It appears Lenovo is diving deeper into the handheld gaming market, and frankly, it’s about time they’ve upped the ante. Enter their latest offering, the Lenovo Legion Go S, a device that capitalizes on the growing demand for handheld gaming PCs. At CES 2025, Lenovo showcased this refined version of their previous Legion Go system, which attempts to bridge the gap between portable PC gaming and console-like versatility. With bold moves and smart refinements, Lenovo is throwing its hat into the arena dominated by the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. But here's the kicker: you now have to choose between Windows 11 or SteamOS. Let’s break it down.
Let us know in the forum comments. After all, these tech wars thrive on your opinions!
Source: gearrice Your Lenovo Legion Go S, with Windows 11 or with SteamOS?
What’s New with the Lenovo Legion Go S?
The Legion Go S embodies a deliberate pivot toward a more console-pure experience. Unlike its predecessor, which tried to mash together Nintendo Switch features with portable PC gaming, the Legion Go S fully embraces its role as a traditional handheld console. Forget detachable controllers and hybrid designs; the S model is streamlined, lightweight, and built purely for gaming. Here’s the breakdown:Hardware Highlights
- Display: A slightly smaller 8-inch LCD touchscreen (down from 8.8 inches) with 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1920 x 1200.
- Processing Power: Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, catering specifically to handheld gaming demands.
- Memory and Storage: Equipped with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, ensuring plenty of room for your gaming library.
- Battery Life: Comes packed with a 55.5Wh battery, offering impressive fast-charging capabilities that snap 85% of the juice back in just one hour.
- Input Ports: Dual USB-C ports—always handy for peripherals or external displays—and a trackpad below the right joystick for nuanced cursor control.
- Weight: Slimmed down at under 750 grams, making it comparably lighter than holding a Steam Deck for extended sessions.
OS Showdown: Windows 11 vs. SteamOS
Now for the million-dollar question: Do you go the Windows 11 route or opt for SteamOS? Lenovo offers two distinct experiences with this device, and the difference is vast enough to warrant this extra decision-making layer. Let’s explore the pros and cons.Windows 11: The Powerhouse Multitasker
Opting for the Legion Go S running Windows 11 provides the quintessential PC experience. While it does come at a premium price of $729, here’s what you’re really buying into:Advantages
- Versatility: Windows 11 is an open playground. Every PC game launcher—Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Xbox Game Pass—is at your disposal.
- Productivity Bonus: Your “console” doubles as an ultra-compact PC. Launch Office 365, edit videos, or even code between gaming sessions.
- Game Compatibility: Whether you’re indulging in AAA titles or indie games, virtually every PC title works on Windows.
- External App Support: Windows lets you tinker with third-party applications like mods, emulators, or other software utilities. Fancy running PlayStation or Nintendo classics? It’s game on!
Potential Downsides
- Performance Overhead: Windows 11 eats up more system resources when compared to a gaming-focused OS like SteamOS. Expect some compromises in battery life and optimization without diligent tweaking.
- UI Challenges: Unlike SteamOS, Windows doesn’t naturally cater to a touchscreen or controller-only interface. You might fumble navigating menus with a joystick.
SteamOS: The Dedicated Gaming Machine
On the flip side, Lenovo’s SteamOS option (priced lower at $499) transforms the Legion Go S into a pure, gaming-centric console. For fans of the Steam Deck, this might be the more appealing option.Advantages
- Optimized for Gaming: SteamOS is minimalist and laser-focused on delivering the best gaming experience.
- Minimal background processes mean improved performance and better battery efficiency.
- Steam Integration: With your Steam library directly baked into the OS, the ecosystem feels seamless. Throw in Steam’s Proton compatibility layer, and you’ve got the ability to run thousands of PC and Linux-based games without hassle.
- Controller-First Design: Every option, button, and menu is designed for effortless control via controllers or joysticks.
- Cheaper Price Point: At just $499, the SteamOS version is nearly 30% less expensive than its Windows counterpart.
Potential Downsides
- Limited Versatility: SteamOS locks you into Valve’s ecosystem. Want to boot up non-Steam applications? It may require some technical fiddling.
- Third-Party Client Support: Although Proton has made stunning strides, some titles from other game launchers (like Epic, Origin, or Xbox) may still pose compatibility issues.
How Does It Compete?
The Legion Go S is clearly a rival to both the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, two devices that have already carved niches in the handheld gaming landscape. Here’s how it stacks up:- Steam Deck vs. Legion Go S SteamOS:
- The Legion features premium hardware (AMD Ryzen Z1 vs. Steam Deck’s custom APU) and a higher-res screen.
- However, the price difference means the SteamOS-based Legion Go S is pricier than Valve’s entry-level Deck offering.
- ROG Ally vs. Legion Go S Windows 11:
- Both devices share Windows 11 experiences, but Lenovo’s superior build quality and dual operating system promises set it apart.
- Unlike the Ally, the Legion S embraces fast-charging tech and a more refined, console-friendly format.
Color-Coded Console Wars
To keep things visually distinct, Lenovo is cleverly splitting its console's OS configurations by color:- Get the Legion Go S in white for the Windows 11 version.
- Choose the purple model if you're SteamOS-bound.
Final Verdict: Who’s This For?
So, is the Legion Go S worth your time? At its core, Lenovo has sculpted a device that caters to two very specific groups of players:- The Windows Warrior: If you need a full-blown, portable PC that slides effortlessly between gaming and productivity, opt for the Windows 11 version. Fork over the extra cash, and don’t look back.
- The Steam-Savvy Gamer: Hardcore Steam Deck fans who live and breathe games in Valve’s extensive library will find the SteamOS edition more than sufficient. Plus, its lower price makes it a tempting alternative to the Deck itself.
Your Move, Gamers
With its dual-OS configuration and refined design, the Legion Go S might just be the best “PC-console hybrid” of 2025—if it plays its cards right. So, which camp are you in? The full-flex Windows multitasker, or the no-nonsense Steam gaming purist?Let us know in the forum comments. After all, these tech wars thrive on your opinions!
Source: gearrice Your Lenovo Legion Go S, with Windows 11 or with SteamOS?
