Lenovo Legion Go S Review: The Ultimate Portable Gaming Powerhouse in 2025

In the highly competitive world of handheld gaming PCs, every manufacturer strives for that crucial sweet spot—the point where hardware muscle, portability, price, and genuine usability converge into a must-have gadget for gamers on the go. Lenovo’s Legion Go S, launched as a successor to the original Legion Go, boldly steps into this arena, targeting both mainstream players and enthusiasts who demand desktop-class power in a form factor you can slip into your backpack. But as the market grows ever more saturated with devices promising the moon, how does the Legion Go S hold up under real-world scrutiny? A comprehensive revisit reveals strengths that make it a compelling choice—but also exposes its inevitable limitations and a handful of curious missteps.

Design and Build: Form Follows Function​

A device’s first impression matters, especially when portability and ergonomics are top priorities. Lenovo’s design team has clearly taken feedback from its initial Legion Go to heart. The Legion Go S discards the slightly gimmicky detachable controllers of its predecessor in favor of a unified chassis. This new approach prioritizes durability and a feeling of solidity that’s immediately apparent in the hand. Weighing approximately 1.63 pounds (739 grams), it’s noticeably lighter, balancing enough weight for a premium feel without adding fatigue during longer gaming marathons.
The ergonomic design is more than just marketing veneer: gently sculpted grips fit naturally into the slots of your palms, and the button layout is refreshingly intuitive, echoing the familiar form of high-end controllers while offering a notably reduced learning curve. One often-overlooked highlight is the addition of adjustable triggers, allowing users to fine-tune pull distance—paralleling advanced peripherals like the Xbox Elite controller and raising the bar for customization on the go.
Naturally, perfection eludes any device. The Legion Go S’s finish, while aesthetically sleek and reassuringly smooth, tends towards the slippery side, particularly in intense gameplay sessions. For gamers without calloused hands, a grip-enhancing accessory may be worth considering. Another curious decision is Lenovo’s omission of a bundled carrying case—a staple in the original Legion Go package. For a device built around portability, this absence feels like a puzzling step backwards, potentially exposing the device to knocks and scrapes in transit.

Display: Immersive, But OLED Spoils the Party Elsewhere​

One of the first things to seize your attention on the Legion Go S is its expansive 8-inch WQXGA LCD display, boasting a 16:10 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 1920 x 1200. Lenovo’s decision to pair this with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support instantly positions it at the premium end of current-gen handhelds. For fast-paced titles like Rocket League, these features deliver stunningly smooth visuals with significantly reduced screen tearing—a frequent bane of similar portable systems.
Brightness is another feather in the Legion Go S’s cap, with peak levels hitting a respectable 500 nits. Outdoor gaming sessions, or those set near bright windows, remain serviceable—a significant advantage over rivals with dimmer screens. Color reproduction is vibrant, with punchy hues and crisp details, enhancing almost any genre from pixel-perfect indie gems to graphically complex 3D adventures.
However, the surge of OLED-equipped devices in 2025 sets a new standard for contrast and color vibrancy—a standard LCDs simply can’t match. While the Legion Go S’s screen looks fantastic in isolation, it struggles to replicate the deep blacks and crystalline pop of OLED panels. Shadowy scenes lose a degree of impact, and colors don’t quite leap off the screen in the same way. For gamers accustomed to OLED magic on, say, a Steam Deck OLED or ASUS ROG Ally OLED, this difference will be noticeable, though not deal-breaking for most.

Performance: Power in the Palm—With Caveats​

Lenovo opted for AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Go as the beating heart of the Legion Go S. This chip, built with handheld performance and efficiency in mind, refines the architecture found in the Z1 and Z1 Extreme that previously powered devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. It’s paired with a staggering 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM—an eyebrow-raising figure for a handheld—and a 1TB NVMe SSD rated for 5,000 MB/s sequential reads based on real-world testing.

