Eagerness for Framework's modular gaming laptop design to transition to handheld gaming PC format – and prices serve as an explanation for this demand
The handheld gaming PC landscape is abuzz with excitement as Lenovo, the renowned manufacturer, unveils its latest offering - the Lenovo Legion Go S. This device, currently generating a lot of interest as a direct upgrade to the Asus ROG Ally, promises to revolutionise the handheld gaming market.
One of the key features that sets the Lenovo Legion Go S apart is its modular design. This innovative approach could potentially save consumers significant money by enabling them to upgrade their handheld gaming PCs without having to purchase a new device entirely.
The concept of swappable laptop GPUs is no longer a myth, thanks to pioneers like Framework and Nvidia. For instance, owners of a Framework Laptop 16 can now purchase the RTX 5070 GPU module individually to replace their old one.
Lenovo's Legion Go S boasts an official SteamOS license, unlike the Asus ROG Ally which may require the installation of a SteamOS clone like Bazzite. This official licensing could provide a smoother and more seamless gaming experience for users.
Priced at $729.99 in the US, approximately £540 in the UK, the Lenovo Legion Go S offers a competitive price point in the handheld gaming PC market.
The modular design of the Lenovo Legion Go S is different from older MXM GPU hardware due to its simpler installation process. This user-friendly design is a great move for mainstream manufacturers to consider, as it could potentially make upgrades more accessible for the average consumer.
Other notable players in the handheld gaming PC market include the MSI Claw 8 AI and MSI Claw A8, which are edging closer to a $1,000 price tag. Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Ally X, while an upgrade path, uses a 7-inch display.
The GPD Win 5, powered by AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, stands out with its detachable batteries for continuous play.
Corsair has recently made waves by solving a multitasking issue with PC gaming. The early benchmarks for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X suggest excellent power efficiency and cooling, but there are still doubts about the handheld's overall performance.
Framework has also introduced a new Nvidia RTX 5070 graphics module, designed specifically for the Framework Laptop 16. The RTX 5070 module is currently only being sold with new systems, but it will soon be available for individual purchase.
The author is optimistic about the potential of modular handhelds in the gaming market, given the rapid advancement of technology. With innovative designs like the Lenovo Legion Go S, the future of handheld gaming PCs looks promising.
