Overview
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a handheld gaming PC powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Go chipset, offering a Linux-based SteamOS version and a Windows 11 one. Its all-in-one design ditches detachable controllers in favor of a sturdy form factor reminiscent of established handhelds, aiming to strike a balance between performance, portability, and simplicity.
Design and Build Quality
The Legion Go S features an integrated control layout with rounded grips and resculpted bumpers, making it more comfortable than its predecessor and many rivals:
At roughly the same dimensions as other 8-inch handhelds, it feels premium in hand, though its weight and dense chassis can be fatiguing during long sessions. The mounting system supports M.2 2280 SSD upgrades, but internal maintenance requires some technical know-how, potentially deterring casual upgraders.
Legion Go S Display
Lenovo equips the Go S with an 8-inch, 1920 × 1200 (FHD+) resolution IPS LCD running at up to 120Hz. The panel delivers bright, colorful imagery and smooth motion, though it lacks the deep blacks and infinite contrast of OLED alternatives, like the Steam Deck OLED handheld. Variable refresh support isn’t universal, so some titles may not hit the full 120Hz. Overall, the screen outclasses many Windows handhelds at this price point.
Performance
Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go (Zen 3+) processor and up to 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the Go S handles most AAA titles at medium settings with ease. On SteamOS, performance sees a notable boost: frame rates climb and thermal throttling recedes, demonstrating the benefits of a console-focused OS on handheld hardware. In Windows, peak performance lags behind SteamOS and rivals like the ROG Ally X, making the Linux variant the clear choice for gamers prioritizing smooth play.
Software and User Experience
The SteamOS edition transforms the Go S into a console-style device with straightforward setup and an intuitive interface. Installing third-party launchers requires switching to desktop mode, but once configured, games integrate seamlessly into the Steam library. By contrast, Windows 11 presents users with a full desktop environment, introducing background processes and potential compatibility issues. Reviewers universally recommend the SteamOS version for a hassle-free gaming experience.
Lenovo Legion Go S Battery Life and Thermals
In typical gaming scenarios, battery life ranges from 3 to 5 hours, depending on game intensity and performance mode. Under SteamOS, the Go S runs cooler, and fan noise remains subdued even in high-performance mode. However, some users report that the fan can become distractingly loud when multitasking or playing less optimized titles, offsetting the otherwise refined thermal management.
Upgrade Considerations
If you’re coming from an older handheld—whether it’s the original Lenovo Legion Go, a Steam Deck, or another Windows-based portable PC—the Legion Go S streamlines the upgrade in several ways. Your existing Steam or Windows game library transfers seamlessly, thanks to Steam Cloud saves and easy Windows migration tools. The built-in M.2 2280 slot lets you repurpose or swap in your higher-capacity SSD from your previous device, preserving both storage and your existing game installs. Ergonomically, the Go S’s refined grips and balanced weight distribution offer a noticeable comfort boost over first-gen models, while its Linux-based SteamOS version immediately feels more polished and console-like than earlier Linux handheld ports. Finally, firmware updates from Lenovo support straightforward driver and BIOS upgrades, ensuring you’re running the latest thermal and power-management optimizations right out of the box.
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- Superior gaming performance with SteamOS; smooth frame rates in AAA and indie titles
- Bright, high-refresh IPS display with solid color accuracy and motion handling
- Ergonomic, all-in-one design with comfortable grips and upgradeable storage
- Console-like interface and simple setup in the SteamOS edition
- Long battery life for productivity and less demanding games
- Cons
- Premium price tag; undercuts some value rivals at this tier
- The Windows version suffers from lower peak performance and background bloat
- Loud fan noise under certain loads, impacting immersion for some users
- Limited game launcher support out of the box on SteamOS; extra setup required
- Heavier than some competitors, leading to handheld fatigue over long sessions
Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Go S stands out when paired with SteamOS, offering a console-style handheld experience that rivals the Steam Deck while leveraging AMD’s Z2 Go platform. Its strong display, ergonomic design, and performance optimizations make it a compelling choice for Steam-centric gamers. However, the Windows variant and premium pricing may prompt budget-minded or multi-platform users to consider alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED or ASUS ROG Ally X.
Looking ahead, Valve’s expected Steam Deck 2 and Microsoft’s optimized Windows handheld UI could further shake up this segment. If you value a streamlined, Linux-based gaming experience today and don’t mind investing in a higher-end device, the Legion Go S SteamOS edition deserves serious consideration.
