Lenovo's latest handheld release—the Legion Go S—has tech enthusiasts and gamers buzzing. With its introduction at CES 2025, Lenovo looks set to upend handheld gaming, borrowing a page from Valve's playbook by essentially delivering what many consider the true spiritual successor to the Steam Deck.
Now, Lenovo appears to have taken that leap. At CES 2025, they revealed the Legion Go S—a device poised to challenge the Steam Deck’s legacy. Gaming enthusiasts now have a new contender in the market, one that blends high-performance AMD technology with two distinct operating system choices.
• The SteamOS model is equipped with AMD’s highly touted Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. This chip isn’t just a minor upgrade—it promises the ability to tackle more demanding titles that have traditionally pushed the limits of handheld hardware. SteamOS, built on Arch Linux, has been fine-tuned to prioritize performance and battery life, benefiting from lessons learned over years of developing Steam’s Big Picture mode.
• Conversely, the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S is purportedly less impressive, sporting a Ryzen Z2 Go processor. Additionally, the Windows variant comes with an $80 price premium—likely a consequence of licensing fees and the inherent bloat associated with a full-fledged operating system that isn’t purpose-built for portable gaming. For users familiar with frequent Windows 11 updates and cybersecurity advisories, this might be a crucial consideration when weighing performance against convenience.
The dual-OS strategy forces us to ask: Does mainstream familiarity with Windows trump the lean, mean gaming efficiency of SteamOS? For handheld devices where battery life and performance in high-demand gaming scenarios are paramount, the Linux-based alternative appears to offer a compelling advantage.
• Up to a 15% increase in frame rate
• An improvement in battery life by as much as 22%
With the Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU at its heart, the Legion Go S running SteamOS might push these boundaries even further. This suggests that Linux, which many casually dismissed as only ideal for tech enthusiasts, might soon be the go-to platform for handheld gaming.
One central question remains: Can Linux truly redefine the handheld gaming experience? While the average consumer might still be more familiar with Windows 11—especially given its prominence in desktop environments—the performance gains and quicker battery recharge seen in Linux devices could redefine that narrative. In many ways, Lenovo is setting the stage for a potential Linux uprising in portable gaming that might even ripple over into the desktop arena.
The emergence of a Linux-tuned, AMD-powered handheld like the Legion Go S brings forth a fascinating counterpoint. By eschewing the bloat of a full-scale OS in favor of a streamlined, purpose-built gaming platform, Lenovo’s device could force gamers to reassess the entrenched Windows mindset. After all, when every frame and extra minute of battery life matters—and when price points creep into the equation—a leaner solution might not only be more efficient but also far more appealing.
For Windows users who are accustomed to the comforts of the familiar—tweaks, updates, and a robust ecosystem—the idea of switching to a different OS might seem far-fetched. However, the possibility of a performance boost and longer battery life on a handheld unit might just get even the most devoted Windows enthusiast to take a second look. Moreover, this trend could potentially spark discussion and innovation back on the desktop side, encouraging Microsoft to reexamine its approach to performance optimization for portable gaming devices and even its overall Windows 11 updates strategy.
Key points to consider:
• The Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU could enable more demanding titles on a handheld without sacrificing performance.
• A leaner SteamOS might mean better efficiency and longer gameplay sessions as compared to its Windows 11 counterpart.
• The price differential places the Linux version as a more attractive option for hardcore gamers on a budget.
This development raises intriguing questions about the future direction of mobile gaming. Will Linux eventually overtake Windows in this sphere, and could successful experiments in handheld devices eventually influence desktop gaming paradigms? Only time will tell. But for now, Lenovo’s bold move suggests that the era of portable gaming may be poised for a significant evolution.
In the ever-shifting landscape of gaming and technology, Lenovo’s push for a high-performance, Linux-based handheld isn’t just a product launch—it’s a conversation starter. Whether it signals a broader movement away from Windows or simply offers a refreshing alternative in a saturated market, only the coming months will reveal the true impact of this intriguing development.
With the gaming community's eyes now set on May’s release and early reviews, one thing is certain: the handheld gaming crown might just be up for grabs, and the battle between streamlined Linux efficiency and traditional Windows familiarity is set to intensify on a device that promises to redefine portable gaming.
Source: Inkl Lenovo just stole the Steam Deck's special sauce, and maybe the handheld gaming crown
The Evolution of Handheld Gaming PCs
When Valve introduced the Steam Deck in February 2022, it transformed what we expected from handheld gaming PCs. Praised as "almost portable perfection" in early reviews, the device quickly established itself as the gold standard for on-the-go gaming. In the months since, upgrades like special editions and an OLED facelift kept the device relevant, even as more powerful competition arrived in the form of the ASUS ROG Ally. Yet, despite the evolving landscape, Valve held off on a true successor, insisting a follow-up should wait for a genuine generational leap in compute power.Now, Lenovo appears to have taken that leap. At CES 2025, they revealed the Legion Go S—a device poised to challenge the Steam Deck’s legacy. Gaming enthusiasts now have a new contender in the market, one that blends high-performance AMD technology with two distinct operating system choices.
Dual-Envy: SteamOS Versus Windows 11
The Lenovo Legion Go S is offered in two configurations: one running Linux-based SteamOS and the other powered by Windows 11. While the Windows 11 version might seem like the safe bet for many, seasoned gamers know that the story isn’t so straightforward.• The SteamOS model is equipped with AMD’s highly touted Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU. This chip isn’t just a minor upgrade—it promises the ability to tackle more demanding titles that have traditionally pushed the limits of handheld hardware. SteamOS, built on Arch Linux, has been fine-tuned to prioritize performance and battery life, benefiting from lessons learned over years of developing Steam’s Big Picture mode.
