Lenovo Legion Go S Review 2025: The Next-gen Handheld Gaming Powerhouse

In the ever-evolving world of handheld PC gaming, the Lenovo Legion Go S—especially in its Z2 Go configuration running SteamOS—has emerged as one of 2024’s most fascinating answers to Valve’s dominant Steam Deck. This review dives deep into the Legion Go S’s real-world performance, comparing it against market leaders, and scrutinizes both the strengths and the subtle pitfalls that Lenovo’s new contender brings to the arena.

The Handheld Renaissance: Context Matters​

Handheld gaming PCs have entered a golden age. Spurred by the wild success of the Steam Deck, global manufacturers like Lenovo, ASUS, and Ayaneo have poured resources into hardware that attempts to balance PC-like performance with portability, battery life, and affordability. What sets the Lenovo Legion Go S apart is its willingness to play on Valve’s turf—not just with similar specs, but by using SteamOS, Valve’s custom Linux-based operating system. The result is a system that, at least on paper, threatens to unseat the Steam Deck OLED as the go-to handheld for gamers intent on taking their Steam libraries everywhere.

Testing Caveats: Methodology and Operating System Constraints​

Any review worth its salt must be up-front about its testing procedures and limitations. Unlike traditional desktop or laptop benchmarks—which enjoy the luxury of Windows-exclusive tools—testing on SteamOS means adapting to its unique ecosystem. Popular benchmarks like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III or F1 2024 are simply unavailable. Instead, the tests constructed here—using Guardians of the Galaxy, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Cyberpunk 2077—reflect a more realistic, gamer-centric perspective.
To ensure consistency, each device was tested while plugged into power and set to performance mode. The Legion Go S models were compared directly to the Steam Deck OLED. However, there’s a crucial display difference: the Steam Deck runs at an 800p resolution, while all Legion Go S units employ sharper 1200p screens. Thus, any performance gains or losses must be considered in the light of this higher pixel count, which naturally taxes the GPU and CPU more.

Benchmark Results: SteamOS Versus Windows, and Where Legion Go S Shines​

Cyberpunk 2077: The Stress Test​

Cyberpunk 2077 remains one of the toughest games for hardware—even cutting-edge systems struggle at higher settings. Using the Steam Deck graphics preset, the Steam Deck OLED averaged 32 frames per second (fps). On Windows, the Legion Go S (Z2 Go) could only manage 23fps—a notable underperformance considering its theoretically comparable chip.
But when running SteamOS, the Z2 Go-powered Legion Go S leaped to 39fps, representing a dramatic 69% performance improvement over its Windows variant. It even outpaced the Steam Deck OLED by 21%—all while pushing more pixels. The Z1 Extreme version of the Go S running SteamOS took these gains further, posting a staggering 50fps (a 121% increase over its Windows sibling), and ending up 59% ahead of the Steam Deck.
These results paint a clear picture: SteamOS is not simply a cosmetic touch—it is a brute-force performance booster. The Windows partition, while perhaps more versatile, actively hinders framerate and gameplay smoothness on comparable hardware. Meanwhile, switching to “Ultra” settings immediately cut performance across the board, a reminder that ray tracing and next-gen graphical flourishes are still out of reach for handhelds.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: Legion Go S (with SteamOS) delivers real, measurable performance gains that outpace both its Windows equivalent and the Steam Deck, particularly at higher resolutions.
• Risk: Marketing claims about “next-gen” handheld performance should always be tempered by the realities of thermal constraints and lower wattages compared to even modest gaming laptops.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Practical Gaming​

