry help align the thicker upper display with the controllers, improving hand posture when the unit is used in tabletop mode. This is a considered trade: a lower, more stable kickstand that reduces levered stress on the hinge while keeping usable tilt angles.Reachability improvements
Controls — including face buttons, bumpers and triggers — have been subtly repositioned. The Go 2’s buttons are slightly closer to the natural resting position of thumbs and fingers, and many of the rear buttons are reduced in size and moved to reduce accidental presses. That makes the whole package feel less fidgety in demanding sessions and improves sustained comfort. Photographic comparisons show the Go 2 controllers sit more naturally in both small and large hands.Ports, buttons and new hardware conveniences
Reordered I/O and a fingerprint reader
Lenovo moved the microSD reader and 3.5mm headphone jack from the top (original) to the bottom edge on the Legion Go 2. The power button is significantly larger and now includes a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello — a practical convenience for handhelds that wake from sleep for quick sessions. The top vents have also been enlarged and repositioned to support the more aggressive cooling profile required by the Ryzen Z2 family. These layout changes are visible in the side‑by‑side imagery and reinforced by Lenovo’s spec sheet.What photos reveal (and why it matters)
- The bottom relocation of the microSD and headphone jack makes tabletop use less awkward when cables are connected. It also tidies cabling when docking.
- The fingerprint power button reduces friction for logging into Windows — important for a device that frequently sleeps between sessions.
- Larger top vents suggest Lenovo anticipated higher sustained TDP targets and designed for improved exhaust flow. This aligns with the Ryzen Z2‑class thermal expectations.
Controllers: reshaped, charged, and backward compatible
Physical updates visible in photos
The Legion Go 2’s TrueStrike controllers are larger and more rounded than the original’s. The bumpers adopt a more triangular profile (wider closer to the screen), triggers are more pronounced with extra finger room, and thumb grips are larger with a wider joystick base. The D‑pad has a redesigned feel intended to improve directional presses. Photographs from reviews clearly show these visual and dimensional changes.New hardware features
- The Go 2 controllers add USB‑C charging ports on the inside face, allowing the modules themselves to be charged independently.
- Lenovo retained Hall‑effect joysticks to minimize drift over time.
- The new controllers support additional menu and window‑switching buttons placed under the Legion Space buttons for easier access, plus an updated touchpad size and RGB lighting area.
Backwards compatibility and practical quirks
Lenovo confirmed the Legion Go 2 is backwards compatible with original Legion Go controllers. Hands‑on tests — including swapping controllers between devices — show that inputs work, but the visual mismatch (taller Go 2 controllers on the original device, and smaller original controllers on the Go 2) is noticeable in photos and can look awkward. Functionally it’s a win for accessory longevity; aesthetically, the pairing is a reminder that the chassis and controllers evolved together.The display: OLED changes everything (but not without trade‑offs)
From IPS QHD to WUXGA OLED
The single most dramatic, and widely reported, change is the screen: the Legion Go 2 moves from the original’s 8.8‑inch IPS QHD (2560×1600) panel to an 8.8‑inch WUXGA OLED (1920×1200). On paper the resolution decreased, but the move to OLED brings true black, a wider color gamut and VRR support up to 144 Hz — transformations that massively boost perceived image quality for most games. Photographic comparisons make the case visually: dark scenes on the OLED show deep, inky blacks where the IPS panel tended to grey‑wash shadow detail.Why the lower pixel count is deliberate
Lenovo intentionally selected a lower native resolution to reduce GPU workload, improving sustained frame rates and battery life for the integrated RDNA 3.5 graphics in the Z2 family. On a handheld screen viewed at short distances, 1920×1200 remains very sharp; the practical benefit is more stable gameplay and improved battery life when paired with VRR and adaptive refresh. This trade‑off is documented in hands‑on testing and official specs.Measured and reported panel characteristics
Early reviews and Lenovo’s marketing claim a high‑quality OLED with high color coverage and HDR performance. Published figures vary somewhat — marketing and hands‑on reports list sustained or claimed peaks near ~500 nits and TrueBlack HDR certifications in some materials — but the consistent conclusion is that the OLED’s contrast and color are far superior to the original IPS panel. Buyers should watch final, independent luminance measurements as model SKUs ship.Internals, performance, and thermals
Ryzen Z2 family and real‑world gains
The Go 2 uses AMD’s Ryzen Z2 family — including a Z2 Extreme option — which brings Zen‑5 derived CPU cores and RDNA 3.5 graphics improvements. In practice, reviewers report measured but modest sustained performance gains over the original’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme; the real win is more stable clocks and better frame pacing thanks to increased thermal headroom and a larger battery. Put simply: the Go 2 smooths experiences more than it blows past them.Battery and sustained play
Lenovo substantially increased battery capacity (around 74 Whr), which offsets the OLED’s power profile and the Z2 silicon’s higher sustained draw. Real‑world runtimes are workload dependent: demanding AAA titles at high refresh/HDR settings will still drain the battery relatively quickly (roughly two hours in heavy scenarios), while lighter or well-tuned profiles extend runtime considerably. The larger battery plus more capable cooling allows the device to sustain higher power states for longer, improving session length for many users.Thermals and acoustic trade-offs
To get those sustained clocks, Lenovo made the chassis thicker and increased venting; the result is better thermal headroom but audible fans under load. Photography of the vent layout and reviewer documentation show larger vents on the Go 2 — clear evidence of an active strategy to trade slimness for performance endurance. If fan noise is a dealbreaker for someone who values near‑silent play, this design direction may disappoint.Upgradability, repairability and long‑term considerations
A step back for tinkerers
Unlike some earlier handhelds that made storage swaps easier, the Legion Go 2’s internal layout complicates casual upgrades. Independent teardown notes and community reports indicate the M.2 slot sits under glued cooling plates and parts that require careful disassembly — a more fragile process compared to the original. The practical advice from early hands‑on and repair discussions: order the storage configuration you plan to keep, or rely on microSD expansion instead of attempting aggressive internal upgrades. Photographs and community posts corroborate this limitation.Longevity considerations
- OLED burn‑in risk: long‑term static UI elements (e.g., HUDs or desktop elements) can lead to differential wear on OLED panels. Proper usage patterns (lower brightness, varied content, and built‑in pixel shifting if supported) will mitigate but not eliminate the risk. This is an inherent OLED trade‑off compared to IPS.