• Conversely, the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S is purportedly less impressive, sporting a Ryzen Z2 Go processor. Additionally, the Windows variant comes with an $80 price premium—likely a consequence of licensing fees and the inherent bloat associated with a full-fledged operating system that isn’t purpose-built for portable gaming. For users familiar with frequent Windows 11 updates and cybersecurity advisories, this might be a crucial consideration when weighing performance against convenience.
The dual-OS strategy forces us to ask: Does mainstream familiarity with Windows trump the lean, mean gaming efficiency of SteamOS? For handheld devices where battery life and performance in high-demand gaming scenarios are paramount, the Linux-based alternative appears to offer a compelling advantage.
Performance Innovations and Linux Gaming Advancements
Linux gaming has evolved significantly from its early days. Leveraging Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, the Steam Deck demonstrated how Linux could handle traditionally Windows-centric gaming. It didn’t stop there—by stripping away unnecessary bloat, SteamOS can deliver smoother, leaner performance. Recent tests by industry experts have even shown that switching from Windows to a custom Linux build on devices like the ASUS ROG Ally X can yield notable increases:• Up to a 15% increase in frame rate
• An improvement in battery life by as much as 22%
With the Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU at its heart, the Legion Go S running SteamOS might push these boundaries even further. This suggests that Linux, which many casually dismissed as only ideal for tech enthusiasts, might soon be the go-to platform for handheld gaming.
One central question remains: Can Linux truly redefine the handheld gaming experience? While the average consumer might still be more familiar with Windows 11—especially given its prominence in desktop environments—the performance gains and quicker battery recharge seen in Linux devices could redefine that narrative. In many ways, Lenovo is setting the stage for a potential Linux uprising in portable gaming that might even ripple over into the desktop arena.
A Strategic Blow—or Friendly Nudge—to Windows?
For a long time, Windows has been the de facto operating system for gamers. Yet, in the realm of handheld gaming, the narrative isn’t as clear-cut. Windows 11, despite its deep pedigree in PC gaming, suffers from a number of drawbacks for portable devices. The operating system’s heavier footprint can dampen overall performance, especially on devices where every watt of power and every milliamp of battery life counts.The emergence of a Linux-tuned, AMD-powered handheld like the Legion Go S brings forth a fascinating counterpoint. By eschewing the bloat of a full-scale OS in favor of a streamlined, purpose-built gaming platform, Lenovo’s device could force gamers to reassess the entrenched Windows mindset. After all, when every frame and extra minute of battery life matters—and when price points creep into the equation—a leaner solution might not only be more efficient but also far more appealing.
For Windows users who are accustomed to the comforts of the familiar—tweaks, updates, and a robust ecosystem—the idea of switching to a different OS might seem far-fetched. However, the possibility of a performance boost and longer battery life on a handheld unit might just get even the most devoted Windows enthusiast to take a second look. Moreover, this trend could potentially spark discussion and innovation back on the desktop side, encouraging Microsoft to reexamine its approach to performance optimization for portable gaming devices and even its overall Windows 11 updates strategy.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Gaming Landscape
The Lenovo Legion Go S isn’t just another handheld gadget—it’s a statement. It boldly suggests that the race in the handheld gaming market is far from settled. With SteamOS on board, the device could very well shift the conventional balance of power within gaming hardware. If performance and battery life improvements are as substantial as early tests indicate, we might see a market-wide pivot where Linux-based systems begin to dominate handheld experiences, leaving the familiarity of Windows in the dust for this particular niche.Key points to consider:
• The Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU could enable more demanding titles on a handheld without sacrificing performance.
• A leaner SteamOS might mean better efficiency and longer gameplay sessions as compared to its Windows 11 counterpart.
• The price differential places the Linux version as a more attractive option for hardcore gamers on a budget.
This development raises intriguing questions about the future direction of mobile gaming. Will Linux eventually overtake Windows in this sphere, and could successful experiments in handheld devices eventually influence desktop gaming paradigms? Only time will tell. But for now, Lenovo’s bold move suggests that the era of portable gaming may be poised for a significant evolution.
Final Thoughts
As the pre-orders for the real Lenovo Legion Go S begin to solidify, gamers and tech pundits alike will be watching closely. Windows users might find themselves comparing the slick efficiency of SteamOS against the heavier, albeit familiar, interface of Windows 11. While the desktop remains dominated by Windows, this shift in the handheld gaming arena could have far-reaching implications, potentially spurring further innovation from both giants in the industry.In the ever-shifting landscape of gaming and technology, Lenovo’s push for a high-performance, Linux-based handheld isn’t just a product launch—it’s a conversation starter. Whether it signals a broader movement away from Windows or simply offers a refreshing alternative in a saturated market, only the coming months will reveal the true impact of this intriguing development.
With the gaming community's eyes now set on May’s release and early reviews, one thing is certain: the handheld gaming crown might just be up for grabs, and the battle between streamlined Linux efficiency and traditional Windows familiarity is set to intensify on a device that promises to redefine portable gaming.
Source: Inkl Lenovo just stole the Steam Deck's special sauce, and maybe the handheld gaming crown
