Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S handheld gaming device in two flavors, one running on SteamOS and the other running on Windows 11. This release, announced at CES 2025, makes Lenovo it the first company outside of Valve to ship a device with SteamOS preloaded.
Legion Go S with SteamOS
A New Competitor in the Handheld Gaming Market
The Legion Go S aims to compete directly with Valve’s Steam Deck and other handheld PCs, offering high-end specifications at a competitive price. The purple SteamOS version of the Legion Go S will be available in May for $499. The white Windows 11 version will be released earlier in January, starting at $729.99 for the version equipped with the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, while the $599.99 configuration with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage will come in May.
Design and Display
Legion Go S with SteamOS
For the Legion Go S, Lenovo has removed the detachable controllers and kickstand found in its predecessor, favoring aa streamlined, more ergonomic design featuring a curvier grip that provides better comfort during long gaming sessions.
The Legion Go S features an 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR), 500 nits of brightness, and 97% DCI-P3 color accuracy. The Legion Go features a higher QHD+ (2560 x 1600) with support for a 144 Hz refresh rate.
Compared to the original Legion Go released in 2023, the Legion Go S opts for a more compact and lightweight design. It weighs 1.63 lbs (740g) and measures 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88 inches, making it lighter and thinner than its predecessor.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Legion Go S can be configured with AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processors – a Lenovo-exclusive chip designed to optimize performance while maintaining power efficiency. Alternatively, the handheld can also be equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. Both configurations come with integrated AMD Radeon 700M Series graphics, capable of handling a wide range of AAA and indie games.
Memory options for the Legion Go S reach up to 32GB of LPDDR5X (6400 MHz) RAM, with storage configurations of up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. This is a significant improvement over the 16GB limit seen in the Legion Go.
Battery and Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Legion Go S is its 55.5Wh battery, which supports Rapid Charge Express technology. Lenovo claims the battery can charge up to 85% in just 60 minutes, allowing for quick top-ups during breaks. This battery capacity is larger than the 49.2Wh unit found in the Legion Go, potentially extending playtime during less demanding gaming sessions. This battery capacity is remarkable as many full-size laptops do come with about 55Wh batteries.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connections, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual USB4 Type-C ports capable of 65W charging speeds. A microSD card slot is also available for expanded storage, alongside a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones.
Windows 11 vs. SteamOS
Legion Go S with Windows 11
The Legion Go S will launch with two OS options and two colors: Windows 11 or SteamOS. The Windows 11 version targets users who want the flexibility to play games across various platforms, including non-Steam titles. This model comes in Glacier White and will start at $729.99 for configurations with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. A more affordable configuration priced at $599.99 with 16GB of RAM and the same processor will follow in May.
The SteamOS version, launching exclusively in May, will come in Nebula Violet for a starting price of $499. It offers a streamlined gaming experience optimized for the Steam platform and tailored for pick-up-and-play functionality. With the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, it serves as a direct competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck, which currently retails at $549 for the OLED model.
Key Differences with the Legion Go (2023)
- Display: The original Legion Go features an 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Legion Go S offers an 8-inch WQXGA display at 120Hz.
- Processor: The Legion Go S introduces the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, whereas the 2023 Legion Go relies on the AMD Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme.
- Graphics: The Legion Go features RDNA 3 graphics, while the Legion Go S uses integrated AMD Radeon 700M graphics.
- Memory: The Legion Go S supports up to 32GB of RAM, double the maximum capacity of the original Legion Go.
- Battery: The Legion Go S boasts a larger 55.5Wh battery, compared to the 49.2Wh battery in the 2023 model.
- Weight and Design: The Legion Go S is lighter and thinner but lacks the detachable controllers and kickstand found on the original Legion Go.
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