Lenovo Legion Go S Review: Promising Handheld with Performance Limitations

The Lenovo Legion Go S enters the gaming handheld arena with a mixed bag of promise and reality. On paper, this device boasts comfortable ergonomics, a crisp 120Hz IPS display, and a well-thought-out array of features. However, when you peel back the layers, underwhelming performance—thanks in no small part to the AMD Z2 Go chip—and software quirks keep it from reaching its full potential.
Below is an in-depth look at the Legion Go S, breaking down design elements, display quality, software challenges, performance metrics, battery life, and overall value, so you can decide if this is the gaming handheld that’s worth your hard-earned cash.

Design and Build Quality​

At first glance, the Legion Go S impresses with its commitment to ergonomics and layout. Unlike some competitors that seem overly experimental, Lenovo has opted for a design that feels natural—almost like holding an extended version of your favorite Xbox controller.

• Ergonomics and Weight: Weighing in at just 1.61 lbs, the all-plastic construction makes the device feel light and comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Despite leaving behind the premium metallic touches of its predecessor, the plastic chassis still manages to strike a balance between durability and comfort.
• Controller Layout: The button layout follows the familiar Xbox controller mapping, ensuring that gamers have a certain level of familiarity. The analog sticks are well-positioned, and a D-pad sits intuitively below the left stick. Interestingly, a small touchpad beneath the right stick adds an unconventional twist. Although its practical use is minimal, it hints at Lenovo’s willingness to experiment.

In summary, while the design is not revolutionary, its comfort factor cannot be understated. Its form factor—even with some plastic compromises—may prove to be a selling point if you’re looking for a handheld that can run for hours without turning into a workout of its own.

Display and Audio​

The Legion Go S’s 8-inch IPS display is one of its standout features, delivering a balance of brightness, clarity, and responsiveness that is essential for handheld gaming.

• Display Specifications:
• Resolution: 1920x1200, which may not push the limits but remains adequate for most gaming scenarios.
• Refresh Rate: A variable refresh rate setting up to 120Hz ensures smooth visuals during high-octane gaming sessions.
• Brightness: With a brightness level of around 450 nits, the screen performs well even in bright environments, ensuring gameplay remains visible under varying lighting conditions.
• Audio: The onboard speakers provide a serviceable audio experience—enough for casual gaming. However, players who value immersive soundscapes will likely benefit from a good pair of headphones rather than relying solely on the built-in speakers.

Key takeaways:

• The display is sharp and colorful, delivering an excellent visual experience for casual and mid-tier gaming.
• The audio setup is functional but leaves room for enhancements, reinforcing the idea that audiophiles should invest in their own sound solution.

Software Experience: Windows 11 on a Handheld​

The Legion Go S rolls out with Windows 11 Home, a decision that brings both benefits and drawbacks to the table.

• Initial Setup Challenges: Out of the box, the device defaults to a 200% screen scaling setting. While this makes icons easier to hit on a small display, it also results in a cramped user interface. Lenovo’s advice to dial this back to 150% is spot on, as it results in a more usable layout.
• Windows on Handhelds: Running Windows 11 on a device designed for handheld use means you encounter the same quirks that have long plagued the desktop OS. From the oversized interface to sometimes clunky multitasking, the OS can feel awkward when forced into a portable format.
• Legion Space Software: Lenovo introduces its own management suite, Legion Space, which aims to tie together settings, game libraries, and customizations. This centralized hub is designed to mitigate some of the inherent issues with Windows on small screens and let users fine-tune power and performance profiles.

Despite these improvements, software remains a mixed bag:

• Occasional on-screen keyboard malfunctions can interrupt gameplay.
• Sporadic Wi-Fi connectivity issues—where downloads seem to stutter—add to the frustration.
• The touchpad’s default vibration, reminiscent of early cell phones, is a quirky detail that you'll eventually have to disable manually.

In essence, while Windows 11 grants the advantage of a familiar desktop environment and compatibility with a wide range of games and applications, it also drags along its baggage. For hardcore gamers used to the refined experiences of purpose-built consoles or even tailored handhelds like the Steam Deck, these issues may prove to be significant roadblocks.

Performance Under Pressure​

At the heart of the Legion Go S lies the AMD Z2 Go chipset. This entry-level processor, a four-core, eight-thread design, represents a step down from the more powerful Z1 Extreme chip that powered the original Legion Go. As a result, the performance of the device leaves a lot to be desired.

• Gaming Benchmarks:
• While benchmarks such as Cyberpunk 2077 clocked in around 26 frames per second on certain presets, this performance proves inconsistent, especially when gaming at native resolution.
• For titles like Borderlands 3, tweaking resolution and settings becomes necessary to achieve a playable frame rate—typically hovering in the mid-30s FPS range under optimal conditions.
• Resolution and Settings:
• Running games at the handheld-friendly resolution of 1280x800 can help alleviate some performance constraints, but even then, the device may struggle with more recent, resource-intensive titles.
• For casual gamers or those with older titles, the performance might be acceptable; however, the Legion Go S is not primed for pushing the graphical envelope.

