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

 

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A sense of anticipation has often surrounded handheld PC gaming, with each new device touting itself as the next definitive challenger to Valve’s Steam Deck. The Lenovo Legion Go S, on paper, seemed destined to carry that torch. By refining design elements and promising a non-gimmicky, more affordable option, Lenovo appeared to have its finger on the pulse of what PC gaming enthusiasts crave in a portable package. Yet, as hands-on reviews and user impressions pile up, a story unfolds that is less about triumph and more about a promising device hamstrung by mismatched specifications, software missteps, and a daunting price tag. In this analysis, we’ll dissect where the Legion Go S shines, where it falters, and whether there’s a future for this handheld — or if it’s destined to remain in the shadow of the machine it was designed to challenge.

A New Hope for Handheld Gaming — or Is It?​

When Lenovo initially teased a more streamlined Legion Go S version, the gaming world buzzed with excitement. Imagine: a reasonably priced handheld with the power to match or surpass the Steam Deck, but built on the familiar Windows platform. As the release unfolded, though, expectations clashed sharply with reality. Instead of emerging as a $499 game-changer, the Windows 11-equipped Legion Go S landed with a $729 price tag in the US, muddling its market position before it had a chance to prove itself on performance alone.
It’s crucial to understand that hardware pricing in the world of handheld gaming is more sensitive than perhaps any other consumer tech niche. Gamers seek a device that delivers both power and portability but balk at paying more for incremental upgrades or, worse, for features that introduce complexity without clear value. Lenovo’s Legion Go S, despite dropping the removable controllers and oversized display of its predecessor, seems to misread this calibration.

Design: A Rare Bright Spot​

There’s little doubt Lenovo has learned some design lessons. Where the original Legion Go was bedeviled by unwieldy size and awkward aesthetics, the Go S impresses with its streamlined, ergonomic build. Grippy, textured sides, curvier lines, and weight reduction — down to 739g from the original’s 854g — bring genuine comfort and usability improvements. The device, while still on the heavy side compared to all rivals, feels solid and purpose-built for sustained play rather than being just a “shrunk down laptop.”
Gamepad improvements are particularly noteworthy. Gone are the previous generation’s lackluster buttons and hollow construction. Instead, the Legion Go S offers tactile thumbsticks, enhanced d-pad, and satisfyingly sturdy shoulder buttons. Even the back toggles have been thoughtfully placed for easy reach. If one had to nitpick, the face buttons feel a tad shallower than ideal, but not enough to become a dealbreaker.
One misstep in design, however, is the minuscule touchpad provided for mouse input. Rather than increasing options, this feature draws attention to Windows 11’s unsuitability for touch or analog navigation. It’s reminiscent of the “keyboard nipple” on old ThinkPads — amusing as a callback, but frustrating in use. On a gaming device, anything that impedes quick interaction with the OS is a speed bump for the experience.

The Feature Set: Useful Tricks, Unnecessary Frills​

Lenovo’s pursuit of the ideal “gaming handheld” is evident in some thoughtful features, like the adjustable trigger system. These triggers can be tuned for short, clicky responses or full-press sensitivity, offering versatility for different game genres and play styles. That’s a real ergonomic win and a nod to the diverse gaming habits the PC community celebrates.
Connectivity is another area Lenovo gets right, with two USB-C ports (supporting charging and DisplayPort 1.4 output), an increasingly standard expectation for dockable play and accessory expansion. This duality means users don’t immediately need a specialty dock to connect to large displays — a small touch, but one that nudges usability in the right direction.
Not all add-ons, though, serve end-user needs. The inclusion of a dual-array microphone, for instance, feels like a feature added for spec-sheet padding rather than genuine utility — particularly since most handheld gaming is a solitary or headset-enhanced pursuit.

