Let’s cut through the noise: The handheld gaming market is exploding, and Lenovo’s Legion Go S just dropped with a bang. Priced at $729, it’s aiming to dethrone the Steam Deck and ROG Ally—but does it have the muscle, or is this just another overpriced gimmick? Buckle up. We’re dissecting specs, comfort, and whether that SteamOS version could be a game-changer.
The Legion Go S Breakdown: Specs vs. Reality
Lenovo’s throwing down with a hybrid approach: raw specs meet ergonomic design. Here’s the cold, hard truth:
Key Specs
- CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (Zen 3, 4 cores) + RDNA 2 graphics
- RAM/Storage: 32GB LPDDR5X, 1TB SSD (expandable via microSD)
- Display: 8-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1920x1200 resolution
- Battery: 55.5Wh (1.5–4.5 hours gaming)
- OS: Windows 11 (SteamOS model drops May 2025 for $499)
First Impressions
The Legion Go S feels premium—sloped grips, RGB-lit Hall Effect joysticks, and a trackpad that’s either a genius addition or a haptic nightmare, depending on who you ask. IGN called it “extraordinarily comfortable” but slammed its performance as “bringing a knife to a gunfight” compared to the ROG Ally X.
Comfort vs. Performance: The Ultimate Tradeoff
Let’s get real: comfort matters. Gamers aren’t marathon runners, but cramping hands mid-boss fight? No thanks.
Where It Shines
- Ergonomics: The sloped grips and lightweight design (1.2 lbs) make long sessions actually sustainable.
- Controls: Adjustable trigger stops and a (mostly) functional D-pad—though Gizmodo roasted the trackpad for accidental presses that “feel like a haptic taser.”
Where It Stumbles
- Performance: Cyberpunk 2077 at 20 fps on medium settings? For $730? Ouch. The Z2 Go chip trails the Z1 Extreme by 10–35% in benchmarks.
- Battery Life: 1.5 hours under heavy load is a joke. Even the Steam Deck OLED squeezes 3–5 hours.
Windows on Handhelds: Flawed Future or Necessary Evil?
Here’s the rub: Windows 11 gives you Game Pass and emulator flexibility, but it’s clunky as hell on a handheld. Legion Space (Lenovo’s launcher) was called “sluggish” by Vice, and tweaking settings feels like defusing a bomb mid-game.
SteamOS Hope
The May 2025 SteamOS model ($499, 16GB/512GB) could save this device. Imagine a Steam Deck with an 8-inch screen and that sweet, sweet Valve optimization. But will it fix the underpowered hardware? Unlikely.
Price Controversy: $730 for Mediocrity?
Let’s talk numbers. The Legion Go S costs $30 more than its predecessor but downgrades the APU. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED ($549) and ROG Ally X ($799) dominate their price tiers.
Is 32GB RAM Overkill?
Absolutely. Pairing 32GB with a GPU that chokes at 1080p is like putting racing tires on a golf cart. It’s marketing fluff—future-proofing for a future that won’t come.
FAQs: Burning Questions Answered
Q: Should I buy the Legion Go S now or wait for SteamOS?
A: Wait. The SteamOS model could fix performance hiccups and slash the price.
Q: Can it handle emulation?
A: Yes, but the Windows 11 setup is tedious. SteamOS would simplify this.
Q: How does it compare to the Steam Deck?
A: The Deck wins on price, battery, and optimization. The Legion Go S has a better screen and comfort.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
The Legion Go S isn’t for everyone. If you’re a traveler who prioritizes comfort or a Windows diehard, it’s worth a look. For everyone else? Hold out for the SteamOS version or grab a Steam Deck OLED.
Final Thought: Lenovo’s onto something with the Legion Go S’ design, but until SteamOS arrives, it’s a premium handheld with mid-tier guts.
