The rivalry in the handheld gaming PC scene has reached a fascinating new chapter, thanks to Lenovo’s release of the Legion Go S running Steam OS. For years, Valve’s Steam Deck has defined the experience for PC gamers who want power in a portable package, while other Windows-based handhelds have struggled to hit the same blend of convenience, value, and seamless play. With the Legion Go S mounting an audacious challenge—powered now by Steam’s Linux-based operating system instead of Windows 11—the landscape is changing fast. The fundamental question: Does Lenovo’s latest effort finally beat the Steam Deck at its own game, or is this just another iteration in a quickly evolving market?
Lenovo’s Legion Go S originally launched with Windows 11, and the response from reviewers was, at best, lukewarm. The combination of a premium price tag and an experience that felt like a PC awkwardly shoehorned into a gaming handheld made it unappealing. The hardware, while ambitious, suffered from cumbersome software interactions—living reminders that Windows wasn’t built for this form factor.
Enter the Legion Go S with Steam OS. Through a significant software pivot, Lenovo addresses nearly every complaint leveled at the Windows version. Gone is the need for clumsy mouse-and-keyboard navigation or frustrating first-time setups. Instead, Steam OS offers an environment optimally tuned for gamepad-first play, all delivered at a $130 discount compared to the Windows model. This is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a complete reimagining of what makes a handheld PC fun and user-friendly.
This approach has a domino effect on usability. Game setup becomes frictionless, settings tweaks are easily accessible, and you can perform everything from performance tuning to display adjustments using the device’s Quick Access Button. Notably, Steam OS introduces universal or per-game performance profiles, letting you fine-tune the experience on the fly. Want to enable variable refresh rates (VRR—something no Steam Deck yet offers), dynamically limit thermal design power, or monitor in-game metrics? All of it’s just a few button presses away.
Valve’s shotgun approach to game compatibility means most mainstream Steam titles are optimized to play well. When you jump into a graphically intensive game—like Horizon Forbidden West—Steam OS automatically drops settings to a practical level, ensuring smooth play without manual tweaking. These thoughtful, adaptive touches set Steam OS apart from Windows on a handheld like the Legion Go S.
This newfound efficiency doesn’t magically boost gaming battery life—playing AAA games still drains the Legion Go S in about 90–120 minutes, comparable to other x86 handhelds on the market—but it makes everyday use far more manageable for commuters, couch gamers, and anyone who wants to trust their device to ‘just work’ when they pick it up.
Steam OS is fundamentally a Linux variant with a Proton compatibility layer for Windows games. Most major Steam games run well, but hit titles like Fortnite, many EA Sports games, and Reign of Kings simply refuse to launch due to anti-cheat or integration issues. What’s more, unlike on Windows, you can’t just install third-party launchers or play any game you own; alternative tools like the Heroic Games Launcher and streaming options provide partial workarounds, but the deck is stacked against the broadest compatibility.
For those with deep, varied game libraries or a penchant for the latest multiplatform releases, Steam OS’s compatibility lags behind. Windows, for all its quirks on handhelds, remains unmatched here. ProtonDB, which tracks Linux/Steam OS game support, is an essential resource for buyers eager to see whether specific titles will work.
Additionally, Valve has effectively disabled the Legion Go S’s tiny right-side trackpad in Steam OS. While some may not miss what was a poor user experience, it’s striking that a hardware feature is so diminished—suggesting a design mismatch between Lenovo’s ambitions and Steam OS’s actual support. Ironically, solving an awkward control element by ignoring it is still better than suffering through it, but it’s worth noting for those who saw the trackpad as a selling point.
Is OLED’s color accuracy and contrast superiority enough to counterbalance the Legion Go S’s sheer real estate and speed? For some, yes—but Lenovo’s big, bright LCD is a well-realized alternative that shifts the decision to user preference rather than tech specs alone.
Lenovo has also signaled a forthcoming Legion Go S variant with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme—an APU that, by any measure, will leave the Z2 Go and Steam Deck’s chip in the dust. However, this top-tier model will carry an eyebrow-raising $899 price tag, which may limit its appeal to only the most performance-obsessed buyers.
Yet, these benefits sit on a chassis burdened by awkward hardware decisions and persistent weight issues that have not been resolved in this iteration. Importantly, the flexibility of the Steam Deck ecosystem and uncompromised integration of hardware and software—complete with ongoing updates from Valve—remains a massive selling point.
