“`html
Lenovo Legion Go S: A Compelling Steam Deck Choice Emerges
The Lenovo Legion Go S is rapidly becoming a frontrunner for gamers seeking a powerful and portable PC gaming experience, offering a compelling alternative to the aging Steam Deck. First encountered at CES 2025 and fully reviewed in July,the SteamOS Edition of the Legion Go S stands out as the first non-Steam Deck console to ship with Valve’s remarkably user-friendly operating system.
The demand for upgraded handhelds is surging as gamers anticipate a potential “Steam Deck 2,” but for many, the Legion go S already fills that void. According to one analyst, the Legion Go S is “more or less an alternate upgrade path for Steam Deck customers.” The device boasts configurations more powerful than the Steam Deck, with a base model starting at $600 featuring a Ryzen Z2 Go processor, and a higher-end $830 variant with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. Both models are capable of a 33W TDP in handheld mode, providing ample power for graphically demanding titles like Monster Hunter Wilds that struggle on the Steam Deck.
The Legion Go S’s design prioritizes comfort and control. Its Xbox-like control layout is notably appealing to console gamers,and the inclusion of hall-effect joysticks ensures precision and durability. While described as “chunky and unwieldy” like many handheld PCs, the Legion Go S offers a relatively ergonomic grip and balanced weight.
However, the handheld isn’t without its drawbacks. A reviewer noted the software experience is “ever-so-slightly worse than that of the Steam Deck,” and the trackpad is deemed “practically worthless” for games requiring mouse input. Furthermore, the rumble motors are reportedly quite noisy, prompting users to disable haptics.
The 8-inch LCD screen presents a trade-off. While offering a 1920×1200 resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate – arguably “better” in some respects than the Steam Deck OLED’s 7-inch 1280×800 60Hz panel – it lacks the vibrant colors of an OLED display. The reviewer found the LCD screen particularly enjoyable for fast-paced action games, but expressed a longing for OLED in slower-paced titles.
For those considering a purchase, the Ryzen Z2 Go model, with an MSRP of $600 and a typical resale price of $450-$500 on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, is the recommended option. Unluckily, inflated pricing at retailers like best Buy, potentially linked to the ongoing “RAM-pocalypse,” may impact availability.
Legion Go S Specifications:
- Dimensions: 0.89×5.02×11.77in (22.6 x 127.55 x 299mm)
- Playing Time: 1-5 hours
- Weight: 1.62lbs (25.92oz)
- Chipset: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Ultimately,lenovo’s Legion Go S feels like a natural extension of the Steam Deck family. With its powerful processor, large screen, and competitive price point, it’s undeniably one of the best handheld gaming PCs available today
