The ULTIMATE Retro Gaming Tablet: Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Review

[@retrohandhelds]

What's *your* thoughts on the Y700? This might be the best tablet we've ever seen for retro gaming. Minor Correction: The tablet comes with a 68w, not 28w charger.

[@tencheenian]

@@retrohandhelds vertical mode for ds and 3ds emulation .... use the latest razer controller to plug into its side usb port...

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

I would say maybe. Haven't gamed on a tablet yet.

[@-Airwalk1616-]

Best thing I ever bought. Paired with the Gamesir G8+ it's perfect

[@gregorybolivar5712]

@@retrohandhelds It's the Best 8"+ Screen Android Gaming Tablet... out there from Lenovo legion series + stylus support... Awesome...for Artists + Gamers on the Go... Also, rocking Dual Usb-C's... which None of those iPad Pro or Samsung Tab S series doesn't even have... For now, I am rocking The RaZeR Edge Tablet only + GameSir X-4 Aileron or The BsP D8 ( Space Black or Star White Edition Bluetooth controllers... But waiting to see when the Lenovo legion tab Y700 goes lower than $200 in price... Or if a Lenovo will drop a new model...for 2024 or 2025... Fun Time Gaming... 🤣🧐🤔😎🙃😁🤯

[@diomaiaal]

It's great but as far as I know only China rom and the globas one is unofficial accordingly of WHT aliexpress vendors write on their pages and it has some pesky bugs. And it sucks in my opinion because I love 8-ish tablets

[@NeoSpartan117]

This tablet is a great travel companion, tablet is great for streaming or productivity but then add a controller and you have a solid, big screen handheld.

[@Relt88]

I can second this comment. I own this tablet and i went on a 3 months backpacking trip with just this and no laptop. Not once did i miss my laptop or pc and with a wireless mouse and keyboard, i could do all of my work related stuff easily.

[@matthewschmitt4421]

Been watching this tablet since the 2022 version, its exciting to see I was right about this being a BEAST

[@retrohandhelds]

I’ve had the 2022 version for a year, which is honestly still almost as good aside from Switch emulation. This version improves on an already winning formula!

[@MyTechTaste]

8" Android tablets with powerful soc are rare these days, glad Lenovo still has them. I plan to buy the 2024 version.

[@retrohandhelds]

Hoping for that 8gen 3!

[@YoungWise2011]

Just ordered

[@MyTechTaste]

@@YoungWise2011 I will wait for the global version. I hope it will be released soon.

[@YoungWise2011]

@@MyTechTaste CN rom always better u can always flash global ROM

[@MyTechTaste]

@@YoungWise2011 Even if I wanted to, I still couldn't because my country prohibits buying goods directly from China.

[@YoungWise2011]

Just ordered 2024 version. I don't game just love the smaller form factor with to end specs

[@mikandre84]

Does the 2024 model has a micro sd slot?

[@YoungWise2011]

@mikandre84 no unfortunately

[@洪翊喆]

@@YoungWise2011 where did you buy it? I cannot find it in US.

[@JB-tp6uj]

I've tried to tell people that this tablet is a hidden gem for emulation and streaming. It's a better option than the Steam Deck because of the screen and battery life for those uses. I have a Razer Kishi Ultra with my tablet. Yes, it's expensive, but I believe it's the best telescopic controller right now: full size analog sticks, best d-pad, good buttons and ergonomics.

[@Rr-j4x]

should i buy now or wait for 2024 version

[@bassderek]

The upcoming abxylute controller may be worth considering - stick around for a review on the 29th!

[@JB-tp6uj]

@@Rr-j4x hard to say. The increased power will definitely help iron out some of the emulation issues that were present in the video. But most of these issues are the result of the emulator. We’re in a weird spot where the technology of these chips have surpassed what is available on android. One thing you may consider is that while you can get this version for $300-$350, the new version will probably not be nearly as cheap…and there might not be a lot of difference outside of the chip.

[@JB-tp6uj]

@@bassderek will do!

[@Rr-j4x]

@@JB-tp6uj you are right id probably pass on it for now

[@Mars_Army]

Good Review. i was considering getting an Odin 2 but i like this much better just because of the larger screen.

