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In my experience most games run the same or better with a properly optimized Windows (lack of bloat). Yeah you can run games off the SD Card. The same concerns about speed to apply here as on SteamOS. For the guide I would recommend checking the windowsondeck subreddit, they have a stickied post with a lot of good information. I have been working on a more in depth comparison and a guide video myself but currently waiting for all the windows drivers on OLED steam deck since I upgraded to that one.

@@beyondtheringgaming thank you very much for your information :o steam deck is such a wonderful device, overlooked it for a long time but now seeing the prices for used ones around 300 euros, even some upgraded ones 1tb for 350, makes me think... getting a laptop with the same gaming performance isnt easy + the new architecture is surely beneficial to newer games (i dont care about 30 fps lock that much) the graphics are "okay" in newer games... reminds me on xbox 360 times sometimes, but ey its a handheld and older games will run like a blast... this thing is better than any smartphone for gaming :o i bet fallout 3, NV runs perfrect with this :o (huge fan) :D i saw some performance videos in different games and they look arlight for such a device, wouldnt even mind playing lots of these games on a large screen

Surprisingly no. Since the controller is behind the screen I can lay back and rest my hand and arms on me the same way I would when playing on the TV. It is a little top heavy if I am holding it in the air instead of resting, but not bad. And I think I could improve that by just increasing the stability with a 3D printed piece. In some ways I actually prefer it to the normal controllers since I feel like I always have to hold up the Legion GO.

I 100% agree and that is the thing that held me off from getting the Legion GO for a while. Would we actually get new controllers? Either from third parties or from Lenovo. Because of the detachable controllers it would be perfect. Sell different controllers for different preferences.

I posted a video yesterday trying to find a solution to use an Xbox controller with the Legion Go while mobile! czcams.com/video/CTV2fJ4uSoE/video.html

Not wanting to use and support Windows is valid, I am not particularly inclined to want to use it either. It isn't my OS of choice and they do a lot of things I strongly dislike with Windows. But for me, similar to how I have a PS5 even though it is not my console of choice, what matters to me is the games. On my gaming PC and this the only thing I do on it is games, I use my Mac for the rest of my general computing. So personally, compatibility wins out. My problem with the Windows discussion is the narrative that it is holding handhelds back or that it somehow doesn't work. Which just isn't true. SteamOS is great and the work they have done with Proton should be celebrated. But it also isn't a perfect solution for gaming. It is all pros and cons to me.

It was similar for me when I installed Windows on my Steam Deck. Something I noticed that when I upgraded to the OLED Steam Deck went down since we are still missing some Windows drivers for the OLED Steam Dec. I still use my dedicated PC a lot, but the sheer convenience of a device like this means I can get even more gaming in which is great.

Right? The UI is nearly identical. That is how I showed the Elden Ring screen on both. Personally I don't and will instead be setting up Playnite for more compatibility and customizability outside of Steam games. But the issues with Windows are largely solvable and then you have compatibility with every game that runs on Windows instead of worrying about updates breaking something.

FPS mode was one of this, great in theory but in practice un-usable for me with games like Halo. So it just didn't matter for me. I will be honest on Gyro, I ignore it here and on my Steam Deck. These devices for me are meant to augment how I play games on a PC or Console that don't have Gyro gaming so the feature is kinda meaningless for me. I could talk about it but I don't feel like I can talk about it in any informed manner since I don'y use it. As far as the OS being clunky, your right that Windows is clunky but like I have mentioned it being a gaming device you should be spending most of your time in a game anyways where the OS doesn't matter. Windows gets you all of the compatibility with games that SteamOS just can't offer at this time. Proton is great, but it's not perfect. Then you could even add in Steam Big Picture mode or Playnite and it is even closer to working like a dedicated handheld.

Right! That is a huge advantage. Don’t get me wrong Windows is clunky. But this is gaming device. If I am spending too much time in the OS instead of playing games something is wrong! (Unless you use it for non gaming things obviously)

I love this shirt. I am sad it doesn’t look it’s best anymore. I have a similar one that is just Pikachu wearing a Stitch onesie. And one of Pichu in a Link outfit (with the master sword) riding Ponyta (or the evolution, not 100% sure)

@@beyondtheringgaming Are they all from the same place?

