TL;DR: Lenovo confirmed its Legion Go Gen 2 will get the Xbox full-screen experience (FSE) in spring 2026. Asus’ ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X ship with it on 16 October 2025. Lenovo’s handheld starts at $1,099 (about AED 4,036) and tops out at $1,479 (about AED 5,432).
What Lenovo actually confirmed
Lenovo told The Verge that Xbox’s FSE is planned for the Legion Go Gen 2 after launch, targeted for spring 2026. You’ll be able to switch the device from standard Windows to the Xbox mode manually.
- Timeline
- Asus ROG Xbox Ally / Ally X: launch with FSE on 16 Oct 2025.
- Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2: FSE arrives via update in spring 2026.
- Microsoft’s focus after Asus: bring FSE to the original ROG Ally and Ally X.
This lines up with Microsoft’s plan to ship a console-like front end on Windows handhelds. It boots to an Xbox app instead of the full Windows desktop, saving system resources for games.
What is the Xbox full-screen experience?
It’s a console-style shell on Windows handhelds. The device boots directly into a full-screen Xbox interface, with changes under the hood that defer non-essential tasks so more resources go to the game. Microsoft has also started a Handheld Compatibility Program that tags games as Handheld Optimised or Mostly Compatible, with guidance on performance fit.
- Why it matters
- Faster to reach your games
- UI built for sticks and buttons
- Less Windows overhead while playing
The FSE is meant to trim Windows’ baggage on handhelds—something users have wanted since the first wave of Windows gaming portables.
Specs, price and when it ships
Lenovo’s Legion Go Gen 2 is due this October, with an 8.8-inch OLED, 144Hz, removable controllers and AMD Ryzen Z2-class silicon. Pricing starts at $1,099 in the US, climbing to $1,479 for the top spec (32GB RAM / 2TB). In Europe, Lenovo lists €999 as the starting point.
- Headline bits
- 8.8-inch OLED, up to 144Hz
- Detachable TrueStrike controllers
- AMD Ryzen Z2/Z2 Extreme options
- Up to 32GB RAM / 2TB SSD
- Bigger 74Wh battery vs last gen (reported)
On paper, this is a premium Windows handheld with a bigger, faster display than most rivals. But you won’t get Xbox’s handheld UI on day one—that arrives in 2026.
UAE angle: pricing and availability
Lenovo hasn’t shared UAE pricing or dates yet. A straight currency conversion puts $1,099 around AED 4,036 and $1,479 around AED 5,432. Expect actual local prices to differ once VAT, warranty and channel costs are added. For context, Lenovo’s Legion Go S sells in the UAE around AED 2,299–2,599 at major retailers today.
- What’s confirmed for the region
- ROG Xbox Ally / Ally X ship on 16 Oct 2025 with FSE, and that includes the UAE.
- If you want Xbox’s handheld UI this year, Asus has it first.
If you prefer Lenovo’s bigger OLED and detachable controls, you can still buy this year—but plan for a Windows desktop experience until the 2026 update lands.
FAQ
When will Legion Go Gen 2 get the Xbox full-screen experience?
Lenovo says spring 2026 via update. Not at launch.
Do current Lenovo handhelds get Xbox’s mode too?
Microsoft’s first wave is Asus’ ROG Xbox Ally line. Lenovo has only confirmed the Gen 2 so far. No broader Lenovo rollout has been announced.
How much will the Legion Go Gen 2 cost in the UAE?
No official local price yet. US MSRP is $1,099–$1,479 (about AED 4,036–5,432). Expect different sticker prices once regional channels list it.
