Handheld gaming PCs have become incredibly capable over the past few years, but they’ve always occupied an awkward middle ground between tablets and laptops. Most handhelds excel at gaming but struggle with productivity tasks that require extended typing or multitasking, while traditional gaming laptops offer better keyboards and screens but sacrifice the portability and flexibility that makes handhelds appealing in the first place.
The Lenovo Legion Go stands out in this crowded field thanks to its removable controllers that transform it from a handheld console into a Windows tablet. MysteriousAlarm897 on Reddit saw this modularity as an opportunity to push the concept further. His 3D-printed dock essentially turns the Legion Go into a clamshell laptop complete with physical keyboard, extended battery life, and all the ports you need for serious productivity work.
Designer: MysteriousAlarm897
The dock consists of a custom-designed enclosure that houses both the Legion Go and a compact Lenovo multi-device keyboard in a laptop-style configuration. The Legion Go sits in the upper frame at a comfortable viewing angle, while the keyboard nestles into a lower tray with precise cutouts for all essential ports and ventilation. The entire assembly closes like a traditional laptop, protecting both the screen and keyboard during transport while maintaining a surprisingly compact footprint.
What makes this project particularly impressive is the attention to practical details that separate successful DIY projects from interesting experiments. The quick-release mechanism lets you remove the Legion Go in seconds for handheld gaming or tablet use, while strategic port cutouts ensure you can still access USB-C, USB-A, and microSD without removing the device from the dock. The hinge mechanism feels solid and stable, preventing the wobbling that plagues many DIY laptop conversions.
The original version includes an ambitious 190Wh battery pack built from 18650 cells that dramatically extends the Legion Go’s runtime for all-day productivity sessions. The custom PCB supports up to 65W charging and includes safety features and a charging indicator, though the creator admits this version becomes quite heavy for daily carry. Community feedback led to a slimmer version that omits the extra battery, relying on the Legion Go’s internal power while maintaining keyboard benefits.
The project went through ten iterations before reaching its current form, with the creator refining everything from hinge stability to weight distribution based on real-world testing. The final design uses magnetic latches for the cover, requiring 5×2 magnets for secure closure, while the entire dock can be 3D-printed by anyone with access to a printer and files. The iterative process demonstrates the value of community feedback in refining DIY hardware projects.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the engineering ingenuity and requesting access to the printable files for their own builds. Some have suggested improvements like integrated trackpads, lighter materials, or compatibility with different keyboards, demonstrating how open-source hardware projects evolve through collective input and experimentation from enthusiastic users who understand the potential for further development.
The dock addresses a genuine need for users who want the flexibility of a handheld gaming PC without sacrificing productivity capabilities when needed. Unlike commercial laptop alternatives that require choosing between gaming performance and portability, MysteriousAlarm897’s solution lets you have both in a single, modular system. The Legion Go’s unique removable controller design makes this transformation possible in ways that wouldn’t work with other handhelds.
The post This DIY Dock Turns the Lenovo Legion Go Into a True Laptop first appeared on Yanko Design.