The battle for handheld gaming PC supremacy is heating up, and the next round might come with a surprising price tag. New information suggests Lenovo's successor to the popular Legion Go is aiming for a significantly higher market position, potentially pricing itself $200 above its closest competitor.
The handheld gaming PC market, once a niche corner for tech enthusiasts, has exploded into a full-fledged battlefield. With the Steam Deck paving the way, giants like Asus and Lenovo have jumped in with powerful, Windows-based alternatives. The first-generation devices, the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go, were closely matched in price and performance, leaving consumers to choose based on design preferences and unique features.
Now, as both companies prepare their next moves, a new pricing strategy appears to be emerging—one that could fundamentally reshape the competitive landscape.
According to a new exclusive report from our colleagues at Notebookcheck, who have a strong track record with Lenovo leaks, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 is currently projected to launch at a price point that is a staggering $200 higher than the upcoming Asus ROG Ally X.
This revelation, if accurate, signals a bold and confident move from Lenovo. The original Legion Go launched at $699.99, the same starting price as the Z1 Extreme version of the ROG Ally. A $200 premium would place the next-generation Legion Go firmly in a new, more premium tier of the market.
This exclusive pricing intel, which you can read in full detail here, points to a significant shift in strategy for both companies.
So, what could possibly justify such a substantial price gap? Industry analysts and leakers point to several key factors that Lenovo is likely betting on.
Beyond Raw Power: The Premium Proposition
While both the ROG Ally X and Legion Go 2 are expected to feature the powerful new AMD Z1 Extreme "Hawk Point" APU, the difference may lie in everything around the chip.
- Display Technology: The original Legion Go's standout feature was its massive, beautiful 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS display with a stunning 144Hz refresh rate. The Legion Go 2 is widely speculated to not only retain this superior screen but potentially improve upon it with better brightness, color accuracy, or even OLED technology. In contrast, the ROG Ally X is expected to keep a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz screen (albeit with VRR). This display advantage is a major cost driver.
- Design and Detachable Controllers: The Legion Go’s unique Nintendo Switch-inspired design, with fully detachable controllers, adds significant engineering and manufacturing complexity compared to the ROG Ally's integrated design. Refining this mechanism and potentially including new features in the controllers (improved haptics, larger batteries) would further increase the bill of materials.
- Massive Internal Storage: The leak suggests the base model Legion Go 2 could start with a whopping 1TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage. In the world of handhelds, where AAA game install sizes regularly exceed 100GB, this is a huge value add. While the ROG Ally X is also upping its storage game from 512GB to 1TB, Lenovo may be aiming to win the spec sheet war by offering even more.
- Larger Battery Capacity: Battery life is the Achilles' heel of current-generation handhelds. The ROG Ally X is already addressing this head-on with a massive 80Whr battery, a huge jump from its predecessor's 40Whr cell. To compete, the Legion Go 2 must also include a significantly larger battery than its 49.2Whr predecessor. Including a high-capacity battery is expensive and would contribute to the higher cost.
The ROG Ally X Counter-Strategy
Asus's approach with the ROG Ally X appears to be one of refinement and addressing user complaints. It’s not a full generational leap but a "massive overhaul" focused on better ergonomics, a much larger battery, more RAM (24GB LPDDR5X), and improved repairability. By likely maintaining a more aggressive price point, Asus could position the Ally X as the "value-performance" king, appealing to a broad audience that wants top-tier performance without the absolute highest price.
The Bottom Line for Gamers
If this pricing holds, consumers will be faced with a clearer-than-ever choice at the end of 2024:
- The Premium Powerhouse (Legion Go 2): For those who value the absolute best display, unique detachable controller functionality, and maximum built-in storage, and are willing to pay a significant premium for it.
- The Refined Workhorse (ROG Ally X): For gamers who prioritize raw performance, long battery life, and a proven form factor, seeking the best possible performance per dollar.
This potential $200 price gap sets the stage for an fascinating marketing battle. Is the larger, higher-resolution screen and detachable design worth a significant premium to enough consumers? Or will Asus's focus on core gaming essentials win the day?
One thing is certain: the handheld PC war is about to get a lot more interesting.
Source: Exclusive: Lenovo Legion Go 2 could cost $200 more than Asus ROG Ally X at launch - Notebookcheck
Looking for a current-gen handheld to tide you over? Check out the latest prices on the original Lenovo Legion Go.
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