Lenovo's Legion Go 2 Pricing Sends Shockwaves Through Handheld Gaming Community
BERLIN - In a move that has left industry insiders stunned, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go 2 at IFA 2025 in Berlin, boasting impressive specs but with a price tag that has solidified the Steam Deck's crown as king of the handhelds.
The starting price for the AMD Ryzen Z2 model is a staggering $1,099.99, while the Ryzen Z2 Extreme model will cost a whopping $1,349.99 for the 1TB model and $1,479.99 for the 2TB model. This puts it out of reach for many gamers, making it an uncompetitive offering in the market.
"We were expecting Lenovo to make a strong entry into the handheld gaming space, but their pricing strategy is a major misstep," said industry analyst, Michael Silverman. "The Steam Deck has already set the bar high with its competitive pricing and impressive performance, and Lenovo's Legion Go 2 just can't match up."
Lenovo's decision to price its handheld so aggressively may have been influenced by the company's desire to position itself as a premium brand in the gaming market. However, this strategy may ultimately backfire, alienating potential customers who are put off by the high cost.
The Legion Go 2 boasts an OLED display and 74Wh battery, making it a formidable competitor on paper. However, its performance will be severely impacted by the hefty price tag, which may deter gamers from purchasing the device.
Background checks reveal that Lenovo had shown off a prototype of the Legion Go 2 at CES 2025 earlier this year, sparking excitement among gaming enthusiasts. However, the company's failure to deliver on pricing has left many feeling disappointed and frustrated.
Industry insiders point out that the Steam Deck's success can be attributed to its competitive pricing, which starts at $399 for the base model. This has allowed Valve to capture a significant share of the handheld gaming market, leaving Lenovo with an uphill battle to catch up.
As the handheld gaming market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Lenovo will adjust its pricing strategy or stick to its guns. One thing is certain, however - the Steam Deck's crown as king of the handhelds has been solidified, and Lenovo's Legion Go 2 will need to do a lot more than just impress with specs to challenge its dominance.
In related news, Valve has announced that it will be releasing a new variant of the Steam Deck, further cementing its position in the market.
*Reporting by Techradar.*