On the 2021 hit Guardians of the Galaxy, the Steam Deck managed 52fps on low settings (720p). The Legion Go S Z2 Go with SteamOS did slightly better at 56fps, while the Z1 Extreme version soared to 77fps. It’s worth noting that the Windows-based Legion Go S model couldn’t even launch the game—a glaring indictment of game compatibility and drivers on Windows compared to the increasingly mature SteamOS ecosystem.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: Game compatibility and stability with SteamOS are approaching parity with Windows in some areas—and even pulling ahead in practical terms due to lower system overhead and optimized drivers.
• Risk: While progress is clear, the lack of universal coverage (especially for certain Windows-only games) means prospective buyers with large non-Steam libraries should remain cautious.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Aging Gracefully​

Though Shadow of the Tomb Raider is no longer the GPU killer it once was, it’s still demanding at high settings. It’s also not officially Steam Deck verified, but still plays nicely on both systems. The Steam Deck mustered 44fps, the Go S (Windows) turned in 36fps, and the Go S (SteamOS) delivered 49fps with the same hardware. The Z1 Extreme configuration, again, topped the charts.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: Even in less-optimized, older titles, SteamOS’s efficiency and optimization keep the Legion Go S in a comfortable lead.
• Risk: The degree of compatibility with older or niche games on SteamOS should still be individually checked, especially for those with deep legacy backlogs.

Battery Life: Size Matters, But So Does Optimization​

Handhelds stand or fall on battery life. The Legion Go S uses a 55.5Wh cell, slightly larger than the Steam Deck OLED’s 50Wh battery. In real-world conditions—a 50% brightness and 100% volume, all wireless radios disabled, and power profile set to Performance—the Legion Go S Z2 Go (SteamOS) lasted 1 hour and 39 minutes on Baldur’s Gate 3 before the battery fully depleted.
This is underwhelming, lagging the Steam Deck’s 2 hours and 15 minutes under the same settings. That the Legion Go S has a higher resolution IPS screen partly explains this, as does the probable higher overall nits output compared to the OLED. But Lenovo’s use of Super Rapid Charge (30% in 10 minutes, 70% in half an hour, full charge in about 80 minutes) helps offset this weak point.
Battery life remains highly variable based on game intensity—a fact often glossed over in marketing but critical for users planning longer sessions on the go.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: Quick-charging capability is a genuine quality-of-life advantage, especially compared to the Steam Deck’s slower recharging option.
• Risk: Actual playtime on demanding titles may leave some users cold, especially when away from a power plug. If long wireless sessions are essential, read reviews closely and consider external battery solutions.

Screen, Ergonomics, and Build Quality: Who Wins?​

A crucial, yet often overlooked, variable in handheld gaming is screen quality and how it’s experienced over hours of use.

Display Resolution and Quality​

Lenovo’s decision to opt for a 1200p IPS vs the Steam Deck’s 800p OLED is a double-edged sword. The higher resolution delivers sharper visuals and a crisper UI. The IPS panel, reportedly brighter at equivalent settings, is more visible in well-lit environments but may lack the deep blacks and contrast that OLED panels provide. For many, the larger, higher-res display will be a selling point—while those sensitive to battery life or who prioritize visual punch might still prefer the Steam Deck OLED.

Ergonomics​

Lenovo’s Legion Go S is heavier and chunkier than the Steam Deck OLED, but reports indicate its hand grips and overall feel are robust—crucial for hours of play without fatigue. Button placement, haptics, and thumbstick sensitivity are all praised in preliminary hands-on tests, though ultimately, comfort is highly personal.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: Lenovo’s bet on a sharper, larger display pays off in versatility and clarity.
• Risk: The tradeoff is a slight increase in weight (potentially fatiguing for younger users) and, importantly, reduced battery longevity.

SteamOS: The Software Gamechanger​

It’s rare for an operating system to change the fortunes of unlocked hardware, but that’s precisely what occurs here. SteamOS’s lower system overhead, better game compatibility, and generally more responsive UI turn what could be a middling “me-too” product into a real Steam Deck competitor.
On the flip side, SteamOS still struggles with limited compatibility outside the Steam ecosystem. Gamers who rely on Epic Games Store, GOG, or Microsoft Store will find themselves jumping through Proton and compatibility hoops. For pure Steam library users, however, the experience is now nearly seamless.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: SteamOS delivers major real-world FPS and latency gains—it’s more than just a Linux skin.
• Risk: It’s still not a full Windows PC, and users with diverse game libraries or a reliance on non-Steam launchers may be stymied.