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks! The screen is definitely better than the Odin 2 screen. As long as you are ok with a separate controller it’s a nice option.

[@pdg8493]

Even after some time this tablet remains a must buy: price, external memory and almost perfect emulation up to the switch... what more could you ask for at this price? in my opinion today it is better to take this than a rog ally considering that you can combine it with a cloud gaming like gamnepass and gforcenow and also play PC titles..I recommend this version to the 2024/2025 version

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Indeed... I already got the: BsP D8 Bluetooth Controller ( Star Space White Edition) The slim protective case...magnet black... Carrying case which is for the Playstation Portal... The Stylus for my sketching ideas time to time... But looking to get the tablet Y700 2023 soon...at a low price below or close to $250...or so... 🤓🧐

[@sph_smn_xxiv]

can't wait to get mine around December ❤

[@KyleRuggles]

Great review!

[@ljacobs357]

I have the Mini 7 but find the Y700 much more flexible and usable. Just be careful which variant you use. I prefer the 2023 China version.

[@ruxcooking]

Before getting my steamdeck I did something similar with a tablet and geforcenow . Since getting my steamdeck I hardly ever stream games but still use my tablet a lot as an all around portable for work, a second monitor , and content consumption because my eyes aren't getting any younger. Emulators still look great on the bigger screen.

[@retrohandhelds]

The screen is easily the standout feature on this tablet!

[@BigSopapilla]

1st of all this was a great video, nice to see you on the channel. I've been using this tablet as my main streaming and emulation device for about a month and it's been fantastic other than 1 issue. Some games have small stutters when the ROM is stored on the micro SD card. Virtua Tennis World Tour for PSP, which you showed, is a perfect example and has a slight stutter after every point. No such issue when the ROM is on the internal storage.

[@bassderek]

Thanks, I will have to check that out further.

[@Kiyoshi_9606]

Controller: Gamesir G8 and G8+ for sure... Alternatives: Logitech Gcloud (7.0" Android), Alldocube 8.4 (1920x1200), Samsung A9 (8.7") The 2024 y700 drops in a week, 8gen3 ❤ I suggest hooking up to tv/projector for 1080p gaming and Bluetooth/RF controller... Hence why I vote for G8 Plus, with macro keypad shoved inside it for hot keys (save/load)

[@droo3010]

This is old by now and the prices haven't dropped yet. Price is still as high as it was more than 1 year ago sadly. It's late and bad time to buy it since it will drop in price anytime soon when new model arrives

[@pinoyian01]

Moonlight streaming with 5120x3200 resolution on this look so good

[@codylester9081]

I would like to see a telescoping controller that is more D-pad centric also. I ordered a G8 plus for mine

[@cho-v4n]

Great review Derek.

[@retrohandhelds]

Thank you!

[@ermathew]

There will also be a new controller(legion G7) dropping along with the 2024 version, literally a G8 in different colorways, check them out if your interested

[@retrohandhelds]

I heard that that controller may also share some of the upgrades from the g8+ as well. I probably won’t get the new tablet though because I can’t afford everything!

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Awesome content...

[@KrysKing1521]

How do I charge it to 100%? The tablet keeps beeping at 90% and doesn't charge further. WHAT do I DO now?

[@KillerSigmaHaker]

thank you very much for this review. i will buy this tablet for gamestreaming and maybe for emulation😊

[@davevayn]

Man, that shirt slays!

[@TheHUhelps]

Great video. Thank you! Where did you get the black folio case?

[@LorenzoOngtangco]

How is the screen when using outdoors? Can you see the screen or is it bright?

[@Kajukota]

Hold on, you can just use the Gamesir G8 with no connectivity issues? Mine doesn't connect, as it seemingly only wants to charge from the tablet. Did you have to update the firmware or something?

[@alexsotelo180]

Same issue here. Could you clarify how you managed to make the Gamesir G8 work with this tablet?

[@BigSopapilla]

I've been using the G8 with this tablet with no problems, and haven't had to do any tricks. Sorry it doesn't work for you all. This seems to be a common issue.

[@bassderek]

Ah, I should have mentioned, you do have to do the trick where you plug power into the charge port on the g8, and then remove the cord as soon as the green circle lights up. You have to get the timing just right.