Where the Legion Go S stumbles, it does so largely where Steam OS can’t help: game compatibility, hardware comfort, and the small but impactful oversights in ports and buttons. Linux, for all its efficiency, still can’t promise every Steam game will work natively or painlessly. And while workarounds exist (Heroic Launcher, streaming), the very need for them is a reminder that Steam OS’s dominance in handheld gaming isn’t absolute.
However, it’s worth highlighting that a theoretical $499 price tag was spotted during the review process, potentially signaling holiday discounts or impending updates. If the Legion Go S can reliably undercut the Steam Deck while continuing to deliver Steam OS and premium display features, it stands to meaningfully disrupt the market.
Against the Steam Deck, the Go S stands tall on several fronts: sharper visuals, more robust control customization, VRR, and a pricing strategy that puts meaningful pressure on Valve. Still, the trade-offs are clear and potentially deal-breaking for some—chiefly, the incomplete compatibility with non-Steam PC games and persistent hardware design flaws.
For gamers who demand a bigger screen, crave more performance latitude, or simply want an alternative to Valve without settling for Windows bloatware, Lenovo’s Steam OS-powered Legion Go S is an excellent, if imperfect, choice. But for those who value simplicity, compatibility, and a flawless integration of software and hardware, the Steam Deck OLED remains the safest and most well-rounded bet.
Ultimately, the Legion Go S with Steam OS isn’t just worth a look—it’s the first serious Steam Deck competitor from outside Valve’s own house. The battle for handheld gaming supremacy has never been closer, and for consumers, that means more choice, better value, and a rapidly advancing standard of excellence.
Positives:
Source: Android Authority Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam OS fixes so much, but can it beat a Steam Deck?
Steam OS Transforms the Legion Go S: A Closer Look
Lenovo’s Legion Go S originally launched with Windows 11, and the response from reviewers was, at best, lukewarm. The combination of a premium price tag and an experience that felt like a PC awkwardly shoehorned into a gaming handheld made it unappealing. The hardware, while ambitious, suffered from cumbersome software interactions—living reminders that Windows wasn’t built for this form factor.Enter the Legion Go S with Steam OS. Through a significant software pivot, Lenovo addresses nearly every complaint leveled at the Windows version. Gone is the need for clumsy mouse-and-keyboard navigation or frustrating first-time setups. Instead, Steam OS offers an environment optimally tuned for gamepad-first play, all delivered at a $130 discount compared to the Windows model. This is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a complete reimagining of what makes a handheld PC fun and user-friendly.
Steam OS: Built for Handhelds, Not Desktops
From the second you power on the Legion Go S variant running Steam OS, there’s an immediate sense of clarity. The traditional desktop paradigm and the obligatory Microsoft account login are gone, replaced by an intuitive onboarding sequence you can handle entirely with a controller and (as needed) a smartphone for QR code scanning. Every screen, every interaction—optimized for handheld use.This approach has a domino effect on usability. Game setup becomes frictionless, settings tweaks are easily accessible, and you can perform everything from performance tuning to display adjustments using the device’s Quick Access Button. Notably, Steam OS introduces universal or per-game performance profiles, letting you fine-tune the experience on the fly. Want to enable variable refresh rates (VRR—something no Steam Deck yet offers), dynamically limit thermal design power, or monitor in-game metrics? All of it’s just a few button presses away.
Valve’s shotgun approach to game compatibility means most mainstream Steam titles are optimized to play well. When you jump into a graphically intensive game—like Horizon Forbidden West—Steam OS automatically drops settings to a practical level, ensuring smooth play without manual tweaking. These thoughtful, adaptive touches set Steam OS apart from Windows on a handheld like the Legion Go S.
Small Changes Add Up: Power Efficiency and Sleep
If there’s one aspect of the Steam OS experience that truly delights, it’s power management. Where Windows handhelds remain plagued by rapid idle battery drain, Steam OS allows for Xbox-like quick-resume functionality. Put the Legion Go S in sleep mode, walk away for hours (or days), and return to find your battery barely touched—reviewers clocked a single overnight drop of just 3%. That’s game console territory, not repurposed PC.This newfound efficiency doesn’t magically boost gaming battery life—playing AAA games still drains the Legion Go S in about 90–120 minutes, comparable to other x86 handhelds on the market—but it makes everyday use far more manageable for commuters, couch gamers, and anyone who wants to trust their device to ‘just work’ when they pick it up.
