The handheld gaming market continues to evolve, and Lenovo is making waves yet again. At CES 2025, the tech giant revealed two new contenders targeting seriously competitive gamers and those who love quality portable gaming: the Legion Go S and the prototype Legion Go 2. For those familiar with Lenovo’s gaming hardware, these devices expand the company’s lineup with elevated specs and new possibilities. But which one—on paper—takes the crown? Let’s break these gadgets out of their boxes (figuratively) and explore everything they bring to the table.
| Category | Legion Go S | Legion Go 2 (Prototype) |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Price | Starts at $499.99 (SteamOS) / $599.99+ (Windows 11). Affordable mid-gen refresh. | Unknown, but expect a premium cost due to advanced features like OLED, Z2 Extreme, and detachable controllers. |
| Display | 8-inch LCD, WQXGA resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR. | 8.8-inch OLED, higher resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, VRR. Superior image quality for immersive gaming. |
| Performance | AMD Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme APU—solid but mid-range configuration for portable gaming. | AMD Z2 Extreme with RDNA 3.5: bleeding-edge power for intense workloads and futureproof gaming. |
| Battery Life | 55.5 Whr battery, potentially more efficient given its smaller screen and slightly reduced power output. | 74 Whr battery for the larger display; however, power consumption may offset the bigger capacity. |
| Portability | Slimmer and lighter at 740g, easy for long gaming sessions or casual use outside of your desk. | Heavier but offers more flexibility with detachable controllers and table-friendly kickstand. |
| Software Options | Windows 11 or SteamOS. Flexibility to run full-scale PC apps or lean into a streamlined Steam library experience. | Windows-based options are likely (no confirmation for SteamOS yet). |
| Controllers | Integrated controllers, trigger switches for enhanced tactile feedback. | Detachable controllers usable in FPS mode for mouse-like aiming dynamics. |
OLED’s downside? Battery consumption. The 144Hz refresh rate promises amazing clarity but could drain the Legion Go 2 quicker than the LCD-equipped Go S. This means your choice may rely heavily on whether resolution trumps convenience in your gaming sessions.
In contrast, the Legion Go S sticks to the basics—a non-detachable setup that foregoes gaming flourishes like kickstands and modular joypads. This is perfect for gamers who prefer simplicity and portability without extra frills.
Still unsure? Hit the forums below! Are you Team Go S or holding out for the Go 2? Let’s discuss!
Source: Windows Central Here's how the new Legion Go S compares to the original Legion Go gaming handheld
Key Details About the New Handhelds
The main selling point for the Legion Go S is its immediate availability (as of January 2025). The Legion Go 2, on the other hand, remains in prototype limbo without a fixed launch date. Both handhelds promise their own unique advantages depending on your desired gaming experience, whether that’s having a portable powerhouse or a slimmer, ready-to-use device.The Legion Go S Rundown
The Legion Go S offers two base ecosystems:- A Windows 11 model that effectively works like a portable PC, allowing full access to apps from Steam, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, and beyond.
- A SteamOS version, which uses the Linux-based operating system optimized for seamless navigation within Steam libraries. This creates an experience similar to Valve's Steam Deck.
- $499.99 for the SteamOS model.
- $599.99 and $729.99, depending on configurations, for the Windows 11 versions.
- Display: 8-inch LCD touchscreen, WQXGA (1920x1200) resolution, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate (VRR) for smooth gameplay.
- Processor Options: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go or AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, depending on configurations.
- Memory & Storage: Up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB PCIe SSD (Gen 4) for lightning-fast performance.
- Battery: 55.5 Whr capacity.
- Weight: 740g (1.63 lbs), in a compact and slimmer design.
- Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, plus USB and audio input/output options.
Sneak Peek at the Legion Go 2 (Prototype)
The Legion Go 2 prototype introduces some seriously upgraded specs:- Display: A larger 8.8-inch OLED touchscreen with 144Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and OLED’s signature true-black capability.
- Processor: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme with integrated RDNA 3.5 graphics for cutting-edge visual fidelity.
- Memory & Storage: Up to 32GB of ultra-fast LPDDR5X RAM (7500 MHz) and 2TB SSD.
- Controllers: Detachable controllers similar to the original Legion Go for versatile styles of play.
