Lenovo Legion Go Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD and CPU Options

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers the original Lenovo Legion Go (8APU1) and what you can upgrade yourself. The short answer: the 16GB of memory is soldered and cannot be upgraded, and Lenovo describes no replaceable processor, but you can swap in a larger SSD through the single M.2 2242 slot.

At a glance

  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X-7500, soldered to the board with no slots, so it cannot be upgraded.
  • Storage: one M.2 2242 slot, PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe only. 2280 and SATA drives do not fit or work.
  • Lenovo lists 1TB as the maximum SSD size, based on the drives it has tested rather than a hard limit.
  • A microSD slot takes microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards for extra game storage.
  • CPU: Lenovo's documents don't describe a user-replaceable processor.
M.2 slotSSD M.2 2242 (NVMe) · up to 1.024 TB
microSD slotFlash card microSD (SD (UHS))
M.2 slotSSD M.2 2242 (NVMe) · up to 1.024 TBmicroSD slotFlash card microSD (SD (UHS))
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported. Support is planned until Oct. 28, 2029.

20232024202520262027202820292030Today11 · Release · Oct. 31, 202322 · EOSL · Oct. 28, 2029
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 Oct. 31, 2023 Official Earliest PSREF "Announce Date"; announce date, not necessarily the shipping date
Source ↗
End of standard support (EOSL)
Standard warranty and support contracts can no longer be renewed.		 Oct. 28, 2029 Official PSREF "End of Support" date, confirmed by Lenovo's gaming team as about 6 years after launch
Source ↗

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Storage: M.2 2242 SSD and microSD

The Legion Go has one internal M.2 slot that takes 2242-length drives (22 mm wide, 42 mm long). It is a PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe slot, so SATA M.2 drives will not work, and longer 2280 drives are not supported. The console ships with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.

Lenovo lists 1TB as the maximum capacity. It says this is based on test results with its current storage offerings, so it is a tested figure rather than a hard limit. We can't confirm that a larger 2242 drive will work. The 8 GB/s figure often quoted for PCIe 4.0 x4 is a theoretical maximum, and real speed depends on the drive you choose.

The Legion Go also has a microSD slot that supports microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards. Lenovo's documents don't state a maximum card capacity or required speed class, so check the card's specs and stick with well-known brands.

Buying tips

  • Look specifically for M.2 2242 NVMe drives. Plain M.2 2280 drives will not fit.
  • Make sure the drive is PCIe NVMe, not SATA.
  • Staying at or under 1TB keeps you within what Lenovo lists.
  • 2242 drives are less common than 2280, so compare a few listings for stock and compatibility.
  • For a no-opening alternative, a microSD card adds space, but its speed varies by card.

Cheapest compatible right now

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Check Lenovo's Hardware Maintenance Manual for your model before opening the device. We don't cover exact disassembly here.
  • Lenovo's documents don't say how opening the device affects your warranty, so check your warranty terms first.
  • Back up your saves, games and files. Swapping the SSD means reinstalling or restoring Windows and your data.
  • Have your new drive ready and confirm it is M.2 2242 PCIe NVMe.
  • Work on a clean, well-lit, static-safe surface with a suitable small screwdriver.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy saves, settings and anything you can't re-download to an external drive or cloud storage. Plan how you will restore or reinstall the operating system on the new SSD.
  2. Power off and disconnect
    Shut the console down fully (not sleep), unplug the charger and any accessories, and remove any microSD card.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch bare metal or use an anti-static wrist strap before handling the drive or internal parts.
  4. Open the case
    Follow the disassembly steps in Lenovo's Hardware Maintenance Manual for the Legion Go. Lenovo's published specs don't describe the exact screws or latches, so use the manual rather than guessing.
  5. Swap the SSD
    Remove the existing M.2 2242 drive and fit the new 2242 NVMe drive in the same slot, securing it the way the manual describes. Handle the drive by its edges.
  6. Close the case
    Reassemble the console carefully, making sure no cables are pinched and all screws go back where they came from.
  7. Check that the drive is detected
    Power on and check that the new drive shows up in the BIOS or firmware and in Windows. Then install or restore your operating system and data.

Good to know

  • Lenovo's documents don't cover warranty effects of opening the device or give teardown steps, so check the Hardware Maintenance Manual and your warranty first.
  • The 1TB maximum is a tested figure, not a confirmed hard limit.
  • The maximum microSD capacity and speed class are not documented.
  • Other Legion Go models (Go 2 and Go S) have different memory and storage specs, so don't mix their details with the original Legion Go.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Lenovo Legion Go take?

None can be added. The original Legion Go has 16GB of LPDDR5X-7500 memory soldered to the board, with no slots, and Lenovo lists it as not upgradable.

Can I upgrade the Legion Go's CPU?

Lenovo's documents don't describe a user-replaceable processor, so plan on the processor you bought with the console.

What size SSD does the Legion Go use?

It uses a single M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe slot. Only 2242-length drives are supported, and SATA drives will not work.

Can I put a 2280 SSD in the Legion Go?

No. On the original Legion Go only 2242 drives are supported. The Legion Go 2 is a different model with different storage options, so don't use its specs as a guide.

What is the largest SSD the Legion Go supports?

Lenovo lists 1TB as the maximum, based on the storage options it has tested. It is not stated as a hard limit, but larger drives are unconfirmed.

Does the Legion Go have a microSD slot?

Yes. It supports microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards. Lenovo's documents don't give a maximum card capacity or speed class.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.