Modder Transforms Lenovo Legion Go Handheld Gaming PC Into Mini Laptop

Photo credit: MysteriousAlarm897
A Lenovo Legion Go fits into a 3D printed clamshell, with the screen oriented like a laptop and the keyboard snuggled underneath. This is not a factory device, but a custom design by Reddit user MysteriousAlarm897. This modder turned a gaming portable into a tiny laptop using a combination of ingenuity, 3D printing and most importantly, a big battery pack.

MysteriousAlarm897’s idea started with a simple question on Reddit: has anyone converted a Legion Go into a laptop? The Lenovo Legion Go is a mobile gaming PC with an 8.8 inch screen, 16 GB of RAM and AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. The removable controllers, like Nintendo’s Joy-Cons, make it adaptable so it can be used as a tablet when the controllers are not attached. This feature caught the modder’s attention and sparked the idea to build a dock that would turn the device into something more – a little laptop, or as some call it, a cyberdeck.

The first version of the dock is a chunky 3D printed clamshell that houses the Legion Go’s tablet section in the lid. A Lenovo branded wireless keyboard sits in the base with a 190 Wh battery pack made of 15 18650 lithium cells with a battery management system and charge controller. This big battery extends the device’s runtime significantly, potentially hours or even days depending on usage. The weight of the batteries anchors the base so the system stays balanced without a kickstand. Two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports and a quick release mechanism allows the Legion Go to be detached for handheld gaming in seconds. A latch, like old Dell laptops, secures the lid when closed.

Not satisfied with the first design, MysteriousAlarm897 created a second, slimmer version. This one sacrifices the battery pack for a thinner profile and relies on the Legion Go’s internal battery for power. The result is a lighter and more portable dock that retains the keyboard, latch and quick release features.

Why would someone do this? For MysteriousAlarm897 it’s a mix of practicality and passion. A used Legion Go for $250 was a cheaper alternative to devices like the GPD Pocket 4 which can cost a lot more. Being able to switch between handheld gaming on the couch and a laptop setup for work or strategy games makes this device very versatile.

The technical details show the attention to detail in this build. The 3D printed case went through 10 prototypes and uses 5×2 magnets for the latch. The hinge mechanism is smooth and the screen tilts comfortably. The modder didn’t specify the printing material but one user suggested PLA might not be ideal due to heat from the batteries, so maybe a heat resistant filament was used. There is no trackpad so users have to use an external mouse or the Legion Go’s touchscreen for navigation, a trade off for the compact design.
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