Handhelds are a great option for gamers on the move, or those who don’t want a bulky setup that takes up a lot of space in their home. Lenovo Legion Go is one Windows 11 handheld with impressive specifications such as an 8.8” QHD display, 16GB 7500Mhz LPDDR5X memory, and an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU with RDNA 3 Graphics. It rivals the likes of the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck, and a new update takes a page out of its rivals’ books, with custom TDP controls introduced.
The Legion Go is great, but this isn’t to say that it is without its issues. Like many compact devices; it can run into heating issues, but the recent Legion Space and BIOS updates bring a feature that should help strike a good balance between performance and thermal output. On top of that, the Legion Go is getting a handful of accessories this year, bringing it closer to a mini gaming PC.
What’s new in the Legion Space update
The Legion Space update doesn’t bring massive changes like overhauling the UI or improving other aspects. That said, the handheld now has the option to adjust the TDP, SPPT, and FPPT to your heart’s consent. For settings such as TDP, you would previously have to choose from three present options: Efficiency (8W), Balanced (15W), and Performance (20W). This is a fantastic upgrade – and a much-needed one as many of its competitors have long had this functionality.
The max settings for all three power settings are 30W, 35W, and 41W, respectively. The TDP is the basic power draw, while the FPPT is a short boost, whereas the SPPT can last for minutes. You also get the option to run Legion Go in Quiet, Balance, and Performance, which should automatically adjust the power settings accordingly.
For example, in performance mode, the TDP limiters would be removed, generating more heat, and the fans would spin faster to cool the device down but make more noise. On the other hand, in Quiet mode, they’d be more controlled, resulting in less heat generation, meaning the fans won’t be making much noise, but the performance would most likely also take a hit.
So, with full control over how much power the Lenovo Legion Go is consuming by selecting the Custom 30W mode, combined with the custom fan curve option, you should be able to bring the temperature down and ensure streamlined performance.
If you’re wondering how the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally fare against each other, we’ve got you covered.
