Handheld gaming consoles have been around for years from the likes of Nintendo and Sony. But being able to play a big-budget “triple-A” video game like Elden Ring on a handheld device is actually a recent feat. Valve’s Steam Deck did that last year, despite running Linux as its operating system. That seemed to be the tipping point, because we’re seeing a wave of handheld gaming PCs in 2023.
Most of these devices have been produced by smaller, niche brands like Ayaneo and OneXPlayer. But the big boys are here now. First Asus with the ROG Ally, and now Lenovo, too. The PC market leader showed off its Legion Go handheld game console at a launch event in Singapore yesterday. With a 8.8-inch touch display, the Legion Go has a much larger, and more immersive screen than the handhelds from its biggest competitors.
Lenovo’s Clifford Chong believes that handheld gaming PCs are here to stay. “There’s a longevity to this form factor,” he said when asked if these devices are simply the flavour of the month. He cited the amount of hype and attention from gamers when word leaked that Lenovo was working on the device. While he declined to comment on Lenovo’s future roadmap for handheld gaming PCs, he also said that the Legion Go isn’t a one-off product.
Instead, he calls it the “ultimate gaming handheld” because of the large touchscreen that would help greatly in PC games with small text and icons. Then, there’s the ergonomics of the device. It has a kickstand that props it up, and like the Nintendo Switch, you can detach the controllers. You can then place the right-side controller vertically on a circular stand to use it as a mouse, which Lenovo dubs FPS mode. The Lenovo Legion Go starts from S$1,099, and is available for pre-order now. We’ll be testing this device soon, so stay tuned for the review!
This week, Apple fans waiting for a new iMac finally got their wish. The new M3-powered iMac is available now. But we also had time to test Sony’s new portable speaker system, and Oppo’s flagship foldable phone, which gives its Samsung rival a run for its money.
Don’t want to fuss with cables and stuff? The Apple iMac M3 is a sleek all-in-one that takes up minimal desktop space, but is capable enough for all your productivity needs, and then some. You’ll be editing photos, and videos, and maybe running some games in no time on this computer.
Sony’s new HT-AX7 portable Bluetooth speaker system comes with two detachable satellite speakers that you can place around you to create an enveloping spatial sound experience. Battery life is great, with a reported 30 hours for the front speaker, and four hours each for the satellites. Perfect for augmenting your mobile gaming or video experience.
The Oppo Find N3 Flip is one of the best clamshell foldable phones you can buy now. Its cameras are solid, and almost as good as those on flagship models, while the outside screen gets the ability to run full-screen apps. But the processor is not quite as fast as those in top phones.