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Evolution and Comparison of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 15, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Evolution and Comparison of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024' provides an in-depth analysis of the latest handheld gaming consoles, focusing on the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. It aims to help readers understand the current handheld gaming market and make informed purchasing decisions. The report covers the unique features and specifications of each console, such as the Steam Deck's powerful 4-core Zen 2 processor and Linux-based OS, the Nintendo Switch OLED's versatile play modes and budget-friendliness, the ASUS ROG Ally's notable 1080p@120Hz display, and the Lenovo Legion Go's advanced 8.8-inch QHD+ display with detachable controllers. A detailed comparison highlights the strengths and shortcomings of each device, including performance, display quality, and usability.

2. Overview of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024

  • 2-1. Introduction to Major Handheld Gaming Consoles

  • The revolution in the gaming industry has seen a significant shift towards handheld gaming consoles. Major players such as Nintendo, PlayStation, ASUS, and Lenovo have entered the market with their versions of handheld gaming devices. The Nintendo Switch, initially leading this trend, has paved the way for new entries like the Steam Deck by Valve, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. Each of these consoles offers unique features, catering to different types of gamers.

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

  • Handheld gaming consoles and handheld gaming PCs, though often used interchangeably, have significant differences. A handheld gaming console, like the Nintendo Switch, is a specialized device primarily used for gaming and comes with a dedicated controller. On the other hand, handheld gaming PCs, such as the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, are more powerful and capable of running high-performance PC games. They usually come with advanced specs like high-end processors and are often Windows-based, although some offer Linux as an alternative OS. These devices bridge the gap between portable gaming and the high performance typically associated with home gaming PCs.

  • 2-3. Key Features, Pros, and Cons of Top Handheld Gaming Consoles

  • In 2024, key handheld gaming devices include the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. Each has distinct features, pros, and cons. The Steam Deck, noted for its SteamOS (Linux-based) and a powerful 4-core Zen 2 processor, offers 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage, making it a robust gaming machine on the go. Its 800p HD+ OLED display with HDR ensures rich color details and deep blacks. However, it is relatively pricey and lacks built-in NFC for amiibos. The Nintendo Switch OLED, the best budget option, is praised for its vibrant OLED display, three different play modes, and detachable controllers. Nonetheless, it struggles with AAA PC games and lacks WiFi 6E support. The ASUS ROG Ally, an excellent deal for its performance, sports an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with a 1080p@120Hz display. It offers high compatibility with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth v5.2, but its battery life is less than desirable, and it lacks built-in trackpads. Lastly, the Lenovo Legion Go, known for its large 8.8-inch QHD+ display and versatile detachable controllers, provides a smooth 144Hz gaming experience but is significantly bulkier and also suffers from poor battery life.

3. Detailed Analysis of Lenovo Legion Go

  • 3-1. Standout features of Lenovo Legion Go

  • The Lenovo Legion Go features an 8.8-inch IPS touch display with a 2560x1600 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, which is significantly larger and more detailed compared to its competitors. Additionally, the device includes detachable controllers, one of which can function as a mouse with an optical sensor and trackpad. The Legion Go also has a broad kickstand that enhances stability and provides alternative ways to play. Moreover, it runs on Windows 11, allowing it to support any Windows-compatible game or program.

  • 3-2. Performance, display, and usability

  • The Lenovo Legion Go's performance is notable for its use of fast LPDDR5x RAM and the AMD Ryzen Z1 series processors. This combination offers a high level of performance, though not equivalent to gaming laptops. Its 8.8-inch display is tuned to the 16:10 aspect ratio and delivers vibrant colors and sharp images with a brightness of up to 500 nits and 97% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The device also includes an intuitive interface named Legion Space, which allows customization of performance modes, display settings, and control mappings.

  • 3-3. Comparison with Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally

  • Comparing the Lenovo Legion Go to the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, the Legion Go has several unique features. The Legion Go's 8.8-inch display outperforms the Steam Deck's 7-inch OLED and the ASUS ROG Ally's 7-inch 1920x1080, 120Hz display in both size and resolution. While the Legion Go has advantageous features like detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand, the ASUS ROG Ally is noted for better portability and the power of the Ryzen Z1 CPUs. Nonetheless, both devices operate on Windows 11, offering wide game compatibility. The Legion Go also stands out with its more advanced RAM and superior display, making it a strong competitor in the handheld gaming market.

