Handheld gaming PCs have surged in popularity over the last couple of years, largely thanks to the impact of the Steam Deck. Valve's Linux-based handheld has inspired mainstream PC manufacturers to explore this space, and the Lenovo Legion Go S is a direct response to this trend, positioning itself as a closer competitor to the Steam Deck than its predecessor, the original Legion Go.
The Lenovo Legion Go S ditches the Switch-like removable controllers and the complex array of dials and buttons found on the original Legion Go, opting instead for a sleek unibody design. A significant update is on the horizon with a version of the Legion Go S set to run SteamOS later this year, making it the first non-Valve handheld to natively support this operating system. However, the model reviewed here runs Windows 11, and at a price of $729, it faces stiff competition from other Windows-based handhelds.
Lenovo Legion Go S – Photos
7 Images
Lenovo Legion Go S – Design
The Lenovo Legion Go S adopts a design philosophy more akin to the Asus ROG Ally than its own predecessor. Its unibody design enhances usability, with rounded edges that make it comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions. Despite its comfort, the device weighs in at 1.61 pounds, which is lighter than the original Legion Go but heavier than the Asus ROG Ally X.
The Legion Go S boasts an impressive 8-inch, 1200p IPS display with 500 nits of brightness, making it one of the standout features of this handheld. The vibrant display delivers stunning visuals across various games, from the rich colors of Dragon Age: The Veilguard to the realistic settings of Horizon Forbidden West.
Available in Glacier White and Nebula Nocturne colorways, the latter reserved for the upcoming SteamOS model, the Legion Go S is not just functional but also visually appealing. Each joystick features customizable RGB lighting, adding a personal touch to the gaming experience.
The button layout on the Legion Go S is more intuitive than the original, with 'Start' and 'Select' buttons placed in a standard position. However, the addition of Lenovo's custom menu buttons above these can lead to accidental activations, though this becomes less of an issue as users adapt. These buttons offer quick access to system settings and shortcuts, enhancing the user experience.
The touchpad, a feature carried over from the original Legion Go, has been reduced in size, which can make navigating Windows more challenging. The programmable 'paddle' buttons on the back are more resistant, reducing accidental presses, while the trigger travel distance can be adjusted, albeit with limited settings.
The top of the device includes two USB 4 ports for charging and peripherals, while the bottom features a centrally located MicroSD card slot, which may be inconvenient for docked use.
Purchasing Guide
The reviewed Lenovo Legion Go S, available from February 14, is priced at $729.99 and comes equipped with a Z2 Go APU, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, a version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD will be released in May for $599.99.
Lenovo Legion Go S – Performance
The Lenovo Legion Go S is the first handheld to feature the AMD Z2 Go APU, which, despite its newer status, uses older Zen 3 and RDNA 2 technologies. This results in performance that lags behind the original Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X, particularly in benchmarks like 3DMark.
Despite the weaker chipset, the Legion Go S shows slightly better performance in some games, such as Hitman: World of Assassination, but struggles in others like Total War: Warhammer 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, where performance drops are noticeable even at lower settings.
While the Legion Go S can handle most AAA games at 800p with medium settings, delivering a comfortable 30-40 fps, it struggles with more demanding titles like Horizon Forbidden West, even at lower settings. For gamers looking to play less demanding games like Persona 5, the Legion Go S performs admirably, showcasing its vibrant display.
Wait, It’s More Expensive?
Despite its smaller size and less powerful APU, the Lenovo Legion Go S is priced higher than the original Legion Go. The reviewed model's $729 price tag is justified by its 32GB of LPDDR5 memory and 1TB SSD, though the slower memory speed and lower resolution display raise questions about its value proposition.
Adjusting the frame buffer in the BIOS can improve performance, but this process is cumbersome for many users. The upcoming $599 version with 16GB of RAM offers a more balanced and cost-effective option, making it a better value in the handheld gaming market.