Price: Open Source Slashes Costs
Crucially, the move to Steam OS brings real savings. At $599, the Legion Go S undercuts its own Windows sibling by $130 and positions itself close to Valve’s 512GB Steam Deck OLED ($549). This alone is a triumph in a category where every dollar matters. It also makes Steam OS, with all its benefits, the tipping point for value-oriented handheld buyers.Steam OS Isn’t a Silver Bullet—The Limitations Remain
While Steam OS solves many usability and price concerns, it introduces challenges that Windows users may find limiting. Chief among them: software compatibility.Steam OS is fundamentally a Linux variant with a Proton compatibility layer for Windows games. Most major Steam games run well, but hit titles like Fortnite, many EA Sports games, and Reign of Kings simply refuse to launch due to anti-cheat or integration issues. What’s more, unlike on Windows, you can’t just install third-party launchers or play any game you own; alternative tools like the Heroic Games Launcher and streaming options provide partial workarounds, but the deck is stacked against the broadest compatibility.
For those with deep, varied game libraries or a penchant for the latest multiplatform releases, Steam OS’s compatibility lags behind. Windows, for all its quirks on handhelds, remains unmatched here. ProtonDB, which tracks Linux/Steam OS game support, is an essential resource for buyers eager to see whether specific titles will work.
Hardware: Design Choices Cannot Be Undone
Steam OS does nothing to resolve the physical quirks and limitations of the Legion Go S hardware. The device remains (by handheld standards) heavy, making extended play less comfortable. Button placements—especially for Start/Select and Steam/Quick Access—invite accidental presses. The microSD slot, awkwardly located on the bottom, complicates docking or surface play, and both USB-C ports are crowded together, limiting charging and accessory options. These are inheritances from the Windows variant and, unfortunately, cannot be altered via a mere OS swap.Additionally, Valve has effectively disabled the Legion Go S’s tiny right-side trackpad in Steam OS. While some may not miss what was a poor user experience, it’s striking that a hardware feature is so diminished—suggesting a design mismatch between Lenovo’s ambitions and Steam OS’s actual support. Ironically, solving an awkward control element by ignoring it is still better than suffering through it, but it’s worth noting for those who saw the trackpad as a selling point.
Why Choose the Legion Go S? Unique Strengths in the Steam Deck Era
With all these factors in play, what actually separates the Legion Go S with Steam OS from the Steam Deck OLED, its most direct and relevant competitor? On paper, the similarities abound: same OS, similar price, access to Steam’s massive library. Yet, the details matter.Display and Visuals: Bigger, Faster, Different
The Legion Go S touts an 8-inch 1920x1200 LCD, outclassing the Steam Deck’s 7.4-inch, 1280x800 OLED in size and resolution—even if OLED remains the gold standard for contrast and vibrancy. Add to this a 120Hz maximum refresh rate with VRR, and you get smoother, potentially more immersive gameplay, especially in supported titles. By contrast, the Steam Deck OLED tops out at 90Hz and does not offer VRR at all.Is OLED’s color accuracy and contrast superiority enough to counterbalance the Legion Go S’s sheer real estate and speed? For some, yes—but Lenovo’s big, bright LCD is a well-realized alternative that shifts the decision to user preference rather than tech specs alone.
Processing Power: AMD’s Advantage
Under the hood, the Legion Go S leverages AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Go APU. While not drastically ahead of the Steam Deck’s Zen 2-based chip, it supports higher power draw (up to 28W versus the Deck’s 15W limit), theoretically enabling higher frame rates in intensive games at the price of battery endurance and heat. For tinkerers and those who enjoy squeezing out every morsel of performance through granular settings, this flexibility is a real draw.Lenovo has also signaled a forthcoming Legion Go S variant with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme—an APU that, by any measure, will leave the Z2 Go and Steam Deck’s chip in the dust. However, this top-tier model will carry an eyebrow-raising $899 price tag, which may limit its appeal to only the most performance-obsessed buyers.
