Lenovo incorporated a pliable screen into a portable gaming device. The Legion Go Fold Concept represents a Windows-powered portable gadget, featuring an adaptable POLED screen, removable controllers akin to Joy-Cons, and a cover that transforms the entire unit into a compact notebook.
This device functions as a typical handheld, similar to the Steam Deck, when its screen is collapsed to 7.7 inches and its controllers are affixed to its edges. Alternatively, one can expand it for an enlarged viewing and gaming session. Once fully extended, its controllers are capable of being shifted to all sides, providing flexibility for gameplay in either portrait or landscape modes.
Operating in a vertical split-screen configuration, users can allocate one screen segment to their game and the opposing segment to an auxiliary window, such as a chat interface or a game walkthrough. A horizontal full-screen setting dedicates the entire 11.6 inches of display area to your game, presented in a 16:10 aspect ratio. For transitioning into laptop functionality, the controllers must be detached, and the portable unit then secured into a folio cover that includes a stand, an integrated keyboard, and a trackpad. The detached controllers can then be placed into a distinct grip accessory, consolidating them into a singular game controller.
This collapsible handheld offers numerous operational methods; for instance, one of its input devices can be converted into a vertical mouse, similar to other Legion Go models. However, a key capability it lacks is the ability to fold inward for screen closure and protection. The Go Fold exclusively expands externally, meaning a clamshell design, typical of devices like the Nintendo DS or GameBoy Advance, which would enhance portability by closing, is not present. Its primary purpose is to surpass the dimensions of a conventional gaming handheld, thereby providing extended functionalities. (Although, larger forms have been explored previously.)
Impressive specifications define the Legion Go Fold: an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Lunar Lake CPU, 32GB of system memory, 1TB of internal storage, and a 48Whr power cell. Its polymer-encased OLED panel boasts a 2435 x 1712 pixel resolution and a 165Hz refresh frequency. Additionally, a secondary, spherical touchscreen is situated on the right controller, beneath the primary action buttons. This secondary display serves a dual role as both a trackpad and an auxiliary screen, enabling users to navigate through specific UI components drawn from a game (a feature unlikely to receive broad compatibility), a timepiece, system performance metrics, or an animated image (purely for amusement).
In the course of my concise physical demonstration, I was unable to experience any graphically demanding titles, onlyBalatro, a game that runs effortlessly on modest hardware. The display presented considerable clarity; however, akin to all foldable screens, a visible crease traversed its center. While quite apparent, one tends to disregard it swiftly. The overall construction and tactile sensation of the unit seemed somewhat delicate, and the process of attaching and detaching the controllers was undeniably clunky. It is anticipated that the manufacturing quality will see enhancements should this product eventually become commercially available.
Despite this, the laptop configuration proved to be a delightful revelation. I hadn’t anticipated a portable gaming system capable of also functioning as a standard computer suitable for productivity tasks. Activating the Legion Go Fold’s case required some initial awkwardness before proper setup, yet familiarization would likely occur quickly with regular use.
Nevertheless, I question whether anyone will genuinely integrate this device into their daily life, now or ever. While I would enthusiastically welcome the Legion Go Fold’s transition from an experimental concept to a tangible product, mirroring other unconventional Lenovo innovations, the potential price point is a cause for apprehension. The Legion Go 2 already commands a price exceeding $1,000. Given the current global shortage of RAM, it’s impossible to predict the increased cost of a production-ready Legion Go Fold should it launch in a year or beyond.
Nonetheless, despite not aligning with my anticipated foldable design, and even with its uncertain commercial release, it undeniably possesses an appealing quality. My hope now is for a manufacturer to develop a collapsible PC handheld that can shrink from a moderate size to a truly compact form. I believe such a device would be my ideal choice.
Visuals captured by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
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