[@CharlesDiano]

Hi im planning to get this, isnt it China Rom? Or is there a global rom?

[@ceplok_ceplok]

Any of you guys own this device with its stylus? Hows the pen work on this device? How abt the palm rejection as well?

[@retrohandhelds]

Unfortunately the stylus I have is MPP and works with the 2022 Y700 and not the 2023 so I haven’t been able to test that.

[@blackice1994]

What's the GPU is 730 or 740

[@ryanbartlett672]

Thorough review. Thank you. I might just get one -- it is basically a Z Fold unfolded, which is a great size. If I buy one from China, will I be able to change the language easily?

[@retrohandhelds]

Yes English is an included language on the CN rom and easy to change.

[@diego5401ok]

09:25 which is the launcher of emulation?

[@omaewamoushindeiru5937]

If only the latest version has micro SD slot. 😢

[@Fr0z3nH3Vrt]

I read somewhere that they're making 2024 version with gen3 processor

[@retrohandhelds]

Yes there is a GeekBench benchmark listing that may hint at an upcoming version. We’re excited to check out it if it comes true!

[@ivan-j4l9x]

If you use the gamesir g8 plus you can pair it to the pc while mounted on the tablet to get rumble signals

[@Rr-j4x]

i still have my ipad 3 too! too bad ut cant run major apps i use anymore. the speaker suddenly broke it still can be used as emailing,browsing and music player device knowing its slow

[@energuminum]

Very nice, I prefer devices with built-in controls, but the big screen and performance is definitely interesting. Great video!

[@retrohandhelds]

I’m with you there, I just really like this tablet for its versatility and big crisp screen.

[@gregorybolivar5712]

I am glad you mentioned Ipad Mini... on the Ios side of thing... The downside... No MicroSD-Card Slot for those with a large library for Emulation gaming... Meaning... It tops at 256gb internal storage... So... Can't rock that 1tb LexaR... Samsung Evo... Sandisk extended storage... 🙃🤣🤯🧐

[@yada1626]

Would getting this as emulation & some mobile games as consideration atm. Just 2 questions; 1. does it it have more options to tweak graphical settings via it's game mode manager and 2. does it have keyboard & mouse mapper built-in? Thanks for review ❤

[@retrohandhelds]

Game mode has three performance modes, and there’s refresh rate and color settings in the regular Android settings. Not sure there’s much beyond that. As far as mapping I’m not 100% sure I’ll take a look when I have a chance.

[@uncaringbear]

I would recommend also checking out the upcoming Alldocube iPlay 60 mini Pro. It's about half the price of the Y700 but obviously packs more modest, but still capable hardware, such as the G99 SoC. The Y700 is great for the high end, but I think the Alldocube fits nicely in the midrange category.There seems to be a growing amount of interest in this tablet, and the previous version was well-received.

[@chriss.4790]

I had the alldocube. What separates the y700 from it is the much nicer screen. And having 2 god speakers. I couldn’t stand the 1 speaker on the iplay. Also love having 2 usb c

[@MrKinein]

I think external controller is a PRO not a CON. Because you can select the perfect controller for yourself and if your stick drifts then no need to disassemble or trash the whole thing!

[@retrohandhelds]

Fair, modular does have its advantages.

[@poloDhTip]

Does the gamesir fits the y700 without modifications?

[@localblackman427]

Are you going to grab the redmagic nova to review? I'm stuck between the nova and the 2023 y700 (skipping the 2025)

[@megafest9017]

Hello, what is te theme are you using on the video?, its form ES-DE?

[@RizalBoon]

I heard Galileo G8 has an USB-C connection issue with Y700 2023. Did you faced any issue when u tried moonlight in the video? If not, I will try to look for this tablet in my area.

[@retrohandhelds]

I did have the issue, you have to plug the controller into power while connected and then quickly pull it out when the light turns green. The upcoming Abxylute S9 does not have this issue. If you are ok with Bluetooth the G8+ is a better option than the regular G8.

[@RizalBoon]

@@retrohandhelds ok thanks for the note.