Unique Ergonomics and Controls
Lenovo has opted for offset analog sticks, more akin to Xbox controllers than the Steam Deck’s in-line arrangement. For many users—particularly those who play competitively in genres like shooters or fighting games—this is a tangible advantage. An eight-way D-Pad also invites better control in certain titles, edging out the Deck’s more basic four-way input. Small details, but in gaming, preferences run deep.Are the Upsides Enough? The Case for Cautious Optimism
Stacked against the Steam Deck, the Legion Go S is both an appealing alternative and a cautionary tale. On the plus side, the advantages of Steam OS are immediate and significant: transformative UX, longer idle battery life, and seamless out-of-the-box play. Lenovo’s LCD is not an OLED, but it is undeniably superior in terms of size and resolution. The inclusion of VRR and 120Hz support advances the competitive edge. For those who want a Steam Deck with a larger screen and slightly more powerful (and tweakable) insides, the Legion Go S with Steam OS fits the bill.Yet, these benefits sit on a chassis burdened by awkward hardware decisions and persistent weight issues that have not been resolved in this iteration. Importantly, the flexibility of the Steam Deck ecosystem and uncompromised integration of hardware and software—complete with ongoing updates from Valve—remains a massive selling point.
Where the Legion Go S stumbles, it does so largely where Steam OS can’t help: game compatibility, hardware comfort, and the small but impactful oversights in ports and buttons. Linux, for all its efficiency, still can’t promise every Steam game will work natively or painlessly. And while workarounds exist (Heroic Launcher, streaming), the very need for them is a reminder that Steam OS’s dominance in handheld gaming isn’t absolute.
Price Sensitivity and Market Impact
Lenovo’s decision to drop the price by $130 with Steam OS immediately corrects one of the main concerns expressed by critics of the Windows model. At $599, the Legion Go S competes head-on with Steam Deck OLED’s $549 standard pricing for the 512GB configuration. In practical terms, this means users truly choose based on feature set and quality of life—no longer forced to weigh substantial cost differences.However, it’s worth highlighting that a theoretical $499 price tag was spotted during the review process, potentially signaling holiday discounts or impending updates. If the Legion Go S can reliably undercut the Steam Deck while continuing to deliver Steam OS and premium display features, it stands to meaningfully disrupt the market.
Who Should Buy the Legion Go S with Steam OS?
The answer comes down to a clear calculus of needs and preferences:- Buy the Legion Go S if you prioritize:
- A larger display with higher resolution for immersive, on-the-go gaming.
- VRR support for smoother motion in compatible titles.
- Offset sticks and a robust 8-way D-Pad for console-like control.
- Willingness to experiment with settings and squeeze every drop of performance from leading-edge hardware.
- Acceptance of some hardware quirks and lack of universal game compatibility.
- Stick with the Steam Deck OLED if you prioritize:
- Wide, tested compatibility with the vast majority of Steam’s library.
- Lighter, better-balanced ergonomics and a more refined overall design.
- OLED’s superior display for color and contrast purists.
- The simplicity of a highly integrated, first-party hardware/software experience, with dependable support from Valve.
- Saving $50 without sacrificing core functionality.
Conclusion: A True Steam Deck Competitor—With Caveats
The Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam OS marks a genuine turning point in the handheld gaming PC scene. By sidestepping Windows for a purpose-built interface, Lenovo has not only fixed many of the Legion’s initial shortcomings but has also pushed the conversation forward on what a third-party handheld can deliver in the Steam-centric era.Against the Steam Deck, the Go S stands tall on several fronts: sharper visuals, more robust control customization, VRR, and a pricing strategy that puts meaningful pressure on Valve. Still, the trade-offs are clear and potentially deal-breaking for some—chiefly, the incomplete compatibility with non-Steam PC games and persistent hardware design flaws.
For gamers who demand a bigger screen, crave more performance latitude, or simply want an alternative to Valve without settling for Windows bloatware, Lenovo’s Steam OS-powered Legion Go S is an excellent, if imperfect, choice. But for those who value simplicity, compatibility, and a flawless integration of software and hardware, the Steam Deck OLED remains the safest and most well-rounded bet.
Ultimately, the Legion Go S with Steam OS isn’t just worth a look—it’s the first serious Steam Deck competitor from outside Valve’s own house. The battle for handheld gaming supremacy has never been closer, and for consumers, that means more choice, better value, and a rapidly advancing standard of excellence.
Positives:
- Native Steam OS integration
- Large, high-resolution display
- VRR and 120Hz refresh rate
- Offset analog sticks and eight-way D-Pad
- Competitive price
- Heavy and sometimes unwieldy
- Trackpad effectively disabled
- Limited game compatibility versus Windows
- Persistent hardware quirks (port placement, button arrangement)
Source: Android Authority Lenovo Legion Go S with Steam OS fixes so much, but can it beat a Steam Deck?