Anything But Underpowered—At Least on Paper​

The spec sheet paints the Legion Go S as a monster: RAM capacity far exceeds most mobile and even mid-tier desktop PCs, while the combination of a robust processor and ultra-fast storage aims to banish stutter and loading bottlenecks. But raw numbers only tell part of the story. Real gaming workloads provide the truest measure of the device.
Lightweight indie darlings such as Hades II, Dead Cells, Stardew Valley, and Hollow Knight run flawlessly, often breathing at frame rates hovering between 90 and 120 fps—maximum smoothness locked in, especially with VRR engaged. Old-school and retro game fans will find the Legion Go S excels in emulation, easily handling Dolphin for GameCube/Wii, PCSX2 for PlayStation 2, and even Yuzu for Nintendo Switch, provided emulation settings are optimized. These workloads are both forgiving and efficiently handled by the Z2 Go, which sips power and runs cool, translating to longer play sessions and less intrusive fan noise.
Competitive eSports titles—think Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, or Rocket League—see equally strong results. Frame rates comfortably exceed 60 fps even at medium-to-high detail settings, delivering the low-latency responsiveness that serious players demand.

The AAA Challenge—Where Ambition Faces Reality​

No gaming device can escape the gravitational pull of resource-hungry AAA blockbusters, but the Legion Go S is forced to face its limits here. High-profile titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, Alan Wake 2, and The Last of Us Part I are possible, but not without trade-offs that remind you this is, ultimately, a portable device. Expect to play at 720p (sometimes lower), with AMD’s FSR set to its Balanced or Performance modes, and most graphics settings reduced to medium or low.
For instance, Elden Ring—a benchmark title for many portable systems—records frame rates in the upper 30s to low 40s at 1080p with reduced settings, occasionally dipping into the 30s during complex scenes or open-world traversal. Games like Spider-Man Remastered, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Hogwarts Legacy paint a similar picture: playable, yes, but only after significant tweaking, and rarely at uncompromised quality.
When held up against direct competitors like the Steam Deck (Aerith APU, SteamOS optimizations) or ASUS ROG Ally, the Legion Go S sometimes falls behind in frame rate stability—even when raw hardware specs slightly favor the Lenovo hardware. This hints at software-level inefficiencies, as explored below.

Benchmark Summary​

For most indie, retro, and eSports titles, the Legion Go S is a joy. For AAA gaming at max settings and high resolutions, it treads water but never quite swims with the fastest current.

Thermal Management: Strengths and Sizzle​

Managing heat is a perpetual challenge in slim gaming hardware, and Lenovo attacks it with a dual-fan system, copper heat pipes, and smartly placed rear-venting exhausts. Under normal use, the device runs quiet and relatively cool. However, push a demanding title or crank up the Performance profile, and fans quickly ramp up to audible levels—often 45–50 dB, easily heard in a quiet room but less intrusive in a noisy café or train.
Surface heat is the inevitable consequence. While not a hand-scalding risk, the rear of the device, especially near exhaust vents, can reach the mid-40s Celsius during sustained AAA loads. This makes long handheld sessions less comfortable—particularly during summer or in rooms lacking air conditioning. On the plus side, the Legion Go S offers fan profile options (Quiet, Balanced, Performance) through its Legion Space launcher, but even the Quiet setting can’t always banish fan noise during strenuous tasks. For pure silence, only cloud gaming or undemanding indie titles keep thermals, and thus fans, in check.

Storage and Memory: Above and Beyond​

One area where Lenovo truly justifies its premium pricing is with its choice of storage and memory. The 1TB NVMe SSD, regularly clocking in at 5,000 MB/s read speeds on benchmarks like CrystalDiskMark, ensures that even mammoth games load in a snap—a crucial feature on a device premised on play-anywhere flexibility. Forget staring at loading screens: even massive patches or game installations zip by at speed more reminiscent of gaming desktops than handhelds.
Then there’s the elephant in the room: 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. For today’s handheld gaming use cases, this is, by most standards, overkill. Even so, it is genuinely forward-thinking—futureproofing the Legion Go S for several years, supporting heavy multitasking, high-end emulation, and streaming workflows. Power users running Discord, Spotify, and Chrome in the background while gaming or modders loading up huge texture packs for Skyrim or Fallout 4 will appreciate the surfeit of headroom.