It’s honestly kinda wild. It almost feels like nothing. Especially when compared to my iPhone which is 7.81 ounces. The switch is heavier at almost 1lb but it feels even lighter than that since it’s bigger and more spread out (and used with 2 hands)

How do you like the screen on the GPD? I already found the Steam Deck's screen kinda small (which is why I was so interested in the Legion GO) so using a smaller one does kinda surprise me.

Yeah I have my gaming PC and I am well used to how Windows operates. There are advantages to SteamOS, don't get me wrong. I am just kinda tired of the argument that Windows is somehow a fundamental problem as if it hasn't been powering gaming PC's for many years. Console like is a nice thing for many people. But I would personally rather be able to just play everything and not think about compatibility.

I talked about this in my full review of the Legion Go: Better than the Steam Deck? czcams.com/video/K74GKjVNmxo/video.html But while it is noticeably worse than the Steam Deck. Honestly not much. The Steam Deck didn’t have fantastic battery when playing a AAA game. So I was already in the habit of carrying an external battery with me so I just still do that. But it has a bigger screen it has to power. And it’s already heavier so it’s a trade off. They could have put in a bigger battery but it would have weighted even more.

Because... I like to play video games while mobile?

I disagree, Windows does have its problems don't get me wrong. A lot of that being the bloat that is not necessary for a gaming pc. But you can install 10 LTSC or run a debloat script to significantly speed it up. SteamOS is great, but Windows removes any compatibility issues. Its simple to use other stores, game pass, etc. As far as the usability of it on a screen this small, thats valid. But most of my time is in a game anyways so its not a huge issue. Windows isnt perfect, but neither is SteamOS. Personally I prefer being able to play what I want without needing to worry about compatibility (or it breaking with an update to the game until proton is updated).

@@beyondtheringgaming Hard disagree, for the money i'd rather just get a gaming laptop if windows is going to be the primary OS

I am not really sure how that compares, if you are looking for a gaming handheld a laptop isn't going to address that regardless of the operating system. I am curious why you are so against Windows on a portable gaming device? I just don't see it holding back anything, and in fact has advantages over SteamOS on compatibility.

I even dual boot Windows on my Steam Deck because of the better compatibility and performance. Yes Windows is not the greatest on a small touch screen, but this is a dedicated gaming device. The vast majority of my time should be spent playing games, otherwise why do I have a gaming handled? When playing games the OS really doesn't matter since you are no interacting with it.

Also should be clear here, I am not a Windows fanboy. TBH I largely hate the OS and it is not my daily driver. I far prefer to use my Mac and I wish I didn't have to game on Windows. However, just like how Xbox is my preferred console but I will play games on my PS5. At the end of the day I want the best performance and compatibility. The reality is, right now that is Windows.

For me even on my Steam Deck (before getting the OLED one) most of my playtime was on Windows anyways. I dual booted. But I have game pass and games bought outside of steam that I wanted to play and they worked on Windows without any hassle. SteamOS is great, I am not discounting the work put into it, but to me Windows has all of the advantages minus all of the bloat and extra unnecessary stuff it comes with. But you could get rid of that (which I am working on a video on)

@@beyondtheringgaming I went the other way and put BazziteOS (SteamOS fork) on the Legion Go and it's been great. All the features from SteamOS work and they got the back buttons and custom TDP working before Lenovo did. They just enabled the gyros for the controllers in the latest release too. No point in using Windows at this point for me.

I was actually planning on looking at that and I may dual boot my legion go like I do my Steam Deck. I want to see just how much performance I can get out of this so going to look at all the options for an upcoming video. But it won’t get rid of Windows to me thanks to game pass and games like Kingdom Hearts that were a pain to get working on steam OS.

And if Steam OS works for you that’s awesome! Not trying to tell people it sucks. The work being put into Proton is fantastic. I just think that Windows being inherently bad for a handheld is overblown when most of my time is in a game and at that point the OS doesn’t matter. I would love to never have to use Windows again. I really don’t like the OS, Mac is my OS of choice and I use Linux professionally every day. But just like with console choice, I may have a preference but at the end of the day being able to play games wins out. And for me with Game Pass and other games, Windows is the main choice for me. But I dual boot because I don’t necessarily want that to always be the situation.

@@beyondtheringgaming I agree It’s all about preference. It was just interesting to see the view from someone who was looking for something much different than my preferences. Personally though the time I need to make Windows work like I want isn’t worth it to me regardless of what platform I’m using.