4. Comparison: Lenovo Legion Go vs ASUS ROG Ally

  • 4-1. Detachable Controllers and Display Quality

  • The Lenovo Legion Go features detachable controllers, similar in design to those of the Nintendo Switch, which can be used independently and one of which includes a trackpad usable as a mouse. The ASUS ROG Ally has built-in controllers that cannot be detached, which may lead to increased risk of wear and damage over time. Regarding display quality, the Lenovo Legion Go boasts a larger 8.8-inch IPS touch display with a resolution of 2560x1600 and a 144Hz refresh rate, making it one of the best in terms of screen quality among Windows-powered handheld gaming PCs. In contrast, the ASUS ROG Ally has a 7-inch IPS touch display with a 1920x1080 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. While the ROG Ally's screen is respectable, it falls short compared to the Legion Go in terms of size, resolution, and refresh rate.

  • 4-2. Performance and Pricing

  • Both devices are equipped with AMD Ryzen Z1 series processors, ensuring comparable performance levels. The Lenovo Legion Go includes faster LPDDR5x RAM, potentially offering small benefits in performance and battery life. However, in practical gaming scenarios, both devices will require settings adjustments to manage game performance effectively. The ASUS ROG Ally is available for $700 for the high-end model, featuring the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip and 512GB SSD storage, with a lower-end model yet to be released. The Lenovo Legion Go is not yet available for sale, but it is expected to start at $700. Specific configurations and pricing for higher-end models of the Legion Go are yet to be detailed.

  • 4-3. Overall Versatility and User Experience

  • In terms of versatility, the Lenovo Legion Go appears to have an edge due to its detachable controllers and the inclusion of a trackpad and mouse functionality on the right controller. These features could offer a better user experience, especially for FPS games. The ROG Ally, although more portable and compact, lacks these additional controller functionalities. Both systems run on Windows 11, which supports a broad range of PC gaming platforms but is not yet optimized for touchscreens, potentially complicating navigation. The Legion Go stands out for its design-oriented towards flexibility and enhanced user control, while the ROG Ally aims at being more portable without compromising too much on performance.

5. Conclusion

  • The report concludes that each handheld gaming console—namely the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go—brings unique strengths to the market in 2024. The Lenovo Legion Go stands out for its large 8.8-inch display and detachable controllers, offering a versatile gaming experience. The ASUS ROG Ally, while more compact and portable, lacks some of the advanced features of the Legion Go, particularly in display quality and controller versatility. The Steam Deck remains notable for its robust performance and large game library accessible through SteamOS. However, it's relatively expensive and lacks built-in NFC support for amiibos. Readers are encouraged to consider these aspects when determining which device best meets their gaming needs. Future research should investigate new technologies and market trends that could influence the next generation of handheld gaming consoles, such as improvements in battery life, processor power, and system integration. Practical applications of this research encourage consumers to critically evaluate their preferences and requirements to make informed and satisfying purchases in the evolving landscape of handheld gaming.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. Lenovo Legion Go [Handheld Gaming Console]

  • The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its high-resolution 8.8-inch display, detachable controllers, and intuitive interface. Its Windows 11 platform offers extensive game compatibility and customization options. Priced at $700, it provides a versatile and feature-rich alternative to the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.

  • 6-2. ASUS ROG Ally [Handheld Gaming Console]

  • The ASUS ROG Ally features compact and portable design, running on Windows 11 and utilizing AMD Ryzen Z1 processors. Priced similarly to the Legion Go, it is available for purchase and offers a balance of performance and portability, though it lacks some of the advanced features of its competitors.

  • 6-3. Steam Deck [Handheld Gaming Console]

  • The Steam Deck by Valve remains a significant player in the handheld gaming console market. It offers robust performance, compatibility with a wide range of games via SteamOS, and a strong community of users. It serves as a benchmark for new entrants like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally.

7. Source Documents