The Lenovo Legion Go S, now equipped with SteamOS, marks a significant evolution in handheld gaming devices. This transition from Windows 11 to SteamOS has not only streamlined the user experience but also delivered notable performance enhancements, positioning the Legion Go S as a formidable contender in the portable gaming market.
The Legion Go S maintains the ergonomic design of its predecessor, featuring an 8-inch IPS LCD with a 1920x1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device's dimensions are 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.89 inches, weighing approximately 1.61 pounds, making it slightly heavier than some competitors but still comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The Nebula color variant adds a sleek aesthetic appeal. (tomshardware.com)
These gains are attributed to SteamOS's lightweight architecture, which reduces system overhead and optimizes resource allocation for gaming. The operating system's design ensures that more processing power is dedicated to running games efficiently, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster load times.
The integration of SteamOS also simplifies system updates and game installations, reducing the likelihood of encountering driver conflicts or system bloatware that can impede performance.
Thermal management has also seen improvements. While the device's fans can become audible during intensive gaming, they effectively dissipate heat, maintaining comfortable device temperatures. The strategic placement of exhaust vents ensures that heat is directed away from the user's hands, contributing to a more comfortable gaming experience. (tomshardware.com)
Source: The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/lenovo-legion-go-steamos-review-35513465/
Design and Build Quality
The Legion Go S maintains the ergonomic design of its predecessor, featuring an 8-inch IPS LCD with a 1920x1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device's dimensions are 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.89 inches, weighing approximately 1.61 pounds, making it slightly heavier than some competitors but still comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The Nebula color variant adds a sleek aesthetic appeal. (tomshardware.com)Performance Enhancements with SteamOS
Integrating SteamOS has led to substantial performance improvements. Benchmark tests reveal that the Legion Go S with SteamOS outperforms its Windows 11 counterpart across various titles. For instance, in "Cyberpunk 2077" at 800p resolution, the SteamOS version achieved 59 frames per second (fps) compared to 46 fps on Windows 11. Similarly, "Doom Eternal" ran at 75 fps on SteamOS, surpassing the 66 fps recorded on Windows 11. (windowscentral.com)These gains are attributed to SteamOS's lightweight architecture, which reduces system overhead and optimizes resource allocation for gaming. The operating system's design ensures that more processing power is dedicated to running games efficiently, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster load times.
User Experience and Interface
SteamOS offers a user-friendly interface tailored for gaming. The operating system launches directly into Steam's Big Picture Mode, providing seamless access to the user's game library. This contrasts with the Windows 11 experience, where users often navigate through multiple layers to access games, sometimes encountering compatibility issues. (tech.yahoo.com)The integration of SteamOS also simplifies system updates and game installations, reducing the likelihood of encountering driver conflicts or system bloatware that can impede performance.
Battery Life and Thermal Management
One of the standout benefits of SteamOS is its impact on battery life. In tests, the Legion Go S running SteamOS lasted over four hours while playing "Hades" at maximum settings, compared to under two hours on the Windows version. (pockettactics.com) This efficiency is crucial for a handheld device, enhancing its portability and usability during extended gaming sessions.Thermal management has also seen improvements. While the device's fans can become audible during intensive gaming, they effectively dissipate heat, maintaining comfortable device temperatures. The strategic placement of exhaust vents ensures that heat is directed away from the user's hands, contributing to a more comfortable gaming experience. (tomshardware.com)
Compatibility and Limitations
Despite its advantages, SteamOS does have limitations, particularly concerning game compatibility. Some titles that rely on specific Windows-based anti-cheat systems may not function properly on SteamOS. For example, games like "Fortnite" and "Apex Legends" may face compatibility issues due to their anti-cheat mechanisms. (laptopmag.com) Additionally, accessing non-Steam game libraries or applications may require additional configuration, which could be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users.Conclusion
The Lenovo Legion Go S's transition to SteamOS represents a significant advancement in handheld gaming. The combination of enhanced performance, improved battery life, and a streamlined user interface makes it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a portable yet powerful device. While there are some compatibility considerations, the overall benefits of SteamOS on the Legion Go S underscore its potential to redefine the handheld gaming experience.Source: The Mirror https://www.mirror.co.uk/gaming/lenovo-legion-go-steamos-review-35513465/
