Some Lenovo Legion Go Handhelds Bricked by BIOS Update
What Is the Lenovo Legion Go BIOS Bricking Issue?
The Lenovo Legion Go, a Windows-based handheld gaming PC released in October 2023, has been reported to become completely unresponsive (bricked) after installing a specific BIOS update, version 29 (BIOS 29). The issue was first widely documented in early April 2025 on forums and tech news sites, including Lowyat.net. Lenovo has acknowledged the problem and advises affected users to avoid installing the update and to contact support for recovery options.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Device | Lenovo Legion Go (model 8APU1) |
| Problematic Update | BIOS version 29 (released March 2025) |
| Reported Impact | Device fails to boot; black screen; no recovery via standard methods |
| Number of Reports | Over 200 user complaints on Lenovo forums and Reddit as of April 2025 |
| Lenovo Response | Official statement: “We are investigating the issue and recommend affected users contact support for a warranty replacement.” |
| Workaround | None; Lenovo has pulled the BIOS 29 update from its support site |
How Did the BIOS Update Brick the Lenovo Legion Go?
The BIOS 29 update appears to corrupt the device’s firmware during installation, leaving the handheld unable to boot or respond to any input, including recovery key combinations. According to user reports on the Lenovo Legion Go subreddit and the official Lenovo forum, the update fails partway through, causing the system to enter a boot loop or remain stuck on a black screen. Some users attempted to force a recovery via USB but found the device unresponsive even to external media. Lenovo’s support team has not yet released a public root cause analysis, but internal sources suggest a conflict with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme firmware stack.
“We are aware of reports that BIOS version 29 may cause some Legion Go units to become inoperable. We have removed the update from our distribution channels and are working on a fix. Affected customers should contact Lenovo support for a warranty replacement.”
— Lenovo Official Statement, April 2025
As of April 9, 2025, no software-based fix has been released, and the only resolution offered is hardware replacement under warranty.
Who Is Affected by the Lenovo Legion Go BIOS Brick?
The issue primarily affects Lenovo Legion Go owners who manually installed BIOS version 29 between March 15 and April 5, 2025, either through the Lenovo Vantage app or the support website. Users who did not install the update or who are running BIOS 28 or earlier are not affected. The problem appears to be hardware-independent: reports span multiple production batches and regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Lenovo has not disclosed the total number of units sold, but the Legion Go is estimated to have shipped over 500,000 units globally as of Q1 2025, meaning the affected population is a small fraction.
How Does the Legion Go Compare to Other Handheld PCs?
The Lenovo Legion Go competes directly with the ASUS ROG Ally and the Steam Deck, but its unique detachable controllers and larger 8.8-inch screen set it apart. Below is a comparison of key specifications and the impact of the BIOS issue:
| Feature | Lenovo Legion Go | ASUS ROG Ally | Steam Deck (LCD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | AMD Van Gogh (custom) |
| Screen | 8.8" IPS 2560x1600 | 7" IPS 1920x1080 | 7" LCD 1280x800 |
| Controllers | Detachable (like Switch) | Fixed | Fixed |
| BIOS Brick Risk | Confirmed (BIOS 29) | No widespread brick reports | No widespread brick reports |
| Warranty Support | Replacement offered | Standard RMA | Standard RMA |
While the Legion Go offers superior screen real estate and detachable controls, the BIOS bricking incident has eroded user trust compared to its competitors.
Common Questions
Can I still use my Lenovo Legion Go if I haven't installed BIOS 29?
Yes. If your device is running BIOS 28 or earlier, it is safe to continue using it. Avoid updating to BIOS 29 until Lenovo releases a fixed version. Disable automatic BIOS updates in Lenovo Vantage.
What should I do if my Legion Go is already bricked after the BIOS update?
Contact Lenovo support immediately. They will provide a warranty replacement. Do not attempt to flash a different BIOS via hardware tools, as this may void the warranty. Lenovo has confirmed replacements are being processed.
Will Lenovo release a fix for the bricked devices, or is replacement the only option?
As of April 9, 2025, Lenovo has not announced a software fix. The only official resolution is a hardware replacement under warranty. A future BIOS update may allow recovery, but no timeline has been given.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the original report published by Lowyat.net on April 9, 2025, titled “Some Lenovo Legion Go Handhelds Bricked by BIOS Update.” Additional context was drawn from user reports on the Lenovo Legion Go subreddit and the official Lenovo Community forums. All quoted statements are attributed to Lenovo’s official communication. No currency or unit conversions were required. This article was last updated on April 9, 2025.