The Lenovo Legion Go S emerges as a compelling entrant in the handheld gaming PC market, blending ergonomic design with a robust feature set. However, its performance and software integration present notable challenges that potential buyers should consider.
Lenovo has made significant strides in the design of the Legion Go S, addressing previous criticisms of bulkiness and discomfort. The device features sculpted grips and a layout that naturally fits the hands, enhancing comfort during extended gaming sessions. The white color scheme not only adds aesthetic appeal but also effectively conceals fingerprints and dust. The build quality is commendable, with a sturdy plastic chassis that exhibits minimal flex. The controls are well-positioned, including offset analog sticks, a responsive D-pad, and larger, more precise thumbsticks adorned with customizable RGB lighting. Additional rear buttons offer customization options, and the inclusion of two USB4 Type-C ports and a conveniently placed microSD slot enhances connectivity and storage expansion.
Source: The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/lenovo-legion-go-review--35387660/
Design and Build Quality
Lenovo has made significant strides in the design of the Legion Go S, addressing previous criticisms of bulkiness and discomfort. The device features sculpted grips and a layout that naturally fits the hands, enhancing comfort during extended gaming sessions. The white color scheme not only adds aesthetic appeal but also effectively conceals fingerprints and dust. The build quality is commendable, with a sturdy plastic chassis that exhibits minimal flex. The controls are well-positioned, including offset analog sticks, a responsive D-pad, and larger, more precise thumbsticks adorned with customizable RGB lighting. Additional rear buttons offer customization options, and the inclusion of two USB4 Type-C ports and a conveniently placed microSD slot enhances connectivity and storage expansion. Display and Audio
The Legion Go S boasts an 8-inch WQXGA LCD screen with a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 120Hz variable refresh rate. The display delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, with a brightness level that ensures clarity in various lighting conditions. While it lacks the deep blacks and contrast ratios of OLED panels, the LCD screen contributes to a more affordable price point. However, the device's 2W speakers are underwhelming, producing sound that lacks depth and bass, making headphones a recommended accessory for an immersive audio experience.Performance
At the heart of the Legion Go S is the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, a custom chip developed in collaboration with Lenovo. This processor features four cores based on the Zen 3 architecture, distinguishing it from the more powerful eight-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme found in some competitors. In performance benchmarks, the Legion Go S often trails behind devices equipped with the Z1 Extreme, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. For instance, in games like "Cyberpunk 2077," the Legion Go S achieves lower frame rates compared to the Steam Deck OLED and other handhelds with more robust processors. This performance gap suggests that while the Legion Go S can handle less demanding titles adequately, it may struggle with more resource-intensive games.Software Experience
The Legion Go S runs on Windows 11, which, despite its versatility, presents challenges on handheld devices. The operating system's interface is not optimized for small touchscreens, leading to difficulties in navigation and control. Lenovo's Legion Space software attempts to streamline the gaming experience by consolidating game libraries and settings but has been reported to be slow and occasionally unresponsive. The combination of Windows 11's limitations and the software's shortcomings can result in a frustrating user experience, detracting from the device's otherwise impressive hardware.Battery Life
Equipped with a 55.5Wh battery, the Legion Go S offers battery life that is average for handheld gaming PCs. Battery longevity varies significantly depending on the game's demands, with lighter titles allowing for longer play sessions and more demanding games draining the battery more quickly. In comparison, devices like the Steam Deck OLED have demonstrated superior battery efficiency, providing longer gaming sessions under similar conditions.Pricing and Value Proposition
The Legion Go S is available in multiple configurations, with the Windows 11 version featuring the Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD priced at $729. This positions it above the Steam Deck OLED's price point, which offers better performance and battery life. Lenovo plans to release a SteamOS version of the Legion Go S at a lower price, which may offer a more competitive value proposition. However, as it stands, the current pricing of the Windows 11 model may deter potential buyers seeking better performance and software integration.Conclusion
The Lenovo Legion Go S showcases thoughtful design and solid hardware components, making it a noteworthy contender in the handheld gaming market. However, its performance limitations, suboptimal software experience, and pricing relative to competitors present significant drawbacks. Prospective buyers should weigh these factors carefully, especially with the anticipated release of a more affordable SteamOS version that may address some of these concerns.Source: The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/lenovo-legion-go-review--35387660/