The Windows 11 Dilemma​

One of the boldest choices — and the device’s biggest Achilles’ heel — is Lenovo’s decision to deploy Windows 11. Yes, Windows has unmatched compatibility: in theory, if your desktop can play it, so can the Go S. But that flexibility comes at a steep cost in user experience. Microsoft’s flagship OS is simply not optimized for compact screens or primarily controller-driven navigation.
Lenovo attempts to mitigate these issues with its LegionSpace app, providing a launching hub and quick settings menu. While LegionSpace has seen improvements since its earliest iteration, it still doesn’t provide the seamless experience Steam Deck users enjoy with SteamOS. The app’s settings are sometimes laggy, and the inclusion of a digital game store feels more like a revenue play than a user-centered feature.
Windows-specific annoyances — like a stubbornly auto-hiding taskbar and unreliable sleep mode — serve to remind users that this OS was engineered for desks, not laps. Other handhelds, such as the Ayaneo Flip DS, demonstrate that a Windows-based system can be at least tolerable, but the Legion Go S makes the road bumpier than it needs to be.

Performance: Where Numbers Let Us Down​

The beating heart of the Legion Go S is AMD’s new Ryzen Z2 Go chip. While it represents a leap forward in efficiency and design compared to chips from just a few years ago, it is not, in practice, a substantial upgrade over earlier silicon seen in other handhelds. On paper, this new APU should fare well, but in benchmarking — and more importantly, in the lived reality of gaming — the results are underwhelming for a device with premium pricing.
In demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, the device manages a 45fps average at 800p (low settings), marginally ahead of the Steam Deck’s 43fps. On lighter fare like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, it boasts 70fps compared to the Deck’s 53fps. These are nice incremental boosts, but hardly the transformative leap one expects for the $300+ premium over competing options. When running more demanding titles at the Go S’s native 1200p, frame rates plunge, revealing the chip’s limitations.
Battery life is another area where expectations outstrip reality. The Go S’s 55.5Whr battery — impressive by numerical standards — translates into just 1.5 hours of intense gaming under realistic settings, with lighter usage eking out up to around 3 hours. That’s Steam Deck-level stamina, but not an improvement. At a time when efficiency gains should be as vaunted as raw speed, Lenovo’s “next-gen” chip does not move the needle.
Thermal performance is passable, but the device’s fans are louder than either the Deck OLED or the ROG Ally — especially at higher wattage settings. For players who prefer gaming in quieter settings, this will be a noticeable downside.

Display and Audio: Pushing the Right Buttons​

One undeniable highlight is the Legion Go S’s 8-inch 1200p 120Hz IPS display. In an era when most portable gaming screens still cluster around 800p or 1080p resolution, having a crisp, bright, and smooth panel sets the Go S apart — at least visually. The display’s color reproduction, brightness, and viewing angles ensure that games both old and new are rendered with pleasing clarity.
Front-firing speakers, too, make a pleasant surprise. Rather than the tinny, rear-facing sound that mars many portable devices, the Go S delivers punchy, clear audio that compensates for the drone of its internal fans during play.

Market Position and Value: A Price Too High​

Every positive note about the Legion Go S is undercut by its price. At $729 in the US for the 32GB/1TB version, it’s tough to overlook the less expensive and, in some ways, more feature-complete competitors. The device’s pricing structure, a result of Lenovo’s decision to only sell the highest-spec version in certain regions, closes the door to the budget-conscious audience that drives the adoption of new gaming hardware.
In the UK, a more rationally priced 16GB/512GB version is available for £549, but even this still exceeds what most would expect to pay for “mid-tier” handheld performance. When the base Steam Deck, with its proven track record, OLED screen option, and superior software experience, undercuts the Lenovo on both price and polish, one has to wonder what exactly Lenovo is selling: hardware, or hope?

The SteamOS Promise​

A glimmer of hope remains, but it’s deferred to the future. Lenovo has promised a forthcoming SteamOS version of the Legion Go S, likely at the more palatable $499 price point initially floated for this “lite” model. If that hardware is paired with the more svelte, controller-friendly SteamOS (complete with Valve’s relentless pace of quality-of-life updates), this product could finally realize its intended role as a next-generation Steam Deck rival.
Key questions linger. Will the SteamOS variant hit shelves in time to matter, or will it simply play catch-up against Valve’s inevitable next refresh? Will Lenovo respond to early criticisms around price, bloatware, and user experience — or will the lessons learned from the Windows 11 misadventure inform a stronger second act?