- Extra Features: A built-in kickstand and mouse-like FPS mode, catering specifically to FPS enthusiasts.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here’s where the battle royale unfolds. Specs will tell you a lot about performance, design, and usability—but the value proposition is just as important for gamers looking to invest.| Category | Legion Go S | Legion Go 2 (Prototype) |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Price | Starts at $499.99 (SteamOS) / $599.99+ (Windows 11). Affordable mid-gen refresh. | Unknown, but expect a premium cost due to advanced features like OLED, Z2 Extreme, and detachable controllers. |
| Display | 8-inch LCD, WQXGA resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, VRR. | 8.8-inch OLED, higher resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, VRR. Superior image quality for immersive gaming. |
| Performance | AMD Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme APU—solid but mid-range configuration for portable gaming. | AMD Z2 Extreme with RDNA 3.5: bleeding-edge power for intense workloads and futureproof gaming. |
| Battery Life | 55.5 Whr battery, potentially more efficient given its smaller screen and slightly reduced power output. | 74 Whr battery for the larger display; however, power consumption may offset the bigger capacity. |
| Portability | Slimmer and lighter at 740g, easy for long gaming sessions or casual use outside of your desk. | Heavier but offers more flexibility with detachable controllers and table-friendly kickstand. |
| Software Options | Windows 11 or SteamOS. Flexibility to run full-scale PC apps or lean into a streamlined Steam library experience. | Windows-based options are likely (no confirmation for SteamOS yet). |
| Controllers | Integrated controllers, trigger switches for enhanced tactile feedback. | Detachable controllers usable in FPS mode for mouse-like aiming dynamics. |
Breaking Down the Display Technologies
The move to OLED with the Legion Go 2 is exciting. If you’ve ever experienced an OLED screen, you know what you’re getting: rich, vibrant colors, unmatched contrast, and "true black" pixels that turn off completely when not in use. Gamers playing dark atmospheric titles or vivid RPGs will adore the showcases OLED can provide. On the other hand, the LCD panel on the Legion Go S is no slouch, delivering crisp 120Hz gaming at a reduced cost.OLED’s downside? Battery consumption. The 144Hz refresh rate promises amazing clarity but could drain the Legion Go 2 quicker than the LCD-equipped Go S. This means your choice may rely heavily on whether resolution trumps convenience in your gaming sessions.
Controls: Battle of Versatility
Where Lenovo truly flexes innovation is with the Legion Go 2’s detachable controllers. Borrowing notes from the Nintendo Switch playbook, the detachable right-side module doubles as a mouse-like input—perfect for first-person shooters. Add in a built-in kickstand, and the Go 2 transforms into a tabletop console.In contrast, the Legion Go S sticks to the basics—a non-detachable setup that foregoes gaming flourishes like kickstands and modular joypads. This is perfect for gamers who prefer simplicity and portability without extra frills.
Windows 11 vs. SteamOS: The Software Dilemma
For those unfamiliar with these two operating systems, here’s a crash course:- Windows 11: Think of this as a miniaturized gaming PC. You can install apps from a variety of platforms, run emulators, or perform general computing tasks on the fly.
- SteamOS: A Linux-based, plug-and-play solution for Steam games. While it’s user-friendly for gamers who live inside the Steam ecosystem, customization can be labor-intensive, with a steep learning curve for Linux novices.
Battery Life: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Battery life speculation pits the Legion Go S’s smaller 55.5 Whr battery against the Legion Go 2’s 74 Whr powerhouse. Here’s the catch—OLED panels are known battery chuggers. This could mean the Legion Go S, despite lesser capacity, could chew through more hours if used judiciously. Plus, AMD’s new Z2 Extreme chip boasts better energy efficiency, potentially leveling the playing field.Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Legion Go S: Best for Immediate Gaming
If you’re looking for a straightforward purchase this year, the Legion Go S is the clear winner. Its price-to-performance ratio, combined with the choice between Windows 11 or SteamOS, makes it an excellent starting point for portable gaming enthusiasts.Legion Go 2: Wait for the Future
The Legion Go 2 edges out with pure specs and innovation. Detachable FPS controllers, OLED panels, and AMD’s best-in-class processor foreshadow a revolutionary handheld gaming experience—but patience is key as no release timeline or pricing is available.Still unsure? Hit the forums below! Are you Team Go S or holding out for the Go 2? Let’s discuss!
Source: Windows Central Here's how the new Legion Go S compares to the original Legion Go gaming handheld