Lenovo’s Legion Go S gaming handheld has made waves in the gaming community, marking a significant milestone as the first device from the manufacturer to offer both official Windows and SteamOS support. With the recent availability of the SteamOS Edition, enthusiasts can now engage in direct comparisons with its Windows counterpart, which has faced some criticism since its launch.
Performance Insights
In a recent analysis, YouTuber Dave2D conducted side-by-side comparisons of the two versions of the Legion Go S. The white model, equipped with Windows 11, was pitted against the sleek black SteamOS Edition. Both devices share identical specifications, featuring the robust AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and a vibrant 8-inch 1200p display. However, the results revealed a notable performance edge for the SteamOS version, with Steam running most games through the Proton compatibility layer at speeds 5-15 percent faster than its Windows counterpart.
Battery life emerges as another area where SteamOS truly excels. In Dave2D’s tests, the Legion Go S running SteamOS demonstrated battery performance that closely rivaled the Steam Deck OLED, significantly outperforming the Windows edition. For low-power games like Hades and Dead Cells, the SteamOS Edition outlasted its Windows counterpart by more than double, while also providing an additional 30 percent battery life during demanding 3D games such as Cyberpunk 2077. Furthermore, SteamOS proved to be more efficient in managing sleep and suspend functions compared to Windows.
Pricing Dynamics
Despite its impressive features, the SteamOS Edition’s base launch price of 0 has been impacted by the Trump administration’s import taxes, resulting in a new retail price of 0 at major retailers like Best Buy. This adjustment places it above the Steam Deck OLED, complicating the purchasing decision for consumers, even with its superior screen and enhanced chip options. Notably, the Windows version retails for 0, although Best Buy is currently offering it for 0, likely recognizing its less competitive standing at full price.
For those seeking more powerful configurations, options featuring a Z1 Extreme chip, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD are available for 0 and 0 for the SteamOS and Windows versions, respectively. However, the SteamOS variant remains labeled as “Coming Soon” at Best Buy. While it is possible to purchase the Windows version and install SteamOS, this route would require an additional and a few hours of effort, making it a less appealing option for many consumers.
