ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go: Which is the better gaming handheld?

The ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go comparison (Image via Asus, Lenovo)
The ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go comparison (Image via Asus, Lenovo)

The ROG Xbox Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go are premium handheld consoles for high-performance gaming. The Xbox Ally X was revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase and is expected to be released this holiday season. Its high-end specs make it an ideal candidate for comparison against the Legion Go.

While the two consoles share several similarities in their specs, each has its own unique features that set them apart. Both have subtle differences that make them great handheld devices in their own right.

You might wonder how the new Xbox handheld would stack up against the Legion Go, particularly in terms of performance. This comparison will delve into the devices' specifications, examining factors such as performance, display, and more.

Note: Some parts of the article are subjective and reflect the writer's views.


ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go: What are their specs?

Both the ROG Xbox Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go are premium handheld gaming devices (Image via Asus, Lenovo)
Both the ROG Xbox Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go are premium handheld gaming devices (Image via Asus, Lenovo)

The ROG Xbox Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go are solid handheld devices for gaming on the go. Both have features that make them unique, whether it be the Xbox Ally X's comfortable grips or the Legion Go's detachable controllers.

Here are the detailed specs of the two handheld consoles:

Features

ROG Xbox Ally X (RC73XA)

Lenovo Legion Go

Processor

CPU: AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Zen 5)

GPU: AMD RDNA 3.5

CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4)

GPU: AMD RDNA 3

Display

7-inch, FHD, 120Hz

8.8-inch, QHD, 144Hz

RAM

24 GB LPDDR5X

16 GB LPDDR5X

Storage

1 TB M.2 SSD

1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Battery

80 Wh

49.2 Wh

Weight

715 g 

640 g

Legion TrueStrike Controllers - 854 g

Included in box

ROG Xbox Ally X 65W charger, Stand 

Legion Go (Base module & Legion TrueStrike Controllers)

Controller base

65W Power Adapter

Carrying Case

Also read: All video game announcements from Xbox Games Showcase 2025: Outer Worlds 2, Call of Duty Black Ops 7, and more


Performance

Both devices are high-performance handheld consoles. The ROG Xbox Ally X houses the new AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme (Zen 5) APU, while the Lenovo Legion Go features the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4) APU. The main difference between the two processors lies in the number of graphics cores, which is higher on the Xbox handheld, giving it a slight edge in gaming.

In terms of GPU, the Xbox Ally X features the AMD RDNA 3.5, while the Legion Go has the AMD RDNA 3. While it is slightly better in terms of performance, it also offers improved power efficiency.

The exact performance metrics of the Xbox Ally X are unknown at the moment, but the Legion Go has been known to provide decent performance, even at 1200p with optimized settings. Using FSR on the console gives a huge boost in performance, showing over 100 FPS on games like Forza Horizon 5.

Both devices come with 1 TB SSD storage, which is also upgradeable to higher configurations. They are different in terms of RAM, though, with the Xbox Ally X featuring 24 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and the Legion Go having 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

Thus, the ROG Xbox Ally X is arguably the better handheld for high-performance gaming, especially at higher resolutions and graphics settings.


Display

The ROG Xbox Ally X has a smaller seven-inch FHD display, with a refresh rate of 120Hz. This is decent for gaming, but it is much inferior to the Lenovo Legion Go's 8.8-inch QHD display, which offers a max refresh rate of 144Hz. This means visuals look much better on the Legion Go, and the higher refresh rate helps things look more fluid.

Both consoles feature 500 nits of peak brightness, allowing you to see clearly in moderately sunny locations. The Xbox console supports AMD FreeSync, while the Lenovo one does not, which is crucial in preventing screen stutters and tears.

Nevertheless, the Lenovo Legion Go is the clear winner here, as it features a bigger display with a higher resolution and refresh rate.


Build and design

The Xbox Ally X and the Legion Go feature slightly similar build sizes (Image via Asus, Lenovo)
The Xbox Ally X and the Legion Go feature slightly similar build sizes (Image via Asus, Lenovo)

The ROG Xbox Ally X combines elements of the original ROG Ally X console with an Xbox controller, resulting in a shape that is well-suited for long gaming sessions. While the Xbox Ally X is wider, the Legion Go is both longer and taller by a small margin.

One of the best features of the Legion Go is its inclusion of a trackpad. Moreover, it also comes with Legion Truestrike controllers that provide a neutral wrist position, which offers greater support and precision in FPS games. They can be detached from the main body, and you could use the kickstand to play with Detachable Mode.

Both consoles come with Hall Effect joysticks, HD Haptics, and a 6-axis Gyro. The ROG Xbox Ally X is the more comfortable option with its ergonomic grips, but the Lenovo Legion Go has better features and add-ons that improve the user experience, especially the detachable controllers and kickstand.

Also read: ROG Xbox Ally X vs ROG Ally X: Which is the better gaming handheld?


Battery

The ROG Xbox Ally X houses a larger 80 Wh battery, compared to the Lenovo Legion Go's 49.2 Wh unit.

The exact runtime of the Xbox Ally X is yet to be revealed, but the Legion Go runs an average of two to three hours. However, some reviews suggest the Legion Go lasts upwards of five hours with modifications and tweaks to the settings, which is impressive.


ROG Xbox Ally X vs Lenovo Legion Go: Final verdict

This comparison between the ROG Xbox Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go highlights how closely matched the two consoles are. Each excels in different areas, making it challenging to declare a definitive winner, especially without knowing the exact price of the Xbox Ally X.

If your priority is performance and comfort, the ROG Xbox Ally X is the better option. However, keep in mind that the Lenovo Legion Go offers a significantly better display and ease of use, with the detachable controllers and kickstand, which are absent on the Xbox offering.

Thus, if you prefer performance and comfort, go for the ROG Xbox Ally X. On the other hand, if you want better quality visuals and want a more relaxed gaming mode and user experience, choose the Lenovo Legion Go.


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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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