[@MikeySaxMusic]

Me wants tablet. HI BASS DEREK! It’s me, SaxMikey

[@SupaaManix]

I had the first one with the SD 870 and even though it was powerful at the time, Google services didn't run continuously. Which means that you didn't get libre notifications for Gmail, WhatsApp or Meet calls for example. At the time the OS don't allow real multitasking, it always restarted the previous app from zero. Is it still the case with this one?

[@Spacecowboy2086]

Have you tried GeForce now on it and is the contrast better than the legion go? I tried that one and coming from an oled wasn’t impressed

[@nicoataiza7850]

What stylus did you use at the beginning?

[@garryw1974]

Lenovo should make 2 different versions of the Lenovo go handheld,one windows based as we already have and also make one android based with a snapdragon 8 gen3 for people who want great battery life. I would much rather a android version of the Lenovo go with a snapdragon 8 gen3 any day.

[@gregorybolivar5712]

@@garryw1974 Indeed... Been rocking my emulation gaming on Android Device mostly... 🤯🤔😎🙃

[@retrohandhelds]

I would buy this! Tablet with built in controls. Nice big screen but with the smaller size and better battery life of Android.

[@Doviruses.existbaileyonodysee]

i convinced myself to unnecessarily order one. gen3/512gb/486usd (with coupons/ali) I'm probably going for the case with the plastic loop/handle because it's been very practicle on my s6/10,5. but can i ask. how secure are those telescopic controllers? Would the tablet smack me in the nose if i was using it above my head laying on the sofa, or would it dislodge if one of the kids, being kids, held half the control while fiddling/moving/being distracted? after thought: kind of wonder if it this would be cool if it had an optional dock like the switch Cheers from shaun.

[@twurtles9414]

@@Doviruses.existbaileyonodysee which one did u order Shaun? i see Aliex has a huge variety and im confused on which one to pick

[@ivan-j4l9x]

With a capture card you can stream ps5 to the tablet at 1440p 120hz using moonlight

[@embl_0]

How do u enable performance mode I don't see the button on the screen when I on the emu

[@lights2925]

How long does lenovo provide software/security updates for this model?

[@zemi2750]

2023 version out of stock...lol I guess the emulationY700 secret is spreading faster than I thought; handheld guys chasing the dragon, finally figuring out they were wasting money instead of buying smart. This is THE! setup. Hard to find without being too expensive or some major drawbacks. At a slight discount, get it and you won't need anything else for a long time. BSP D8/Pro is a nice choice also. [Edith: Date Typo]

[@ryukirex23]

My tab doesn't have game assistance what is the problem?

[@DemocracyJones]

Wish I knew what settings you have your Dolphin and NetherSX at. I am not getting those results at all. Besides resolution did you fiddle with any options?

[@retrohandhelds]

Mostly stock other than tweaking the resolution multipliers. Are you using game mode on the tablet?

[@DemocracyJones]

@@retrohandheldsI have game mode going. I haven't done a huge amount of testing. a few games ran fine but i didn't try maxing them out. I tried the harder to run games for both systems and had issues. Like with Dolphin I can't get Rogue Squadron 2 or 3 to a playable FPS no matter what settings. Metroid Prime 2 I could get mostly playable but still having dips after a few options changed and could only run it at 1x resolution. As far as NetherSX the only actual game I couldn't run that I've tried is sly cooper. But I've heard that NetherSX classic runs that better. Other games I've tried have been playable but I can't go past 1x. I think BurnOut 3 I was able to get to 2x without trouble but that was it. I don't know. Maybe I messed up a setting somewhere and I should start from scratch. Thanks for the reply! 😊 Do you have any plans on trying out the new Y700? Besides them taking out another thing and it being the MicroSD slot this time it looks like a nice tablet with the SD8g3

[@stigish]

Do you have any thoughts on this vs odin 2? Or even the upcoming y700 2024?

[@McGuinness89]

Having some performance issues on some game streaming and Warzone mobile on latest Global so I may be switching back to the Chinese rom. Can you share a link to get Google Play on Chinese? Thank you

[@retrohandhelds]

Can’t share an exact link, but you can find it on most popular APK sites.

[@mohammedal-qahtani529]

How do you arrange emulators like this?

[@tencheenian]

the 2024 one might come out another 2 months...

