Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go alongside its flagship Legion 9i laptop at IFA 2023, and the handheld PC serves as a great alternative to the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. It's armed with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 16GB 7500Mhz of LPDDR5X memory, so you can expect great performance for playing games on Windows.

While the built-in (and detachable) controller works well in most cases, you can also connect an external gamepad. Lenovo Legion Go runs on Windows 11 and supports Bluetooth, so you can use it with just about every controller released over the last decade. This includes Microsoft's Xbox controllers, Sony’s DualShock and DualSense, Amazon Luna controllers, and even Nintendo Joy-Cons and Pro controllers. If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, there are plenty of third-party wired and wireless options.

Which controller should you pick for the Lenovo Legion Go?

The choice of the controller depends on your preference and which form factor feels the best for you. However, we recommend one with an Xbox-style layout since it's the one a lot of PC games default to, and you don't want the different configurations on other controllers to affect your gaming sessions.

Connecting Bluetooth controllers to the Legion Go is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is turn on Bluetooth and pair your gamepad with the handheld.

1. Click on the Network icon in the Taskbar.
2. Click on Bluetooth.
3. Enter pairing mode on your controller by pressing and holding the Pair/PS/Sync button for five seconds.
4. Press the Arrow button next to Bluetooth on your Lenovo Legion Go and click on the controller once it shows up on the list.

For wired controllers and gamepads that require you to plug in a dongle, you’ll need a USB-Type A to Type-C adapter or a docking station, as the Legion Go doesn’t have a USB Type-A port.

We’ve highlighted three of our favorite controllers here, but feel free to check out our collection of the best controllers for the Lenovo Legion Go if you want to browse more options. You might also want to invest in a decent case if you want better protection for the premium handheld.

• Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller

  The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller isn't the cheapest controller on the block, but it's one of the best options for the Lenovo Legion Go if you want a premium gamepad with unmatched customizability.

  $180 at Amazon $180 at Best Buy

• Sony DualSense Wireless Controller

  The Sony DualSense wireless controller may not be for the Xbox consoles, but it's a worthwhile option for the Lenovo Legion Go. It has super-accurate thumbsticks, adaptive triggers, and haptic rumble (with compatible games). It's also comfortable to use and looks the part of a premium controller.

  $69 at Amazon $69 at Newegg

• 8Bitdo Pro 2

  If you prefer the look and feel of old-school controllers, then the 8Bit Pro 2 is for you! In addition to supporting rumble and motion controls, the gamepad can be paired with your Lenovo Legion Go via Bluetooth or a USB Type-C cable.

  $50 at Amazon $50 at Best Buy