Lenovo has updated its Legion G9 controller for 2026, bringing upgraded joystick technology and an Xbox-style layout to its gaming tablet ecosystem. The new gamepad transforms the Legion Y700 Gen 5 and Legion Tab Gen 5 tablets into handheld gaming devices with detachable controls that connect via USB Type-C.
The Legion G9 2026 features Hall effect joysticks with a 250 Hz polling rate and a rated lifespan of 5 million cycles, matching the durability of its Hall effect triggers. The controller uses an asymmetric joystick layout similar to Xbox Series S and X controllers, replacing last year's four-way d-pad with an eight-way version. Lenovo has also included 12 micro switches rated for 5 million cycles, including four rear-mounted buttons for additional inputs.
The gamepad measures 32.2 x 13.5 x 5.4 cm (12.7 x 5.3 x 2.1 inches) and includes dual rumble motors, customizable RGB lighting, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. While officially designed for the Legion Y700 Gen 5, the controller should work with the Legion Tab Gen 5 as well through its side-mounted port.
Lenovo has priced the Legion G9 2026 at $73 (€67) in China, though the company has not confirmed global availability beyond the Chinese market.
