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Evaluating Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2023-2024: A Comparative Analysis

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 5, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Evolution of Handheld Gaming Consoles
  3. Top Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2024
  4. Detailed Comparison: Lenovo Legion Go vs ASUS ROG Ally
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Evaluating Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2023-2024: A Comparative Analysis' examines the latest advancements and comparative features of major handheld gaming consoles, specifically the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. It provides an in-depth look at each console's unique attributes, pros, and cons and discusses how these handheld devices compare to traditional gaming PCs. The report particularly highlights the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally, offering gamers detailed comparisons to help in selecting consoles based on their preferences and budgets. Key findings include the handheld consoles' balancing act between portability, performance, and hardware capabilities.

2. Evolution of Handheld Gaming Consoles

  • 2-1. Historical Overview of Handheld Gaming Consoles

  • The evolution of handheld gaming consoles has progressed significantly over the years, with a notable revolution initiated by the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch, launched a few years ago, marked a significant milestone in the industry by introducing a hybrid system that combines both handheld and home console functionalities. This innovation triggered participation from other major companies such as PlayStation, ASUS, and Lenovo, all aiming to secure a share of the burgeoning handheld gaming market. The advancements in technology, from improved processors to high-resolution displays, have differentiated current handheld gaming consoles from their predecessors, offering gamers an experience close to that of traditional home consoles.

  • 2-2. Comparison Between Handheld Gaming Consoles and PCs

  • Handheld gaming consoles and PCs cater to different gaming experiences and preferences. A handheld gaming console is designed for portability, allowing gamers to play on the go with a dedicated controller. In contrast, a gaming PC is a high-performance system that offers superior graphics, processing power, and customization options, typically requiring a more permanent setup with external monitors and peripherals. Modern handheld gaming PCs, such as the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, bridge the gap between these categories, providing powerful specifications in a portable form factor. For instance, the Steam Deck, running on a Linux-based system, and equipped with robust components like a 4-core Zen 2 processor and 16GB RAM, exemplifies the merging of handheld convenience with PC capabilities. Despite these advancements, hardware limitations and shorter battery life are some of the trade-offs when compared to traditional gaming PCs.

3. Top Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2024

  • 3-1. Overview of Steam Deck

  • The Steam Deck, particularly the OLED version, stands out as the best overall handheld gaming console. It features a 4-core Zen 2 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB of built-in storage. The 7.4-inch, 800p HD+ OLED display with HDR offers richer color details and deep blacks. It supports a refresh rate of up to 90Hz, has a built-in MicroSD slot for expandable storage, and is compatible with WiFi 6E for faster downloads. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth v5.3 for wireless headsets and video output capabilities up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz when docked. However, the Steam Deck is relatively pricey, the dock station is sold separately, and it lacks built-in NFC for amiibos.

  • 3-2. Overview of Nintendo Switch

  • The Nintendo Switch, particularly the OLED version, remains a bestseller due to its balance of price, features, and performance. Priced about $200 cheaper than the Steam Deck OLED at $350, it includes a 7-inch OLED display for more vibrant graphics. The Switch has a Tegra X1+ chip, removable controllers, and three different play modes: handheld, tabletop, and docked. Additional features include a built-in NFC sensor for amiibos, a MicroSD slot for expandable storage, and a sturdy kickstand for tabletop mode. Despite its affordability, the Switch struggles with most AAA PC games, maxing out at 1080p@60Hz video output when docked, and it lacks compatibility with WiFi 6E.

  • 3-3. Overview of ASUS ROG Ally

  • The ASUS ROG Ally is notable for its deal value and powerful performance. Featuring an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 7-inch, 1080p@120Hz display, this console is designed for high performance. It supports the latest WiFi 6E and includes Bluetooth v5.2 connectivity. The ROG Ally comes with Windows 11 preinstalled, allowing for a broad compatibility with various gaming platforms. It also supports a built-in ROG XG Mobile interface for external GPUs. Cons include its suboptimal battery life and the lack of built-in trackpads to emulate a mouse. The base price is approximately $400, making it a cost-effective alternative for high-end gaming.

  • 3-4. Overview of Lenovo Legion Go

  • The Lenovo Legion Go, Lenovo's first handheld gaming PC, features an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a vivid 8.8-inch, QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth v5.2. Unique to the Legion Go are its detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand, allowing for multiple play modes: handheld, tabletop, and docked. The controllers include a trackpad that can be used as a mouse for shooter games. The console is designed to offer versatility with high performance but is heavier and bulkier compared to competitors, and its battery life is less than desired. Initial skepticism due to it being Lenovo’s first model may deter some buyers, though its innovative features are significant.

