Tech enthusiasts, get ready for a one-two punch to the handheld gaming market courtesy of Lenovo. At CES 2025, Lenovo pulled the curtains back on the Legion Go S, its lighter, sleeker sibling to the original Legion Go handheld. What makes this announcement grab the spotlight? Beyond its beefy spec sheet, the device will offer two operating system options—Windows 11 and SteamOS. The latter is particularly exciting, as it marks the first third-party handheld device to officially run Valve’s Linux-based gaming platform. For anyone who's been eyeing the Steam Deck but wishing it had some extra horsepower or refinement, this could be a game-changer.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what the Legion Go S brings to the table and whether it has what it takes to compete with heavyweights like Valve’s Steam Deck and ASUS’ ROG Ally.
The Legion Go S doesn’t skimp on hardware. Under the hood, you'll find an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip—or you can opt for the Z1 Extreme APU, which debuted in its predecessor. Paired with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage—expandable via a microSD slot—this portable beast is built for gamers who demand performance on the go. The device is also equipped with two USB 4 ports and the ever-trusty 3.5mm audio jack.
The display steps down slightly from the original Legion Go’s larger panel with an 8-inch 120Hz OLED display and a 1920 x 1200 resolution, ditching the 1440p 144Hz spec. While this might sound like a compromise, it's actually a savvy move—as it better aligns the screen resolution with the capabilities of the hardware, ensuring smoother gameplay.
Here's a quick highlight of the hardware candy on offer:
Why does this matter? SteamOS brings with it the promise of a streamlined PC gaming experience designed with portability in mind. UI elements like the game library, quick settings, and performance tracking are already optimized for controllers and small screens. Plus, SteamOS has minimal overhead compared to Windows, freeing the hardware to channel more resources into gaming. Lenovo has even baked in subtle tweaks like support for RGB lighting and higher thermal design power (TDP) up to 30 watts, ensuring better cooling for intense gaming sessions.
Most notably, the Legion Go S running SteamOS boasts a user interface nearly indistinguishable from the Steam Deck’s, with one significant advantage: newer hardware. Lenovo’s choice of AMD’s Z2 Go processor injects some much-needed agility into the experience, making transitions and load times feel smoother than those on Valve’s handheld.
Takeaways:
For Lenovo, the Legion Go S represents more than just another device launch—it’s a declaration. By pushing boundaries with both Windows 11 and SteamOS options, the company is signaling its intent to disrupt the status quo of portable gaming.
So, whether you're a Steam Deck loyalist hunting for a bigger challenge or a Windows user itching for something game-friendly and versatile, Lenovo’s Legion Go S might have just reset the playing field. What's your take? Would you consider switching to the Legion Go S, or is your heart still with Valve’s Steam Deck? Join the discussion on WindowsForum.com!
Source: Engadget CES 2025: The Lenovo Legion Go S is the first third-party SteamOS handheld
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what the Legion Go S brings to the table and whether it has what it takes to compete with heavyweights like Valve’s Steam Deck and ASUS’ ROG Ally.
The Legion Go S doesn’t skimp on hardware. Under the hood, you'll find an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip—or you can opt for the Z1 Extreme APU, which debuted in its predecessor. Paired with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage—expandable via a microSD slot—this portable beast is built for gamers who demand performance on the go. The device is also equipped with two USB 4 ports and the ever-trusty 3.5mm audio jack.![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,<svg height="384px" width="512px" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" version="1.1"/>)
The display steps down slightly from the original Legion Go’s larger panel with an 8-inch 120Hz OLED display and a 1920 x 1200 resolution, ditching the 1440p 144Hz spec. While this might sound like a compromise, it's actually a savvy move—as it better aligns the screen resolution with the capabilities of the hardware, ensuring smoother gameplay.
