Lenovo has faced a difficult week after a poorly received Reddit AMA and a wave of preorder cancellations for its new Legion Go 2 handheld gaming device. The problems began on Monday when the Legion team hosted an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit to discuss the launch of the device. Despite strong interest, the team only answered ten questions before abandoning the thread, leaving many participants frustrated.
On Wednesday, Lenovo issued an apology, admitting it was not adequately prepared to handle the volume of questions. However, matters escalated on Friday when the company revealed in an edited post that some customers who preordered the Legion Go 2 through Lenovo’s own website would see their orders cancelled.
Preorders cancelled due to high demand
In its statement, Lenovo explained that demand for the Legion Go 2 “substantially exceeded our projections” and caused “unforeseen delivery range extensions.” The cancellations only apply to orders placed directly through Lenovo.com. Customers who purchased the handheld through retail partners such as Best Buy are not affected.
Reports had already surfaced suggesting shipping delays, with some customers noting their delivery dates had been pushed from September to October without any communication from the company. The news of cancellations has therefore added to customer frustration, particularly among those who had been eagerly awaiting the launch.
Lenovo has attempted to reassure customers by promising that ordering will reopen once inventory is replenished. “As soon as our inventory is replenished, Lenovo.com will show updated availability and ordering will reopen,” the company said. However, it did not clarify whether affected customers would receive priority for the next batch of devices.
Uncertain future for customer trust
The Legion Go 2 has been marketed as Lenovo’s next-generation gaming handheld, offering improved specifications and a higher price point compared to its predecessor. The hype surrounding the device led many fans to place early orders, hoping to receive it soon after launch.
Despite Lenovo’s pledge to return to the Reddit thread and answer outstanding questions over the coming weeks, many users have expressed disappointment with the handling of the launch. Comments on Reddit suggest a significant number of customers may choose not to reorder once the device becomes available again.
The combination of a failed AMA session, lack of clear communication and cancelled preorders has left Lenovo facing a public relations challenge at a crucial moment for its gaming division. Whether the company can rebuild trust with its most enthusiastic customers remains to be seen.
