Now that the Steam Deck is beginning to present its age, avid gamers are looking for upgraded handhelds that may fill the void of a not-yet-realized “Steam Deck 2.” For me, the Legion Go S is that handheld, and it is simply usually an awesome platform for on-the-go PC gaming.
I first encountered the Legion Go S at CES 2025 and eventually reviewed the hand held about seven months later, in July. Whereas the Home windows 11 model of the Legion Go S did not impress me an excessive amount of, the SteamOS Version naturally stood out—it was the primary non-Steam Deck console to ship with SteamOS, a surprisingly user-friendly platform that is far snappier and extra environment friendly than Home windows 11. You possibly can install SteamOS on any handheld PC, after all, nevertheless it’s good to have the working system preinstalled, and Valve’s official software program assist ensures a reasonably bug-free expertise.
Lenovo sells two configurations of the Legion Go S, each of that are extra highly effective than the Steam Deck. There’s the $600 base mannequin with a Ryzen Z2 Go processor, which is what most individuals ought to go for, although I’ve solely examined the $830 Ryzen Z1 Excessive variant. Each variations max out at 33W TDP in handheld mode, which supplies lots of headroom for graphically-intense video games that do not run properly on the Steam Deck, like Monster Hunter Wilds.
Want a Steam Deck 2? Lenovo’s Legion Go S Will Get You Halfway There
It is kind of an alternate improve path for Steam Deck clients.
The hand-held’s Xbox-like management format can also be fairly good, particularly in case you’re a console gamer who prefers to make use of a correct controller. It is even bought Corridor-effect joysticks. And I feel that Lenovo largely nailed the texture of the Legion Go S. It is chunky and unwieldy similar to each different handheld PC in the marketplace at present, nevertheless it’s comparatively ergonomic, with a contoured grip and a good weight.
After all, I do not wish to overlook this handheld’s flaws. The software program expertise is ever-so-slightly worse than that of the Steam Deck, so it looks like a redheaded stepchild at occasions. Its trackpad is so small that it is virtually nugatory—if you wish to play video games that require a mouse, you may have to make use of a joystick, which actually is not supreme. And Logitech one way or the other managed to search out the noisiest rumble motors I’ve ever heard in my life. You will inevitably end up turning the haptics off.
There’s additionally the 8-inch LCD display screen, which will likely be a no-go for some and essential for others. You possibly can simply as simply get a Steam Deck OLED Version at this value, however then you definitely’re caught with a 7-inch 1280×800 60Hz panel. The Legion Go S’ display screen does not look as fairly as an OLED, although it is arguably the “higher” show in some respects, because it contains a 1920×1200 video decision and 120Hz variable refresh charge. I respect the LCD in some fast-paced motion video games, however slower titles depart me eager for OLED.
If you happen to’re within the Legion Go S (SteamOS Version), I counsel that you just purchase the Ryzen Z2 Go mannequin, which sells for $600 MSRP and frequently goes for about $450 to $500 on eBay and Fb Market. Sadly, I am seeing some inflated pricing at retailers like Best Buy, which might be a symptom of the RAM-pocalypse.
8/10
- Dimensions
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0.89×5.02×11.77in (22.6 x 127.55 x 299mm)
- Enjoying Time
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1-5 hours
- Weight
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1.62lbs (25.92oz)
- Chipset
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AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive
Lenovo’s Legion Go S really feels prefer it’s a part of the Steam Deck household. With a robust processor, large display screen, and compelling value, it is clearly among the finest handheld gaming PCs obtainable at present.
Finally, a high-performance gaming keyboard that doesn’t look like a toy
A gorgeous design turned me right into a Corridor-effect fan.
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