The gaming industry evolves so rapidly you'd swear it’s on turbo mode. Lenovo has just set a new benchmark for gaming handhelds with its Legion Go S, hitting shelves in January 2025. But what makes this device buzzworthy? Well, Lenovo isn't forcing gamers into a singular operating system sandbox. Gamers are finally getting the choice between Microsoft’s Windows 11 or Valve’s SteamOS. This seemingly small decision could significantly impact the way we approach handheld gaming.
Let’s break it down and explore what this freedom actually entails for gamers, from tech-heads to casual button mashers.
Having Steam’s Linux-driven OS as part of a handheld offering isn’t just a big deal for Linux evangelists. It highlights the collective shift in gaming hardware companies looking to shake up the industry. With tools like Valve’s Proton making Linux gaming viable (five years ago, this would’ve been a joke), even your pickiest gamer can’t deny SteamOS is a winning addition.
For gamers on a budget, Lenovo is offering something tantalizing: no-frills OS operation for $499, but without slashing specs to the bone. SteamOS already tilts heavily toward gamers who want peak performance within a reliable ecosystem.
The prototype's rounded TrueStrike controllers and improved D-pad could address concerns about durability or long-term comfort from critics of the first Legion Go iteration. Before you ask: no release date yet. But it’s clear Lenovo has big, bold aspirations for gaming that doesn’t involve standing still.
This isn’t just about the tech—it’s about innovation, flexibility, and carving out more space in a handheld market often dominated by familiar faces like Nintendo and Sony. So if you’re ready to hop into portable gaming without compromises, maybe it’s time to mark your calendar for January and May 2025. The Legion Go S might just be the gadget your thumbs have been waiting for.
Source: Thurrott.com Lenovo’s Legion Go S Will Let Gamers Choose Between Windows 11 and SteamOS
Let’s break it down and explore what this freedom actually entails for gamers, from tech-heads to casual button mashers.
The Backstory of Legion Go and Its New Sibling
Back in 2023, Lenovo unveiled the original Legion Go, a much-buzzed-about gadget with detachable Joy-Con-esque controllers and an 8.8-inch screen that made Nintendo Switch owners do a double-take. Fast forward to the Legion Go S, and Lenovo is opting for a sleeker, perhaps more practical design. Instead of the detachable controller setup, the Legion Go S focuses on being compact and handheld while maintaining some remarkable specs tailored for performance-first gamers.- Display: The Legion Go S flaunts an 8-inch, 1920x1200 resolution screen with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Graphics will feel more fluid and immersive, ensuring your enemies never see you coming—unless lag strikes (but Wi-Fi 6E support should help with that).
- Size Down: The smaller display compared to the previous 8.8-inch, combined with a non-detachable form, suggests Lenovo is targeting gamers who prioritize portability.
Tech Specs: The Power Beneath the Surface
Don’t let the more compact design fool you—this handheld is armed to the teeth with high-end hardware.- Chip Options: You can configure the device with either the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme processors. AMD’s Ryzen processors are designed to provide a perfect mix of efficiency and muscle, featuring robust architecture suitable for gaming at high settings.
- Memory & Storage: Packing up to 32GB LPDDR5X memory and as much as 1TB storage, the Legion Go S starts to resemble some of the specs you’d expect more on a gaming laptop than a handheld. The simpler LPDDR5X memory ensures you’re getting faster RAM, which translates to smoother gameplay.
- Battery Life Matters: With a 55.5Whr battery, game sessions can go uninterrupted for a good while, though performance settings might eat into that runtime.
- Connectivity: Gamers love options, and Lenovo heard us loud and clear. The device comes with two USB4 ports, a headphone jack (bless!), and even a microSD card reader for expandable storage.
Breaking the OS Norm: SteamOS vs. Windows 11
For the uninitiated, choosing between SteamOS and Windows 11 on a handheld gaming device might seem trivial. Newsflash: It's not. By offering this choice, Lenovo is giving gamers the power to game their way. Let’s break down the two options:- Windows 11
Windows remains synonymous with PC gaming. By sticking with Windows 11, gamers can continue leveraging tools such as Xbox Game Pass, access non-gaming applications, or dive into platform-agnostic gaming experiences. This option also ensures compatibility with a vast range of Microsoft-based games and software without the hassle of adapting through emulators or compatibility layers. - SteamOS
Initially launched alongside Valve’s Steam Deck, SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system hyper-optimized for gaming. Think lightweight, stripped-down functionality, and exceptionally built-in compatibility with Steam’s library. Constantly updated with Proton (a software layer that allows non-Linux games to run smoothly), SteamOS is ideal for gamers who prioritize handheld gaming and a minimalist OS vibe.
Why This Choice Matters Now
What Lenovo is doing here is bigger than it might appear at first glance. By letting gamers choose their operating system, they’re offering flexibility that major competitors like the Nintendo Switch or Sony’s PlayStation handhelds don’t provide. Locked ecosystems are no longer the only way to roll out gaming hardware. It also hints at how much a "PC-first" mindset continues to shape the gaming industry.Having Steam’s Linux-driven OS as part of a handheld offering isn’t just a big deal for Linux evangelists. It highlights the collective shift in gaming hardware companies looking to shake up the industry. With tools like Valve’s Proton making Linux gaming viable (five years ago, this would’ve been a joke), even your pickiest gamer can’t deny SteamOS is a winning addition.
Price Points and Models, Because Let’s Be Real
Okay, now the part where we all whip out the calculators: how much is this going to cost you? The Windows 11 version of the device debuts at $729.99 for the powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 configuration, with the more cost-effective alternatives arriving in May 2025 starting at $599.99. However, going the SteamOS route saves you roughly $100, as the SteamOS version launches at just $499.99.For gamers on a budget, Lenovo is offering something tantalizing: no-frills OS operation for $499, but without slashing specs to the bone. SteamOS already tilts heavily toward gamers who want peak performance within a reliable ecosystem.
The Prototype: A Peek into Lenovo’s Future
Oh, but Lenovo didn’t stop there. They also dropped jaws with a prototype gaming device. This concept turns it up a notch—an 8.8-inch OLED screen, 144Hz refresh rate, and even more monstrous AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU with RDNA 3.5 graphics. Imagine gaming visuals so crisp you might mistake your handheld for a next-gen console. You can also crank the storage up to 2TB SSD, ensuring that even your backlog of “shame” games finds a permanent home.The prototype's rounded TrueStrike controllers and improved D-pad could address concerns about durability or long-term comfort from critics of the first Legion Go iteration. Before you ask: no release date yet. But it’s clear Lenovo has big, bold aspirations for gaming that doesn’t involve standing still.
Final Thoughts: Is Lenovo Changing Handheld Gaming?
The Legion Go S is more than just another Windows handheld gaming device—it’s a statement. Lenovo recognizes gamers as diverse as RPG storylines and doesn’t want to limit their choices. Whether you go for Valve’s nimble OS or Microsoft’s omnipresent Windows 11, you’re in control—literally.This isn’t just about the tech—it’s about innovation, flexibility, and carving out more space in a handheld market often dominated by familiar faces like Nintendo and Sony. So if you’re ready to hop into portable gaming without compromises, maybe it’s time to mark your calendar for January and May 2025. The Legion Go S might just be the gadget your thumbs have been waiting for.
Source: Thurrott.com Lenovo’s Legion Go S Will Let Gamers Choose Between Windows 11 and SteamOS