I thought portable consoles were already defined. Lenovo has decided that they can also be folded in half

I think Lenovo is one of the brands that takes the most risks in the computer segment. And in the consoles: Lenovo Legion Go It’s a good sample. With several models under its belt, the brand has come to the MWC in Barcelona with a hybrid that is, above all, extravagant. But also original, I think there is no better way to please everyone.

Do you want a portable screen to play with physical controls? Covered. A more compact panel to make it less uncomfortable? Check. Option to play with the panel vertically and horizontally? Of course. What if the controllers can become a standalone controller? And even with a mouse option. The Lenovo Legion Go Fold doesn’t marry anyone. Just because, It also has a foldable screen.

Lenovo Legion Go Fold technical sheet

It is neither one thing nor another, it is everything

It is not just a folding tablet, nor a video game console, nor a convertible laptop: it is everything at once. And with a format that can be expanded almost to the unimaginable within the gamer field. Goes from a tablet style surface to a console Steam Deck. Detachable, of course.

Just like what happened to me with the modular laptop that Lenovo also brought to MWC, the Legion Go Fold goes a step further when you think it can’t expand further. Broadly speaking:

• It is a gaming tablet with anchored physical controls. It can be used both vertically and horizontally.
• It is a large tablet that folds in half into a smaller one. It runs Windows and has a keyboard as an accessory, so it can become a travel laptop.
• As was the case with the original Legion Go, the controllers can be joined together to function as an independent external controller.
• As a cherry on top, one of the controllers anchors to the base to become a mouse with a trigger.

The device is a concept that is not yet definitive. However, it appears to be fully functional, all parts make sense, They are solid enough and they can be combined without excessive complication.

Like all moving parts, the anchors are somewhat delicate to place: you have to remove a lock, slide the control down and separate it outwards. The lane is not too long, it gave me the impression that it was not as firm as it should be. Given the weight and size of the tablet, I don’t think it will be excessively comfortable for long periods of gaming. At least as long as he stays in suspense.

A folding screen? Why not

If it already seems strange that a tablet has two console controls anchored to the ends, seeing how the screen folds is the ultimate. Because of the size and because the folding looks somewhat rough: the edge is thick and leaves the panel exposed. However, it is the only way to fold the tablet so that it continues to function as a touch device.

The folded Legion Go Fold is much more comfortable to play with. The problem is that Windows does not allow itself to be tamed to multiformat: System orientation does not adapt to portrait orientation. I also noticed different errors when resizing the windows, with the touch on the screen and with some buttons on the controls. The problems of direct.

It is a concept and it is appreciated as such, a “I’m going to see how far I can go with removable elements.” The result is very curious to see, not so much to enjoy. At least in regards to everything related to the screen, because the design of the controls, its buttons, the detail of the mini-screen on one of the controls and its versatility are noteworthy.

Quite far from viability

Playing with an unfolded tablet of this size is not very comfortable, having physical controls attached even less so. Lenovo has already more than proven the Legion Go format, it is the path it is going to follow. And surely the experience gained with the Fold will help to improve the commercial family, such as adding a small screen to the controls.

Lenovo is the PC manufacturer that usually surprises me the most with its proposals. Take risks even if these experimental products do not go beyond concepts. And when I tried them I found solid, well-thought-out devices with established technologies. I don’t think that combining a folding tablet with controls will come to fruition, but who knows. We ended up seeing it in stores the same way.

Images | Ivan Linares

In Xataka | Best tablets in quality price. Which one to buy based on use and recommended models