Lenovo announced the Lenovo Legion Go S, a handheld gaming device with an 8-inch screen. There will be two main models, one running on Windows and the other on SteamOS.
Both have an 8-inch screen that offers a resolution of WUXGA, an aspect ratio of 16:10, and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The Windows device is powered by either the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor or the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and can support up to 32GB of fast RAM. It also has a 3-cell battery that lasts long enough for portable use. It has Wi-Fi 6e, two USB 4 ports, and a microSD card reader, which lets you connect to external displays and devices. It’s clearly an improvement to the Lenovo Go that we reviewed.
The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S is designed to provide a gaming experience similar to that of a console. It has the same hardware as the Windows version but runs on Valve’s SteamOS, which is optimized for gaming. Some key features include cloud saves for easy switching between PC and handheld gaming, Remote Play for streaming games from your PC, and full access to the Steam Store and your game library.
Both versions have similar hardware features, but the choice of operating system leads to different user experiences and access to games. The Windows version lets you play a wider range of games available on Windows, while the SteamOS version will likely be a better experience with improved battery life (at the expense of some game compatibility). Both models have the same physical design, making them portable and easy to use. The main differences are the operating system and how that affects your gaming experience. Additionally, the Windows version offers different processor options, allowing for some customization in performance and price.
When you compare the Legion Go S to the Steam Deck, there are some important differences. The Legion Go S has a bigger 8-inch screen, while the Steam Deck has a 7.4-inch screen. However, the Steam Deck’s OLED display has better contrast and can get brighter. The Legion Go S can reach higher refresh rates (up to 120Hz) than the Steam Deck’s 90Hz, which may lead to smoother gameplay. Still, the Steam Deck has better color accuracy.
Ultimately, which device is better comes down to what you value more: the Legion Go S has a higher resolution, potentially better performance, and more RAM, while the Steam Deck has a better display with higher contrast and brightness, along with clearer storage choices, but the Steam Deck is also much cheaper.
The expected starting price for the Windows version of the Legion Go S is $729.99. The Logion Go S with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor will be available in January 2025, while the version with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor is expected to ship in April 2025. The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S is expected to be released in May 2025, with a starting price of $499.99. Both models should be available from Lenovo’s online store and third-party retailers.
Source: Lenovo