Windows 11: Freedom Meets Friction​

Perhaps the most complex aspect of the Legion Go S’s identity is its software. Rather than designing a custom interface or using the relatively lightweight Linux/SteamOS ecosystem like Valve, Lenovo leans hard into Windows 11. The benefits are clear: near-universal compatibility, a vast library of games and emulators, and easy access to streaming services or productivity tools. Gamers can install anything from Steam to GOG to Game Pass PC without a hitch.
Yet, this freedom extracts a price. Windows 11, though much improved since its launch, remains fundamentally optimized for desktops and laptops rather than touchscreen handhelds. Navigation on an eight-inch screen can feel awkward, with some elements too small for accurate finger tapping. Worse, the OS’s background processes—updates, telemetry, extraneous services—can bog down responsiveness, introducing delay and instability that wouldn’t occur on more tightly integrated systems like the Steam Deck’s SteamOS.
Lenovo tries to patch over these rough edges with its Legion Space software—a custom launcher front-end designed to centralize game management and quick settings adjustment. It’s a welcome addition, but not a cure-all: Windows 11’s inherent complexity and bloat remain visible just beneath the surface. Compared to the streamlined, touch-optimized experience of SteamOS or the clean launcher focus of devices like the Nintendo Switch, this layer of friction is apparent.

Battery Life: Industry Standard, But Far From Endless​

Battery endurance is always a sticking point for handheld PCs. The Legion Go S brings a 55.5Wh battery to the table, a generous capacity by industry standards. In practical use—heavy AAA gaming at full brightness and Performance fan settings—expect 2.5 to 3 hours before you’re hunting for a power outlet. This performance essentially matches rivals like the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck in their most draining use cases.
Of course, battery life can be stretched to four hours or more when limiting yourself to less demanding indie titles, turning down brightness, or using the device primarily for emulation or streaming. Still, the harsh reality is that no current-gen ultra-portable gaming PC breaks through the four-hour mark on a single charge with demanding use. For travel or lengthy commutes, packing a fast-charging power bank remains essential.

Audio: Sufficient, but Lacking Depth​

Audio hardware is another area where the Legion Go S lands squarely in the “good but not great” camp. Its stereo speakers deliver clear, undistorted sound and respectable maximum volume—a serviceable solution for casual sessions or mobile movie streaming. However, there’s little in the way of deep bass or wide spatial separation—audio cues in competitive shooters lack punch, and immersive single-player gaming feels a step less thrilling than on higher-end rivals or premium headphones.
The saving grace is the presence of a robust 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth 5.2 support, both of which encourage pairing with quality headphones or earbuds. For serious gaming, this is an almost mandatory upgrade, given the device’s otherwise average built-in speaker fidelity.

Community and Accessories: Incomplete Feel​

A major draw of the Steam Deck has been its thriving accessory and modding ecosystem; here, Lenovo trails a step behind. The lack of an included carrying case—a feature infuriatingly stripped after the original Legion Go—means that buyers must look to third-party vendors for protection on the go, at least until Lenovo brings an official option to market. Similarly, the accessory range as of mid-2025 is limited, though this may change as the device gains traction and (hopefully) community adoption spurs a broader range.

Pricing and Value: Mid-to-Premium, With Competitive Edges​

With street prices generally undercutting the ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck OLED’s top trims, the Legion Go S presents itself as a premium product at a high-mid-market price. Factoring in its generous specs—32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, high-refresh LCD, and desktop-class processor—the value proposition is strong, provided you’re willing to tinker and accept its inherent limits. Promotional bundles and cashback offers (for example, using codes from select retailers) further sweeten the deal, though pricing can fluctuate with ongoing market shifts.