How so? I have both and since further optimizing this thing since making this video I have not touched my Steam Deck at all. It's not better in everything, which I outlined in the video. But for the things that mattered to me it is better.

Jonathont5570 is definitely a Deck fanboy. The Deck has issues playing certain games and the Legion Go has not had a single issue playing any game I throw at it since it is an actual pc. Better specs, game compatibility and larger screen beats the Deck.

@robertdaone I have noticed in other comments. I am fully down to actually discuss the pros and cons of the steam deck, legion go, steam os and Windows. But lets actually discuss it and bring something to the table instead of just saying its not and walking way.

I am honestly not sure if a lack of base is the right term to use, but it's just dull. Like I said it's not horrible, and it's perfectly usable and if you were not used to better speakers you may not even notice. They are... average'ish I would say for PC's. Based on my limited experience with Windows Laptops (like I said, I am comparing this to Mac speakers, the steam deck, and a nice sound system)

Honestly this last week has made me question that. The number of people I have argued with who advocate for this. The complete meltdown at the idea of Xbox going multiplatform. Maybe it’s just the loudest, but its defenders are easy to find

Yeah I think that if you knew nothing about the Halo lore, it is mostly fine (I mean the fact that it ended and you are still not on what the show is named for, that's... well its something). Admittedly I am judging it as a huge Halo fan with a Halo tattoo. I am not... impartial.

Exactly, that was my concern going into this. I am already disappointed by there being such big changes. But what is the ripple effect of those changes and did they properly think it through. Halo has a lot of lore in it and certain critical events only make sense happening if certain lore is in place.

What Windows are you using for your comparison? I am comparing using Windows 10 LTSC version which in everything I have tested gives the same or better performance on the Steam Deck. And then I have zero compatibility issues. I don't have to worry about an update coming out that break the game until Proton is updated.

@@beyondtheringgaming Custom edited windows installation. The reason the others use windows is because its the easy way, not the best way. SteamOS is not released yet and the other distros would need to have them maintain it and they will not do that since they are Microsoft partners.

I never made claims otherwise but assuming the high likelyhood that they would not have made a sale to that player in the first place, that is still 70% of the money on a sale compared to $0 Third party publishers like EA and Ubisoft seem to be doing just fine with this 30% cut so there is no reason to assume that Xbox wouldn't either. Steam also takes a large cut and Microsoft (and Sony) made the decision to publish their games there as well.

Normally that is the case, however given what has been going on with pricing this generation I am not sure if that is true this time around. They may both be selling at a loss. Regarding the second point, that is valid. I am not enthused with the idea of Sony having no competition due to their tendency of anti-consumer behavior when they are at the top. However there may still be a reason to get an Xbox console, like Xbox Game Pass which isnt on other consoles. Maybe you prefer the ecosystem, maybe that is where most of your friends are, you want cross saves between PC and Xbox, etc. There are ways outside of games that Xbox has differentiated itself from Playstation.

I said in the beginning that I don't know if the rumors are true and that I am not here to discuss the validity of the rumors. This video is more in the response to those rumors from both sides of the console wars.

There is No reason for PlayStation players to start this rumor. We Already outsell Xbox 3-1. And Xbox games are Already comming to ps, just not the biggest titles, - yet. so sit back down and take a deep breath.

Most likely just xCloud (if it were to happen at all) but would that really be such a bad thing?

It seems to me like it would be a win-win. Xbox still gets their money, we get more players. I feel like the only games that need to be exclusive are games that rely on a certain hardware feature of a console, like a lot of Nintendo DS games will likely be stuck there or require a lot of effort to move over which likely wouldnt be worth it. Or games that may be targeting a certain audience, like you could argue the Switch has vs other consoles.

@@beyondtheringgaming You really think Sony would just let Microsoft put their games on Playstation and let them have all the money? Not going to happen. Both Sony and Microsoft take 30% of all purchases on their respective stores. A Microsoft game on the Playstaion would mean either Microsoft and Sony both take 30% and the dev gets screwed or Microsoft and Sony split that 30% and both get a lot less money. It's just not economically viable to take that massive revenue cut when you still have to pay for printing, shipping, royalties, licensing, etc.