[@STR82DVD]

It's been announced. Your right.

[@Rr-j4x]

did they say it has 5g or its more of just chip upgrade?

[@netnomad47]

Where was it announced? Will it have oled?

[@STR82DVD]

@@netnomad47 Giztop was my source. It's the 2024 iteration with better screen apparently.

[@bassderek]

@@STR82DVD No, they're talking about another rumored one with Snapdragon 8gen 3 chipset. Unknown yet when it will launch.

[@after_hours_]

Question where do you download all those games you played? Is it free?

[@jan3019]

Been looking for that racing game. What is it called? The first game that you showed?

[@retrohandhelds]

For PS2 I showed Gran Turismo and Burnout

[@Dakidriv]

I feel like a tablet would be sick for ds which is what i probably play the most

[@retrohandhelds]

Fun fact, since the tablet has a usb port on the side you can play it vertically using a telescoping controller for DS and 3DS!

[@MaxRockatansky7]

Would it be possible to use Google services in china rom? What to do if not?

[@lunchbreak1792]

I just got one! Setting up now but having an issue that youdont have the performance/balance/energy saver options when in emulation apps like citra or nethersx2. Is there a way to manually set this when the toggle doesn't show?

[@retrohandhelds]

Android settings > Game Assistant > Manage my Games

[@UIPTANGKAK]

what game on mins 7.05?

[@peejae082004]

Can you attach a usb-c controller and play DS/3DS since it has a usb-c port on the side (on portrait mode) or is that just for charging?

[@retrohandhelds]

Yes! It is a full featured port.

[@gregorybolivar5712]

NEW Project: 7" Android Gaming Handheld Remixed or ReconfigureD: 1) RaZeR Edge Tablet only... 6gb ram / 128gb internal storage...CpU...Snapdragon G3x gen 1 / cooling fan system... Or 2) PiMaX Portal Tablet only... 8gb ram / 128gb or 256gb internal storage...CpU..Snapdragon XR-2 / cooling fan system... + GameSir X-4 Aileron Bluetooth Controller OR BsP D8 Bluetooth Controller 🙃🧐🤓😎🥸🤯 3) Also, carrying case: Any Switch Case... 10"×5"×2" or 11"×6"×3" measurements... At Amazon... Fun Time Gaming...

[@serpserpserp]

Are you sure that Kirby wasn't just compiling its shaders?

[@bassderek]

Certainly possible, my bad for not giving it a bit longer to test.

[@Theskullsplaylist]

yea i think Samsung did way with nice smaller tablets i got the tab 7 but it is what it is with how things are going

[@babyfacedkayos]

It's a Legion Go screen with android instead of windows

[@boszyumin5146]

Where can i buy?

[@retrohandhelds]

Check out the link in the description!

[@andreabarbato9914]

what is at 9:26? is that an app or a different os?

[@retrohandhelds]

It is ES-DE Android, a launcher/frontend application for emulators/retroarch.

[@robert.sec2]

I just bought this, and now i'm kicking myself over not just waiting a couple months. Oh well.

[@retrohandhelds]

Still an excellent tablet!

[@saikopatreek]

Is this china rom version?

[@ontdekuzelf]

