The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS, priced starting at 9, marks a significant milestone in the realm of handheld gaming. While Windows 11 has proven its mettle on high-end gaming PCs and laptops, it has not quite translated into the handheld gaming market. Enter the Legion Go S, a device that promises to fill this gap, offering a fresh alternative to the Steam Deck with its own unique flair.
Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) hands-on review: Cheat sheet
- What is it? A Lenovo Legion Go S model that operates on SteamOS instead of Windows 11.
- Who is it for? Ideal for gamers seeking a handheld experience that bypasses Windows 11, offering ease of use akin to the Steam Deck.
- What does it cost? The base model starts at 9, featuring an AMD Z2 Go chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. The reviewed unit, priced at 9, boasts an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. The Windows 11 variant shares similar specs but is priced at 9.
- What do we like? The responsive SteamOS, ergonomic design, and impressive gaming performance are standout features.
- What don’t we like? The device’s fans can be noticeably loud during operation and while downloading games.
Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) hands-on review: Specs
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Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) hands-on review: Design & display
In terms of aesthetics, the Nebula color scheme distinguishes the SteamOS model from its Glacier White Windows 11 counterpart. The Legion Go S adopts a sleek, uniform body design, reminiscent of the Asus ROG Ally X, while eschewing removable controllers for a more cohesive look. Its ergonomic design, coupled with grippy corners and thoughtfully placed buttons, enhances comfort during extended gaming sessions.
The asymmetrical Hall Effect analog sticks and rounded D-Pad deliver responsive feedback, making gameplay enjoyable. The 8-inch LCD display, with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, maintains the high standards set by its predecessor. During testing, games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Cyberpunk 2077 showcased vibrant colors and impressive brightness, further complemented by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) hands-on review: Performance
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip and 32GB of RAM, the SteamOS Legion Go S outperforms its Windows 11 counterpart, which features the less powerful AMD Z2 Go chip and 16GB of RAM. Initial gameplay tests revealed that Doom: The Dark Ages achieved around 25 frames per second at 1200p resolution with medium settings, improving to 35 fps with FSR enabled. At 800p resolution, the frame rate soared to a smooth 56-61 fps, although visual fidelity took a hit.
In contrast, the Windows 11 version struggled significantly, managing only 15 fps at the same settings, with a modest improvement to 27 fps when frame generation was activated. The performance gap becomes even more pronounced when comparing benchmarks across various titles, with the SteamOS model consistently outpacing its Windows counterpart.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, the Lenovo Legion Go S stands out as a compelling option for those seeking a handheld gaming experience that marries performance with user-friendly design. With further testing on the horizon, anticipation builds for a comprehensive review that will delve deeper into its capabilities.