Critical Analysis: Where the Legion Go S Shines, and Where It Falters​

Notable Strengths​

• Ergonomic build and comfort: Enhanced grips and lighter chassis perfectly suit long handheld sessions.
• Customizable triggers: Personalization options rarely seen in this category.
• Fast, vibrant display: High refresh rate and 500-nit brightness deliver excellent visuals indoors and out.
• Outstanding storage and RAM: The 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM provide true future-proofing amid a crowded field.
• Strong performance for indie, retro, and competitive eSports: Ideal for lighter workloads and emulation, which make up a significant portion of real-world gaming libraries.
• True PC flexibility: The full Windows 11 experience unlocks the broadest software compatibility.

Significant Weaknesses and Risks​

• AAA limitations: Performance dips with the latest blockbuster games are unavoidable; expect compromise or risk disappointment if high fidelity is a must.
• Fan noise and heat: The price of raw power is frequent, audible fan operation and toasty surface temperatures—noticeable in quiet environments or extended sessions.
• Display, though good, is outdone by OLED-equipped rivals: The lack of deep blacks and ultra-vivid color is apparent if you’re coming from an OLED panel.
• Windows 11 drawbacks: The bloated OS brings friction, complexity, and a less-than-optimal touchscreen experience, especially outside Lenovo’s launcher.
• Battery endurance: No marked advantage versus competitors; extended unplugged sessions remain a challenge.
• Carrying case omission: Detracts from portability and feels like a misjudged cost-saving measure on a device meant for mobile use.
• Ordinary audio: Built-in speakers are serviceable but lack immersion and depth—headphones are required for the full effect.

Verifiable Claims​

While most of these impressions align closely with user and critic reviews from reputable sources such as PC Gamer, The Verge, and Absolute Geeks, there are some areas—battery life, fan volume, and storage speeds—where real-world performance has been independently validated. Specifically, battery life in strenuous AAA scenarios routinely hits the 2.5–3 hour range, and SSD read speeds are benchmarked at 5,000 MB/s as reported by multiple reviewers, including CrystalDiskMark runs. The consistent refrain about Windows 11’s “unoptimized for handhelds” experience echoes across community and critical discussion threads.
One area that could bear further investigation is Lenovo’s claim—implicit, not explicit—that the Z2 Go’s efficiency noticeably surpasses previous generations. While reviews suggest it’s a capable processor, independent benchmarks show only minor gains versus competitors except in emulation, where the extra RAM and improved single-thread performance give it the edge.

Final Verdict: Recommended, With a Clear Understanding of Its Limits​

Ultimately, Lenovo’s Legion Go S is a thoughtfully engineered, future-focused handheld gaming PC that presses hard against the upper limits of what portable gaming can be in 2025—without tumbling into the trap of over-promising and under-delivering. For the indie lover, eSports competitor, or emulation enthusiast, it’s a dream machine that blends desktop-class features with true, take-anywhere freedom. For AAA obsessives or those expecting OLED-level visuals, flawless battery, or complete plug-and-play simplicity, the device lands just shy of perfection.
Lenovo’s gamble to deliver desktop-level specs in a trim, robust form mostly pays off—assuming users accept its warts: thermal management that can’t always silence the fans, a good (but not OLED-great) display, and a Windows experience powerful yet not always smooth. The omission of basic accessories like a carrying case stings, and battery life remains an industry-wide compromise rather than a breakthrough.
For gamers happy to tweak, tinker, and occasionally break out an external battery, the Legion Go S is a top-tier contender—an evolution of the handheld gaming formula that doesn’t break the mold but certainly does refine it. As the handheld gaming space marches forward, the Legion Go S stands as evidence that the gap between portable and desktop-class performance has never been narrower—and for mobile gaming, that’s an exciting future indeed.

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Source: Absolute Geeks https://www.absolutegeeks.com/article/reviews/__trashed/