Here's a quick highlight of the hardware candy on offer:
- Processor Options: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme APU
- Memory: Up to 32GB RAM
- Storage: 1TB SSD, expandable via microSD
- Display: 8-inch 120Hz OLED with VRR
- Battery: 55.5Wh for hours of portable play
- Ports: Two USB 4, microSD, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Weight: 1.6 pounds—a noticeable trim from the 1.9-pound original
- Features: Hall Effect analog sticks, pivot-style D-pad, shorter SSD modules
SteamOS: Breaking Valve's Monopoly
The biggest bombshell? Lenovo is embracing Linux head-on with a SteamOS-equipped variant of the Legion Go S. For context, SteamOS is Valve’s homegrown operating system, optimized for gaming and based on Debian Linux, with Proton as the magic layer that allows Windows games to run smoothly. Until now, Valve’s own Steam Deck dominated the space as the sole major device employing SteamOS. Lenovo’s decision to venture into this territory represents a significant evolution in how manufacturers perceive Linux-based gaming.Why does this matter? SteamOS brings with it the promise of a streamlined PC gaming experience designed with portability in mind. UI elements like the game library, quick settings, and performance tracking are already optimized for controllers and small screens. Plus, SteamOS has minimal overhead compared to Windows, freeing the hardware to channel more resources into gaming. Lenovo has even baked in subtle tweaks like support for RGB lighting and higher thermal design power (TDP) up to 30 watts, ensuring better cooling for intense gaming sessions.
Most notably, the Legion Go S running SteamOS boasts a user interface nearly indistinguishable from the Steam Deck’s, with one significant advantage: newer hardware. Lenovo’s choice of AMD’s Z2 Go processor injects some much-needed agility into the experience, making transitions and load times feel smoother than those on Valve’s handheld.
Legion Go S vs. Steam Deck: Can Lenovo Win Over Gamers?
| The inevitable question: How does it stack up against the reigning champ, the Steam Deck? Here’s a quick comparison: | Feature | Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) | Steam Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme | AMD Van Gogh/RDNA 2 | |
| RAM | Up to 32GB | Up to 16GB | |
| Storage | 1TB SSD + microSD | Up to 512GB SSD + microSD | |
| Display | 8-inch 120Hz OLED | 7-inch 60Hz IPS | |
| Weight | 1.6 pounds | 1.47 pounds | |
| OS Options | SteamOS or Windows 11 | SteamOS | |
| Starting Price | $499 | $399 | |
| Expandable SSD? | Yes (up to 2280 size) | Non-upgradable |
- The Legion Go S has the Steam Deck beat in raw specs, OLED screen quality, and RAM capacity.
- However, the Steam Deck remains more affordable at entry-level pricing, making it accessible to a larger market.
- The weight of competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally and Legion Go S is higher than Valve’s device, which adds to portability challenges.
Windows 11 Model: A Versatile Workhorse
You’re also getting a Windows 11 model, a godsend for those who want a more traditional PC experience. With Lenovo’s proprietary Legion Space app, users can navigate between games, tweak performance settings, and manage their library seamlessly. The Windows version retains a built-in touchpad, offering desktop-like navigation when needed. Plus, it supports a wider range of applications beyond gaming, making it a dual-purpose device for casual creators, students, or professionals.Pocket-Friendly Pricing—or Is It?
Both models are priced to compete:- SteamOS Legion Go S starts at $499, undercutting many competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally.
- The Windows version clocks in slightly higher, starting at $599 for basic specs and hitting $730 for maxed-out configurations.
Release Dates and Final Thoughts
Gamers eager to get their hands on the Legion Go S won’t have to wait long. The higher-end Windows model will ship this January, whereas SteamOS-powered variants will hit stores by May 2025. While the staggered release might cool some enthusiasm, the pricing and partnership with SteamOS will undoubtedly reignite competition in the handheld market.For Lenovo, the Legion Go S represents more than just another device launch—it’s a declaration. By pushing boundaries with both Windows 11 and SteamOS options, the company is signaling its intent to disrupt the status quo of portable gaming.
So, whether you're a Steam Deck loyalist hunting for a bigger challenge or a Windows user itching for something game-friendly and versatile, Lenovo’s Legion Go S might have just reset the playing field. What's your take? Would you consider switching to the Legion Go S, or is your heart still with Valve’s Steam Deck? Join the discussion on WindowsForum.com!
Source: Engadget CES 2025: The Lenovo Legion Go S is the first third-party SteamOS handheld
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