The Lenovo Legion Go S Ecosystem: Upgrades, Accessories, and Repairs​

A key consideration for any premium tech purchase is ecosystem support. Lenovo, with its deep PC lineage, provides solid customer support. Reports indicate reasonable access to replacement parts, and firmware updates for drivers and system tweaks have been consistent. Super Rapid Charge, in particular, is a notable competitive edge—both in theory and marketing.
However, the degree of third-party accessory and mod support still trails Valve’s open, community-driven approach by a significant margin. Lenovo’s own dock accessories and carrying cases are available, but the rich landscape of Steam Deck skins, grips, docks, and upgrade kits is miles ahead. This may close over time, but early adopters should be aware.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: Official support, reliable charging, and parts access inspire confidence.
• Risk: Third-party accessory and repair ecosystems still lag behind Valve’s well-established user base and community resources.

Future-Proofing: The Limits of Mobile APUs​

Both the Z2 Go and Z1 Extreme chipsets deliver more brute force than previous generations, particularly when unfettered by Windows. However, handheld APUs are very much “just enough”—they cannot match even entry-level gaming laptops in longevity or raw power. As modern AAA titles continue to demand more, setting realistic expectations is critical.
Most users will find 30 to 40 FPS at 1200p on moderate settings completely playable—and a huge technical achievement in this form factor. But buyers hoping to max settings at high resolutions should be under no illusions: heavy compromises will always be needed, and game developers are not designing for these constraints.

Critical Take:​

• Strength: For today’s major games, the Legion Go S is adequate to excellent, especially in Z1 Extreme guise.
• Risk: Hardware “future-proofing” remains an illusion—cutting-edge handhelds will be outpaced by laptop and console innovation cycles within one or two years.

Key Takeaways and Buying Advice​

• Performance: On SteamOS, the Lenovo Legion Go S with Z2 Go not only outpaces its own Windows partition but also edges past the Steam Deck OLED, particularly at higher resolutions. The Z1 Extreme version is the clear champion of handheld performance in its class.
• Battery Life: While better on paper, Lenovo’s system drains faster due to display choices and performance optimizations. Super Rapid Charge helps soften the blow, but overall longevity is below average.
• Compatibility: SteamOS is both the secret weapon and the Achilles’ heel. Game compatibility is outstanding if you stick within the Steam ecosystem.
• Screen and Ergonomics: Sharper, brighter, and larger displays are a big win, but weight and comfort tradeoffs are significant.
• Ecosystem: Official support is reliable. Third-party accessories still lag behind the Steam Deck’s vibrant scene.

Recommendations​

The Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS) marks a coming-of-age moment—not just for Lenovo, but for SteamOS as a legitimate Windows alternative for handheld gaming. If your primary goal is to maximize performance for your Steam library in a slick, high-res, and responsive package, this is arguably the new handheld king. The Z1 Extreme, if the budget allows, is even better, narrowing the gap between portable and ultra-compact gaming laptops.
However, pragmatists must mind the details: battery life is shy of expectations, ultra settings remain out of reach, and the ecosystem—both in terms of third-party accessories and non-Steam game support—is playing catch-up.
For buyers prepared to accept these tradeoffs, and who spend most of their gaming hours in the Steam library, the Lenovo Legion Go S in SteamOS flavor is among the very best devices available today. As always, carefully consider your specific needs, play habits, and willingness to jump into a less-mature ecosystem before making the leap. The handheld PC market is more competitive—and rewarding—than ever, and that’s a win for every gamer.

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Source: PCMag Lenovo Legion Go S (Z2 Go, SteamOS) Review: A Better Steam Deck