- Battery wear and replacement: a larger battery is great for runtime, but battery replacement — should it become necessary years down the line — may be more complex given glued internals.
Practical UX improvements and remaining omissions
Little things that matter
- The fingerprint reader in the power button speeds login times and reduces the friction of Windows Hello on a handheld. That small ergonomic win is visible in the physical comparisons.
- The controller USB‑C charging ports make charging more modular and convenient for extended multiplayer or docking sessions.
Features removed or absent
- The original’s forward‑facing camera did not carry forward to the Go 2; Lenovo apparently prioritized battery and display real estate over including a camera on the new model. For streamers or social features that relied on a built‑in camera, this is a notable omission.
Pricing, positioning and competitive landscape
Lenovo priced the Legion Go 2 at a premium relative to the original Legion Go. Early SRP reports cluster the Go 2’s starting U.S. price around $1,049–$1,099, with top SKUs climbing higher due to 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD options. That positions the Go 2 against other premium Windows handhelds rather than mass‑market budget options. Review coverage consistently frames the device as a display‑first premium handheld, one that competes on image fidelity and feature set rather than value per dollar alone.Compared to peers (such as the upcoming Xbox‑flavored Ally devices or other high‑end handhelds), the Go 2 offers:
- Larger display size and OLED quality.
- More memory headroom (up to 32 GB).
- A heavier and thicker chassis designed for sustained performance rather than ultra‑portable use.
Strengths, risks, and purchase guidance
Notable strengths
- Display upgrade: OLED with VRR and 144 Hz is the most consequential user‑facing improvement, transforming cinematic and dark‑scene gaming.
- Ergonomics: Rounded chassis and repositioned controls reduce fatigue and accidental button presses for many players.
- Performance posture: More battery and better cooling makes sustained gameplay smoother than the original Legion Go in many real‑world scenarios.
Key risks and trade‑offs
- Price and target audience: The Go 2’s higher SRP moves it away from value buyers toward enthusiasts who prioritize a premium screen and Windows flexibility.
- Upgradability: More difficult SSD swaps and glued cooling plates reduce repairability and future proofing for DIY upgraders.
- OLED caveats: Potential burn‑in and higher power consumption at high brightness/refresh settings remain real considerations.
- Acoustics: Stronger thermal solutions bring more audible fan noise under load — an unavoidable trade for sustained performance.
Practical buying guidance (quick checklist)
- If you value best‑in‑class handheld display quality and plan to use the device for cinematic single‑player or UI‑heavy PC titles, the Legion Go 2 is a clear upgrade.
- If you want an easily upgradable device or a lower street price, consider older Legion Go SKUs or other handhelds with easier repairability.
- If long battery life in heavy gaming is critical, factor in that OLED + 144 Hz settings are power hungry; tune refresh and brightness to extend runtime.
Conclusion
The side‑by‑side photos of Legion Go 2 and the original Legion Go don’t just show cosmetic changes — they reveal a distinct product philosophy shift. Lenovo prioritized visual fidelity, ergonomics, and sustained performance at the cost of slimmer proportions, lower on‑paper resolution, and reduced internal hackability. For buyers seeking the most immersive handheld screen and a polished, premium package for Windows gaming, the Go 2 is compelling. For tinkerers, value shoppers, or those who prize the absolute lightest weight, the trade‑offs are real and material.These conclusions rest on both the photographic comparisons and the official specifications and hands‑on coverage: the physical differences in button placement and kickstand geometry visible in images align precisely with the stated changes — OLED screen, Ryzen Z2 silicon, larger battery, and redesigned controllers — in Lenovo’s and independent reports. If the design photos are any guide, Lenovo succeeded at turning an intriguing first attempt into a purpose‑built, premium handheld experience.
Source: Windows Central Legion Go 2 vs original: side‑by‑side photos reveal key design upgrades