I have the (hacked) global version... Beautiful all languages.... I think it is the official one, but that has a block because although announcement it still isn't globally launched... The hackers did hack the block I think, because everything is in my own Dutch language without translation problems and it works perfect..... Only problem so far is that it sometimes has difficulty writing on the extra sd card... Don't understand it.... Sometimes it don't recognise the sd card..... Oh No, there's another strange problem : some apps don't see the GPS, but others do.... Google maps works perfect, TomTom not.... Then it has another design problem... The drowning of the battery is bad... After a few hours It's empty... The screen drowns it..... And a second design failure for me it the missing of the simcard... You can't use it away from home.... You need a hotspot.. And dialling is also not possible without simcard.... Luckily whatsapp etc works perfect.... I never like the original launcher, so nova helps me fully with it's best launcher. What really is nice is the own task bar at the bottom... Like on a laptop.... You can place the apps you want (in groups) in 7 places . It can't be disabled.. the (nova) launcher is placed above it. What also very beautiful is, is that it plays all the local tv apps... Perfect... It has global allowance of tv and film casting.... Really good And the sound is beautiful.... Not so much low tones, but very nice.... I had difficulty installing 40 of my 400 apps in playstore .. I got them from apkpure.. That worked and after installation from apkpure they could be updated at playstore... Strange... Maybe it's not 100% playstore compatible.. So at the end still missing my Simcard the rest is nearly perfect..(just have a big powerbank at hand if you're not at home) I don't play games but do a lot of multitasking, widgets etc... It's fast. So screenprotector, transparent case, sd card, ordered a special pen...maybe a keyboard... The show goes on It replaces my huawei mediapad m6 8.4 .... Which works always perfect despite the 'slow' processor, antutu score is low, but it never freezes, always works smoothly... And it has a simcard !! And gives a perfect handsfree sound.... And sd-card... It is also a hacked global version in my own language.... Unfortunately after the last update 2 years ago Google was blocked... Nowadays this can be solved by using gspace... And Microsoft Outlooks helps to use Google agenda and email... Contacts can be imported... It didn't play local tv... That was always a great pity... So together with a simple phone with hotspot the lenovo is allround.... I also use Samsung S9 ultra with simcard and keyboard (as a laptop) , 14.6 inch... This is the beautiful mini version... Just the simcard,, 😊😊😊 otherwise it would replace my smartphone....

[@juantamad1544]

lenovo make your legion y700 a g cloud like device. Just double the battery and add a controller.

[@-ShinTV-]

Ugh I wish the 512gb version wasn't sold out. D:

[@retrohandhelds]

At least you have an SD slot unlike phones so it’s not a big deal IMO.

[@mrtokes2825]

Can this device play world of warcraft

[@YeFansMalaysia]

Hi, i want to get emulator and game install game guides. I have older phone i want to turn into emulation machine

[@Stunnax757]

The razor edge is sold as a "tablet". AMOLED screen.

[@gregorybolivar5712]

@@Stunnax757 indeed...it is with cooling fan system built in...

[@vergosti]

Купил такой, очень прикольный , для чтения, и игр самое то...до этого был у700 2022. Батарея была лучше у первого 2022

[@AedanWindsor]

I didn’t buy the 2nd version anymore. The Lenovo support sucks. No update. It’s sucks.

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Also, HeadWolf Fpad5...cpu MT Helio G99 8.4" screen...

[@MysticNessly]

I recently tried Alldocube 8.4in with the Mediatek G99 processor but streaming was choppy and normal functions of tablet is a bit slow/laggy. Bluetooth controller with Mediatek G99 is more lag inducing than my phone that has the Snapdragon 8gen1. I think its more worthwile to get this more powerful Legion Y700.

[@gregorybolivar5712]

​@MysticNessly Indeed... I already got the: BsP D8 Bluetooth Controller ( Star Space White Edition) The slim protective case...magnet black... Carrying case which is for the Playstation Portal... The Stylus for my sketching ideas time to time... But looking to get the tablet Y700 2023 soon...at a low price below or close to $250...or so... 🤓🧐

[@MikeySaxMusic]

You have a face!!

[@bassderek]

It does exist!

[@COACTUSFECI75]

hmm iam homeless, i have an 100bugs tablet...thats crap...this legion tab would be perfekt for all my doings...but soooorry i dont pay 500 bugs for that.100-200 more and i can buy a windows handlheld...

[@stevenhoule1866]

At $350... You might as well get an Odin 2 or a steam deck. Both which are more powerful and cheaper and will give a better gaming experience.

[@KyleRuggles]

But it's a tablet, it does other things AND it can game! ^_^ It's nice to have options.

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

800p and ghosting. Are great reasons to avoid those

[@garryw1974]

I have the odin 2 but 6 inch screen is just way to small in my opinion,can't beat a nice 8.8 inch screen for emulation.

[@MikeySaxMusic]

@@KyleRugglesditto

[@Stunnax757]

It's $260 after tax and coupons right now

[@cjjorge6636]

if your like me and are a cheap person go get a old laptop/pc with the best specs you can and fill it up with games/roms /bios with batocera and a cheap controller i have made 5/6 of them by now i never spent more then 50$ cash lol