Xbox Ally X vs Legion Go 2 — My Take

Introduction

Handheld gaming has come a long way in 2025, and the Xbox Ally X and the Legion Go 2 are leading the charge. Both are powerful, portable gaming machines, but when it comes down to it, the Legion Go 2 stands out for me—mainly because of its bigger, more immersive screen.

Design & Build Quality

The Xbox Ally X is compact and has that familiar Xbox feel. It’s light enough to hold for long stretches and feels well-balanced. The Legion Go 2 is bulkier, but in my opinion, that’s not a bad thing. The extra size is what allows it to carry the bigger display, and once I got used to the weight, I appreciated the premium build and detachable controller design.

Display & Visuals

This is the deciding factor for me. The Legion Go 2 has an 8.8-inch OLED screen with higher refresh rate support, and it makes a huge difference. The larger display makes games feel more cinematic, and the OLED’s contrast and color depth are simply beautiful. The Ally X’s 7-inch 120Hz IPS panel is solid, but once you experience that bigger OLED screen, it’s hard to go back.

Performance & Gameplay

Both devices pack enough power to run modern AAA titles. The Ally X feels more consistent in some situations, especially with Game Pass integration, but the Legion Go 2 doesn’t lag far behind. For me, the performance difference isn’t big enough to outweigh the benefit of the bigger screen. Even if I have to tweak a few settings for certain games, the immersive experience on the Go 2 is worth it.

Battery Life & Heat

Here’s where the Ally X has the edge. It runs cooler and lasts longer on a single charge. The Legion Go 2 does drain faster, especially with the OLED running at higher refresh rates. That said, I’d rather recharge a bit more often and enjoy the larger, better-looking screen.

Controls & Comfort

The Ally X’s controls are familiar, comfortable, and reliable. The Legion Go 2’s detachable controllers add some flexibility, but I’ll admit I don’t use that feature often. What I do notice, though, is that the bigger size gives my hands more room, and for me, that adds comfort during longer play sessions.

Price & Value

The Legion Go 2 is about $100 more expensive than the Ally X, but in my opinion, that extra cost is justified by the screen alone. When I think about the games I play and how much time I spend looking at the display, that upgrade makes a difference every single time.

Final Verdict — My Take

The Xbox Ally X is a fantastic handheld with strong performance and better battery life. But for me, the Legion Go 2 is the better choice. The bigger OLED screen makes every game feel more immersive, and that matters more to me than slightly better endurance or a lower price. If you’re like me and want the best display experience, the Legion Go 2 is the handheld to go with.

Check out our list of Top 10 Gaming Headsets for 2025