Handheld gaming PCs like the Lenovo Legion Go S have been on the scene for a while, but their surge in popularity over the last couple of years can be largely attributed to the Steam Deck. Since Valve introduced its Linux-based handheld, other mainstream PC manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon, each adding their unique twist. The Legion Go S, in particular, closely aligns with the Steam Deck, differentiating itself from the original Legion Go.

The Lenovo Legion Go S introduces a unibody design, moving away from the Switch-like detachable controllers and the excessive dials and buttons that characterized its predecessor. A notable upcoming feature is the release of a SteamOS version later this year, making it the first non-Valve handheld to run this Linux distribution natively. However, the model reviewed here operates on Windows 11. Priced at $729, the Legion Go S faces stiff competition among other Windows 11 handhelds.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Photos

7 ImagesLenovo Legion Go S – Design

The design of the Lenovo Legion Go S leans more toward the Asus ROG Ally than the original Legion Go. It's a singular unit, eschewing the complex detachable controllers of its forerunner. This streamlined approach makes the Go S easier to use, though its rounded edges and 1.61-pound weight can become noticeable over extended gaming sessions. This is slightly lighter than the original Legion Go at 1.88 pounds but heavier than the Asus ROG Ally X at 1.49 pounds.

Despite its weight, the Legion Go S boasts an impressive 8-inch, 1200p IPS display with a brightness of 500 nits. Whether playing visually rich games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard or the more grounded Horizon Forbidden West, the display delivers stunning visuals. It's arguably one of the best screens available on a handheld gaming PC, surpassed only by the Steam Deck OLED.

While drawing inspiration from other handhelds, the Legion Go S remains a visually appealing device, available in Glacier White and Nebula Nocturne (reserved for the SteamOS version). The RGB lighting around the joysticks adds a customizable flair, easily adjustable through the on-screen menu.

The button layout on the Legion Go S is more intuitive than its predecessor, with 'Start' and 'Select' buttons placed more conventionally. However, Lenovo's proprietary menu buttons, positioned above them, may initially cause confusion but offer quick access to settings and shortcuts. The touchpad, while smaller than the original, aids in navigating Windows, though it's less effective than the original's larger version with a mouse wheel.

The LegionSpace software, accessible via a button on the left side, streamlines system management, including driver updates and library organization. The back of the device features programmable 'paddle' buttons and trigger travel distance levers, though the latter offers only two settings.

The top of the handheld includes two USB 4 ports, while the bottom houses a MicroSD card slot, which could be more conveniently placed for docked use.

Purchasing Guide

The reviewed Lenovo Legion Go S is available starting February 14 for $729.99, featuring a Z2 Go APU, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. A more budget-friendly version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD will be available in May for $599.99.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Performance

Powered by the new AMD Z2 Go APU, the Legion Go S doesn't break performance records. Its Zen 3 processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, paired with an RDNA 2 GPU with 12 graphics cores, uses older technology for a 2025 release. This results in performance that lags behind the original Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X.

Despite a larger 55Whr battery, the Legion Go S lasts 4 hours and 29 minutes in the PCMark10 battery test, less than the original's 4 hours and 53 minutes. In 3DMark's Time Spy, it scores 2,179 points compared to 2,775 for the Legion Go and 3,346 for the ROG Ally X.

In gaming, the Legion Go S performs slightly better in some titles. For instance, it achieves 41 fps in Hitman: World of Assassination compared to the Legion Go's 39 fps. However, in Total War: Warhammer 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, it falls short, managing 22 fps and 21 fps, respectively, at 1080p on Ultra settings. Lowering settings to Medium can boost performance, allowing for more playable frame rates.

The Legion Go S struggles with demanding games like Horizon Forbidden West, even on low settings at 1080p. However, it excels with less demanding titles like Persona 5, delivering high frame rates and vibrant visuals on its impressive display.

Wait, It’s More Expensive?

The Lenovo Legion Go S, despite using the less powerful AMD Z2 Go APU and having a smaller form factor, is priced at $729, higher than the original Legion Go's $699 starting price. This decision seems puzzling, especially considering the lower resolution display and weaker APU. However, the reviewed model boasts 32GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD, offering more memory than even the Asus ROG Ally X.

The higher memory configuration seems excessive for a handheld struggling to maintain 20 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p. The slower memory speed of 6,400MHz compared to the Legion Go's 7,500MHz further impacts performance. Users can adjust the frame buffer in the BIOS to improve performance, but this process is cumbersome and not user-friendly.

For most users, the extra memory is unnecessary unless using the device for more demanding tasks like running Photoshop on a monitor. Fortunately, a more balanced configuration with 16GB of memory will be available in May for $599, offering better value and making the Legion Go S a competitive option in the handheld gaming PC market.