There are a handful of big names in gaming phones, like the Asus ROG Phone line, Xiaomi Black Shark line, and Lenovo Legion line that regularly feature in our best gaming phone guide.
Following rumors that Lenovo was ending its Legion line of gaming phones, the company confirmed this in a statement to Android Authority (opens in a new tab), with a Lenovo spokesperson stating: "Lenovo is discontinuing its mobile gaming phones. Android-based Legion as part of a broader business transformation and game portfolio consolidation.
"As a leader in gaming devices and solutions, Lenovo is committed to advancing the gaming category in all form factors, while also focusing on the areas where it can bring the most value to the community. The World of Gamers ".
Technically, this wording leaves open the possibility that Lenovo could still make gaming phones that aren't Legion-branded or don't run Android, but that seems unlikely. Most likely, we won't see any future gaming phones from the company.
A few options remain, but they face stiff competition.
So where does this leave you if you want a gaming phone? Well, the Asus ROG Phone line seems to be moving forward, with the Asus ROG Phone 7 set to land on April 13.
We're also expecting to see a Xiaomi Black Shark 6 later this year and possibly a ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9.
So there are a handful of upcoming options, as well as the gaming phones already available. But with only a few companies making them in 2023, Lenovo's exit from the market will have a noticeable impact on the selection available, which is a shame.
However, that might not come as a surprise. Gaming phones have always been a niche proposition, with their flashy designs often putting off a more general audience. There's also arguably little need for a gaming phone for most people. Most of the best phones can handle games just as well as gaming phones and are better phones overall.
Sure, they lack some gaming-specific features like side buttons, and they don't typically have as big batteries as gaming phones, but instead they have better cameras, higher-resolution screens, and better-looking designs.
With competition from the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck as well, it's been a tough time for gaming phones, but hopefully some brands will stick around for serious mobile gamers.