@MrGhosta5 As I mentioned in my other reply, that simply isn't true (it being viable) or third party publishers like EA and Ubisoft would have gone out of business years ago. Developers also take that cut on Steam.

​@@MrGhosta5 The main point being in the video regardless is that none of this should scare us gamers. Generally I have to say I tire of consumers being super worried about the wellbeing of giant companies. It's kinda strange. Either way, I think there are situations where it will make both of them money and in those cases they will, in other cases they would consider it not viable and then they wouldn't. 🤷🏼

I think there is value of concern over a game publisher, if for example Microsoft leaves gaming that could mean the end of Halo, Gears, etc. But them expanding to make more money isn't a sign of concern. This is not a cause for concern and isn't something that has a negative impact on gamers. Microsoft very well understands the importance of leaving their own products to make money. Windows may be a major product for them but that didn't stop them from releasing Office on Mac in 1989 and continuing to support and update it. That runs counter to them selling Windows but by supporting Mac they were not leaving money on the table. And btw Microsoft Office is also on the Mac App store, which takes a 30% cut. That is just one example of Microsoft not shooting themselves in the foot by supporting only their software. The exact same situation exists here.

Thank you too!

Yeah so when I made this video I was on the LCD version. I also have the OLED one now and am waiting for the drivers before I fully switch over to it. I am hoping they come soon.

Personally I don't really care if its "Doll" or "Action Figure", more just commenting that it isn't something I would have normally done on my channel. But I still stand by my opinion that there really isn't any difference between a "Doll" or "Action Figure" other than who they are marketing too.

No, they’re definitely dolls. Like 100000% could not be considered anything else. They are dolls. Is that bad? NO! Should a guy be embarrassed by them? NO! If you’re too uncomfortable with yourself to buy something you like because it’s a doll, you have some issues to get over. These dolls are awesome and shouldn’t need to be “oh, no, they’re def posable figures!!!” Noooo bro, they’re dolls and that’s ok.

@@ryanb4940 No worries, I have well over 2,000 dolls in my collection, and most of them are proudly on display. Life is too short to be embarrassed by the few things that bring you joy. I still consider these to be figures, and not dolls though. For one thing dolls have rooted hair / rooted eyelashes. You can call a plastic posable teddy Bear that has an outfit on a "plush teddy bear" if it makes you happy, but it doesn't stop being a plastic posable figure of a teddy bear.

Halo stuff will for sure still be coming regularly. The series I have today is a good example of where I feel like the branding didn't quite fit anymore. Hopefully makes sense when that goes live. But this one is related to Halo. Once I start streaming again Halo will be what I mostly steam. When I look at my list of video ideas. Out of 34, 21 of them are Halo.

So I just look a look at it and while it does seem interesting and likely a good option for some people, it also makes some choices that defeats the purpose for me personally. - Disabling the Xbox game bar: like I mentioned one of the key drivers for me to use Windows is Game Pass and the Xbox ecosystem, so I use the game bar - Defaulting to the Big Screen Steam view: similar to above, I have had issues with game pass games in steam and I don't restrict myself to just playing games with Steam. I have Epic, Game Pass, and others. It does seem like a great option if you are not as technical, but I would rather know everything done to my installation and if you go with the LTSC version you don't need to worry about debloating.

I'd rather not use a modified system over the free one Microsoft provides, especially as Windows updates can break dual boot

I’m honestly shocked they haven’t yet. But I imagine they are working on it. A Windows installation fully optimized for gaming and particularly handhelds would do amazing. No compatibility issues.

i feel that theyll work on that in the next version of windows. handheald pc gaming isnt that popular to create a whole new fork of win11 for that

@@Moli05it’s certainly popular but pc games can be bought / downloaded from anywhere

Which sign in are you talking about? The one when you launch a game or the one when setting up Windows?

What part of the video can’t you hear? I just checked and it’s working for me and I have received comments from other people watching it so it seems fine.

It was fine for me

Audio seems fine on my end. Great video!

Thank you for the reassurance, I asked a few friends to check as well and no one said there was a major issue. A couple people said to maybe just do a higher base volume which I will do in the future, but nothing really wrong with the audio.

Check your phone volume, it's on mute.

I’m glad it’s working well on the legion go. I was so close to getting it until I noticed the missing back buttons. Really wish it had them normally and not 2 of them rotated.