Performance Pros and Cons:​

• Pros:
• Capable of running a good number of games when settings are carefully adjusted.
• Dual USB-4 ports and upgradable storage (with M.2 2280 SSD upgrade potential) show that Lenovo hasn’t neglected peripheral functionality.
• Cons:
• The AMD Z2 Go chip is underpowered compared to competitors like the Steam Deck, placing it at a disadvantage in raw performance.
• Inconsistent performance, where certain titles may demand further tweaks to hit smooth, playable frame rates.

In summary, if performance is your primary concern—especially with modern titles—the Legion Go S may leave you wanting more. It’s a device that seems best suited for casual gaming and older titles rather than the latest AAA experiences.

Battery Life and Charging Capabilities​

Battery life is one of the most critical factors for any portable device, and the Legion Go S is a study in trade-offs.

• Battery Specifications:
• Equipped with a 55.5Wh battery, the device delivers average longevity.
• For less demanding games, like Vampire Survivors, you might stretch up to five hours; however, more graphically intense games like Tekken 8 or Borderlands 3 sap the battery rapidly.
• Charging Speed:
• Support for 100W fast charging is an exciting feature, though the included charger is rated at 65W. This startup solution might leave power users wanting more out-of-the-box performance relative to charging speeds.

Battery Life Highlights:​

• Casual or retro gaming sessions can be quite sustainable.
• Fast charging support hints at future upgrades and improved convenience—provided you invest in a better charger.

Despite these features, the balance between battery life and gaming performance continues to be a tug-of-war. Pushing the device for performance means sacrificing battery longevity, a compromise not unusual in the handheld market but worth keeping in mind for longer portable sessions.

Value Proposition: Price versus Performance​

Priced at $729, the Legion Go S finds itself in a competitive but tricky market. Here's a breakdown:

• Pricing for Windows Version:
• The current Windows 11 Home version is priced at a premium. Coupled with its performance limitations, it often feels overpriced when compared directly with competitors like the Steam Deck.
• Future SteamOS Model:
• Lenovo has announced a forthcoming version running SteamOS with lower specs (16GB RAM and 512GB storage) at a more attractive price of $499. This version could potentially reposition the device as more competitive if it addresses current performance bottlenecks.

Is the Price Justified?​

• For those who favor Windows for its broader software compatibility and the convenience of a more traditional OS—especially if you also use the device for non-gaming tasks—the current version might be justifiable.
• For gamers solely focused on performance and value, the steep price tag and the underwhelming internal chip may deter purchase decisions.

The crux of the matter is whether the convenience of Windows outweighs the cost of sacrificing high-end performance. For many, this balance tips unfavorably.

Additional Considerations and Future Potential​

Even if the current iteration of the Legion Go S has some performance flaws, there is a silver lining. The design and build quality suggest that Lenovo is committed to refining its handheld gaming portfolio. Anecdotal reports from online communities indicate that some users have enjoyed the device running Linux distributions, opening up possibilities for a community-driven operating system alternative. This is an encouraging sign for those who see potential in the hardware but wish for a smoother software ecosystem.
Moreover, Lenovo’s willingness to experiment with switchable software modes—as seen with their upcoming SteamOS version—hints at a future where the Legion Go S might evolve into a more niche device that can cater specifically to a consumer segment that prioritizes cost-efficiency and performance.

Final Verdict​

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a mixed bag that elegantly straddles the line between innovation and compromise. Key points to note include:

• It excels in ergonomics, offering a comfortable design that can handle long gaming sessions.
• The 8-inch, 120Hz IPS display is a highlight, delivering sharp visuals and adequate brightness.
• Running Windows 11 Home on a handheld inherently brings challenges—the scaling defaults, interface quirks, and occasional connectivity issues are prime examples.
• The AMD Z2 Go chipset, while a pragmatic choice for budget-conscious consumers, falls short in modern gaming performance, demanding compromises in graphics settings and resolution.
• Battery life is average and highly dependent on game intensity, although the support for fast charging is a welcome feature.
• At a price point of $729, the device struggles to justify its cost against competitors that offer either superior performance or better value at a lower price point. The forthcoming SteamOS version could potentially bridge this gap by offering better value for a hand-held solution tailored more to gaming needs.

Looking ahead, if you are a Windows enthusiast who values a familiar operating system over raw gaming performance, and you appreciate a well-designed, comfortable handheld, then the Legion Go S might still appeal to you. However, if top-tier performance and value are your primary goals, the current version may feel out of sync with the competitive landscape introduced by devices like the Steam Deck.
Ultimately, the Lenovo Legion Go S is a testament to the evolving nature of portable gaming. It makes solid attempts to deliver a unique Windows-centric handheld experience, yet its shortcomings in performance and value remind potential buyers that the market has room for innovation—and that sometimes, enhancements in design and comfort are not enough to overcome hardware limitations.
For those who want to dive deeper into the discussion on Windows 11’s role in handheld devices, or explore more on performance tweaks and hardware reviews, you might find related discussions on WindowsForum.com quite enlightening. This device’s adventures in ergonomics versus performance are a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of portable gaming innovation.

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Source: How-To Geek Underwhelming Performance Drags This Great-Feeling Gaming Handheld Down