4. Detailed Comparison: Lenovo Legion Go vs ASUS ROG Ally

  • 4-1. Display and Screen Quality

  • The Lenovo Legion Go boasts a larger 8.8-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 2560 x 1600 resolution, supporting a 144Hz refresh rate. This is notably superior to the ASUS ROG Ally's 7-inch Full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The higher resolution and refresh rate of the Legion Go provides vibrant colors and sharp image clarity, although its larger screen could potentially impact battery life. In terms of brightness, the Legion Go reaches 476 nits, which, while slightly below the advertised 500 nits, is still ample for bright and vivid gameplay.

  • 4-2. Performance and RAM

  • Both the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally are powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 processors, with the option for the more powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme version. However, the Legion Go leverages faster LPDDR5x RAM, which offers better performance efficiency. Both devices run on Windows 11, allowing compatibility with a wide array of games, but the performance stays in line with mid-range gaming laptops, necessitating medium to low graphics settings for optimal gameplay.

  • 4-3. Portability and Design

  • The ASUS ROG Ally is slightly more portable, weighing in at 1.34 pounds and measuring 11.02 inches in length. In contrast, the Legion Go is larger and heavier, particularly with the controllers attached, weighing around 1.88 pounds and measuring 11.8 inches in length. The Legion Go features detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand, adding versatility at the expense of increased bulk. Its design is robust, with a Shadow Black color, while the ROG Ally's compact design and white color scheme lend it a sleek and portable aesthetic.

  • 4-4. Controllers and Usability

  • The Lenovo Legion Go's controllers are detachable and include a right controller that can function as a mouse, featuring an optical sensor and a touchpad. This provides a unique feature set but can be cumbersome to detach. The ASUS ROG Ally's controllers are integrated, which could make them more prone to wear and tear, lacking the advanced input features of the Legion Go. Both controllers utilize the Xbox-style ABXY layout and D-pads preferred for PC gaming.

  • 4-5. Software and Interface

  • Both handhelds run on Windows 11, providing extensive compatibility with various games and applications. The Legion Go offers a user-friendly launcher called Legion Space, facilitating access to multiple gaming services and customization options, almost parallel to the Steam Deck's SteamOS. Users can adjust performance modes, display settings, and controller mappings through its intuitive interface, contributing to a customized gaming experience.

  • 4-6. Pricing and Availability

  • As of now, the ASUS ROG Ally is available for purchase, starting at $700 for the high-end model, while offering a lower-end model at $600, which is not yet for sale. In contrast, the Lenovo Legion Go is expected to start at $700 but is not yet available for purchase. The upcoming models might offer configurations with different storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB.

5. Conclusion

  • The in-depth analysis presented in the report illustrates the varied strengths of leading handheld gaming consoles, with a significant focus on the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. The Lenovo Legion Go offers a customizable, high-performance experience with its larger 8.8-inch display, detachable controllers, and robust Windows 11 interface. Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Ally stands out for its portability and Full HD display, appealing to gamers needing a powerful yet compact device. Despite their impressive features, the report notes minor limitations such as battery life and price considerations. Looking ahead, advancements in processing power and battery technology are likely to enhance the user experience further. Practically, this detailed comparison will aid gamers in making informed decisions, determining what features matter most to them, whether it's high-resolution displays, versatile play modes, or the convenience of portability.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. Lenovo Legion Go [Product]

  • The Lenovo Legion Go is a handheld gaming console noted for its 8.8-inch high-resolution display, detachable controllers, and intuitive Windows 11 interface. It is praised for offering a customizable gaming experience with excellent color accuracy and brightness. Its built-in kickstand adds to its usability by providing a stable base for various gaming scenarios. The Legion Go's advanced features and usability make it a strong competitor in the handheld gaming market.

  • 6-2. ASUS ROG Ally [Product]

  • The ASUS ROG Ally is another major player in the handheld gaming market, known for its portability and Full HD display. It features Windows OS, high RAM and storage, and a design focused on compactness. While it might not offer detachable controllers like the Lenovo Legion Go, its overall performance, display quality, and ease of use cater to gamers looking for a portable yet powerful gaming console.

  • 6-3. Steam Deck OLED [Product]

  • The Steam Deck OLED is a popular handheld gaming console praised for its display quality, flexibility in gaming styles, and performance. It has been a favorite in 2023 among gaming enthusiasts and remains a strong contender with enhanced features such as a high refresh rate and brightness, along with the flexibility to play a wide range of games.

  • 6-4. Nintendo Switch [Product]

  • The Nintendo Switch continues to be a beloved handheld console known for its versatility with a unique hybrid design that allows for both handheld and docked play. It maintains a strong presence in the market due to its innovative design, extensive game library, and adaptability to different gaming styles.

7. Source Documents