Critical Analysis: Where Did Lenovo Go Wrong?​

The Legion Go S isn’t a tragic miss because of a single fatal flaw, but rather a succession of small miscalculations that add up. Launching exclusively with Windows 11, bundling in expensive (and, in the U.S., high-storage) SKUs, and hoping a slightly more refined chassis would outweigh both the “feel” and “play” realities — it all led to a product caught between worlds.
Lenovo’s fundamental error may have been a misunderstanding of its target audience’s core values. PC gamers are perhaps the most spec-conscious consumers, unafraid to demand both value and performance. The Go S’s price screams “premium,” but the guts of the machine — especially the Ryzen Z2 Go — whisper “budget.” A device branded as a lighter, less expensive alternative to the original Legion Go simply cannot justify near-flagship pricing.
On the software side, the continued insistence on Windows 11 as a gaming handheld OS is simply out of step with current user preferences. Valve’s SteamOS, with its instant-on functionality, controller-first design, and deep integration with gaming storefronts, has set a high bar. Anything less intuitive and more cluttered feels like a step backward, not forward.

Notable Strengths that Shouldn’t Be Overlooked​

It’s not all doom and gloom. The Legion Go S is proof that Lenovo listens, at least partly, to the community. Improvements in physical ergonomics, button layout, and build solidity make for a device that feels good in the hands. The screen and speakers, too, reflect a company willing to invest in the entertainment aspect of gaming, not just check off technical requirements.
Adjustable triggers sound like a small thing, but in the context of portable gaming — where comfort over many hours matters — it’s a real differentiator. The decision to integrate two USB-C ports is also commendable, future-proofing the device for more flexible accessory ecosystems.

Risks for Early Adopters​

Buyers of the Legion Go S in its current incarnation face three major risks:

• The first is financial: paying a flagship price for what amounts to mid-tier performance, especially in a fast-moving market where fresh hardware could appear at any time.
• The second is software stagnation: Windows 11 remains awkward and clunky for controller-first use, with no guarantee that Lenovo’s LegionSpace will bridge the gap anytime soon.
• The third is ecosystem uncertainty: with the specter of a SteamOS variant looming, today’s purchasers must live with the suspicion that a superior, cheaper model is just months away.

The Big Picture: Should You Buy It?​

In its present state, the argument for purchasing the Legion Go S is thin at best. For those desperate to break free from Valve’s ecosystem — and willing to pay a premium for marginal gains in screen real estate or audio — it’s a possible but costly leap. For everyone else, the waiting game is the smarter play.
This device shines as a study in potential. Lenovo’s hardware team has proven that comfort and design elegance can coexist in a gaming handheld. Yet, potential is not value. Until software and pricing catch up with the improved physical design, the Legion Go S is easier to admire than to recommend.

Looking Forward: Lessons for the Handheld Future​

The broader handheld PC scene is evolving rapidly. Valve’s Steam Deck has not only set a benchmark for performance and price but also codified expectations around software integration and user-centricity. Competitors are discovering that it’s not just the silicon that counts: seamless software, accessories, and honest, value-based pricing matter deeply to a discerning audience.
Lenovo’s efforts hint at a willingness to compete seriously, but the road to relevance in this crowded space is paved with more than spec sheets and glossy screens. Consistent updates, a willingness to course correct, and a deeper understanding of what handheld gamers value will determine whether the Legion brand carves a niche or fades into “what could have been” territory.

Conclusion: Wait for the Real Challenger​

In its Windows 11 configuration and current U.S. pricing, the Lenovo Legion Go S stands as proof that strong design and branding alone cannot overcome software and value missteps. It’s a device composed of good intentions and partial solutions, undermined by the very elements meant to set it apart.
Those willing to wait should keep a keen eye on the forthcoming SteamOS version, which may yet deliver the true rival to Valve’s dominance — provided Lenovo draws from the lessons of this misjudged first salvo. In the meantime, the Legion Go S serves as a cautionary tale: in the world of handheld gaming, the winners are not those who chase specs or trends, but those who align hardware, software, and value with the genuine wants of gamers.

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Source: www.gamesradar.com Lenovo Legion Go S Windows 11 review: “my heart aches for this mixed up handheld”