CES 2025 has proven to be a gold mine for gaming enthusiasts, and Lenovo is turning heads with its newest addition to the portable gaming world—the Legion Go S. This sleek, handheld device straddles innovation and nostalgia, bringing not just one, but two OS options to gamers worldwide. The Legion Go S comes as both a Windows 11 powerhouse and the first-ever third-party handheld preloaded with Valve's beloved SteamOS. This move alone establishes Lenovo as a serious player in the handheld gaming arena.
But what exactly makes the Legion Go S tick? Let’s dive deeply into the details, break down the specs, and understand its groundbreaking significance for both Windows and SteamOS fans.
On the Windows front, Lenovo has proved it’s still a titan. By offering the Go S with Windows 11 optimized for gaming, they ensure hardcore PC gamers don’t lose any functionality when migrating to a handheld.
Planning to nab one? The Windows 11 model hits shelves this January, while SteamOS fans will need to wait until May. Either way, these should be on your radar if cutting-edge portable gaming is on your 2025 agenda.
What’s your take on Lenovo’s ambitious leap into SteamOS territory? Share your thoughts with the community—are you tempted to make the switch?
Source: Engadget CES 2025: The Lenovo Legion Go S is the first third-party SteamOS handheld
But what exactly makes the Legion Go S tick? Let’s dive deeply into the details, break down the specs, and understand its groundbreaking significance for both Windows and SteamOS fans.
What is the Lenovo Legion Go S?
Think of the Lenovo Legion Go S as a compact, more portable evolution of its predecessor, the Legion Go. It's targeted at gamers who crave power on the go but don’t want the heft and bulk of a traditional gaming laptop. Slimmed down but no slouch, the "S" model has enough oomph to tackle graphically rich AAA games and indie gems alike. This beauty is meant to go toe-to-toe with competitors like the Steam Deck, yet it's showing up with exclusive advantages that make it stand out.- The Two Flavors of Go S:
- Windows 11 Version: Designed for versatility, it offers access to PC gaming libraries like Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games, and others.
- SteamOS Version: Tailored for Valve's Steam ecosystem, it delivers a native Steam Deck-like experience but with a performance edge and higher refinement—thanks to Lenovo's hardware acumen.
Under the Hood: Hardware and Design Specs
At the heart of this new gaming companion lies Lenovo's engineering brilliance. Though there are two distinct variants, their hardware specs demonstrate remarkable commonality:Key Specs Across All Models
- CPU: AMD Ryzen processors, offering a choice between the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip and the Z1 Extreme APU—both are beasts tailored to balance power and battery efficiency.
- RAM: Up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and blazing performance.
- Storage: A healthy 1TB SSD as the top configuration, with expandable storage via a microSD slot.
- Battery: A respectable 55.5Wh battery, balancing performance with portability.
- Connectivity: Two USB 4.0 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Bluetooth capability for wireless peripherals.
- Display: An 8-inch 120 Hz OLED screen with a resolution of 1920x1200 and variable refresh rate (VRR)—tailored for buttery-smooth gameplay.
Windows 11 vs. SteamOS Models
- Windows 11:
- Comes in a clean white finish.
- Available earlier (January launch).
- Versatile for more general-purpose use alongside gaming.
- Price starts at $599 for the base model.
- SteamOS:
- Showcases a chic, dark-purple (almost black) design.
- Scheduled to launch in May, with a lower starting price of $499.
- Designed for streamlined gaming via Steam’s ecosystem.
- Includes tweaks to handle the device’s RGB lighting and better thermal performance, maxing out at 30 watts total design power (TDP).
The Bread-and-Butter Features
Lenovo also introduces some meaningful innovations:- Next-Level Storage Flexibility: Unlike its competitors, the Legion Go S uses a compact 2242 SSD module, but it’s designed to support larger 2280 drives. This means tinkerers and tech enthusiasts have impressive upgradeability built right in.
- Hall Effect Joysticks: These analog sticks combat "drift" issues—an ever-present pain point in rival devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
- Touchpad Ergonomics: Despite its smaller size, Lenovo fitted a highly responsive touchpad reminiscent of trackballs, providing precise navigation.
SteamOS on a Non-Valve Device: A Game-Changing Move
The most notable thing about the SteamOS model is that it’s the first third-party handheld to officially embrace Valve’s operating system. Here's why this is important:- SteamOS Valor: Before the Legion Go S, Steam Deck reigned supreme, crafting a bespoke gaming niche. Lenovo, breaking into this territory, effectively validates SteamOS as a dynamic, modular operating system beyond Valve’s proprietary hardware.
- Why SteamOS Rocks: Built on Linux, SteamOS offers a lightweight, gaming-optimized platform without the bloat of a traditional OS like Windows. Its perfect synergy with the Steam Library ensures seamless access to thousands of games.
- Proton Compatibility Layer: Uses Valve’s incredible Proton framework, allowing even non-Linux games to run efficiently.
- Performance Bonuses: With minimal background clutter, SteamOS squeezes maximum juice from the AMD Ryzen APU, evident in the Go S's slightly better responsiveness compared to Valve's own Steam Deck.
Performance, Portability, and Pricing
Despite shaving off a few frills like detachable controllers and kickstands, the Legion Go S achieves something critical: an excellent balance of power, portability, and affordability. Early testers report notably snappy performance in all versions—thanks, in part, to a lower-resolution OLED display that perfectly matches the system’s graphical output capabilities.- Size and Weight: The Legion Go S cuts 0.3 pounds, weighing in at a lean 1.6 pounds, making it much lighter than its predecessor.
- Gaming on the Go: Its smaller, resilient frame—with robust build quality—caters wonderfully to gamers who need to pack and play conveniently.
- Price Accessibility: At $499, the SteamOS variant undercuts much of the competition while still boasting better performance metrics.
A Brief Look at Competitors
When you look around the portable PC gaming space, it's essential to compare the Legion Go S against its industry counterparts:- Valve Steam Deck: The pioneer in handheld PC gaming, but limited to SteamOS. The Legion Go S edges it out with more RAM options and superior touches like Hall Effect joysticks.
- ASUS ROG Ally X: Frontrunner for power users, but its higher price and lack of SteamOS-specific optimization give Legion Go S an edge in user accessibility.
Broader Implications for Gamers
Lenovo’s move to embrace SteamOS reflects broader shifts in the gaming industry. With competitors now adopting Valve's open platform, we could see the beginnings of a much richer ecosystem tailored for gaming Linux. This diversity encourages innovation and gives gamers more choice without being locked into proprietary ecosystems.On the Windows front, Lenovo has proved it’s still a titan. By offering the Go S with Windows 11 optimized for gaming, they ensure hardcore PC gamers don’t lose any functionality when migrating to a handheld.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Legion Go S?
If you’re a gamer looking for a new toy in 2025, the Lenovo Legion Go S is one of the most exciting offerings in a rapidly evolving market. Its dual-OS flexibility, affordability, and thoughtful features—like Hall Effect joysticks and OLED screens—compete head-to-head with established giants.Planning to nab one? The Windows 11 model hits shelves this January, while SteamOS fans will need to wait until May. Either way, these should be on your radar if cutting-edge portable gaming is on your 2025 agenda.
What’s your take on Lenovo’s ambitious leap into SteamOS territory? Share your thoughts with the community—are you tempted to make the switch?
Source: Engadget CES 2025: The Lenovo Legion Go S is the first third-party SteamOS handheld