Lenovo has launched the ultimate version of the Legion Go S. It arrives with SteamOS preloaded, the high-performance AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, a massive 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This level of performance comes at a price (currently $829.99 exclusively at Best Buy), but it stands as a top-tier handheld gaming PC. It impressed us so much that it's now our top choice for the best handheld gaming device available.

Legion Go S 8" 120Hz Gaming Handheld - AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme - SteamOS - 32GB with 1TB SSD

$829.99 at Best Buy

In short, unless you specifically require Windows 11 or the Steam Deck’s trackpads for your favorite games, this is the handheld PC to buy today. From our 9/10 review of the Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS):

“By switching from Windows to SteamOS and upgrading to the Z1 Extreme processor, the Lenovo Legion Go S has positioned itself among the elite handhelds, underscoring the improvements Microsoft needs to make for its own handheld launch.”

With multiple Legion Go S models available, it's important to choose the correct one. Earlier this year, Lenovo released a version with Windows 11 and a less powerful Z2 Go chip, followed by a SteamOS model also using the Z2 Go. This newest model, featuring SteamOS and the Z1 Extreme chip, outperforms the Steam Deck in specifications—allowing it to run newer games, such as Doom: The Dark Ages, that the Steam Deck cannot handle.

If you prefer to wait before buying, that's a reasonable choice. We are currently in a golden age for handheld gaming PCs. Microsoft and ASUS are set to release the Xbox ROG Ally and the Z2 Extreme-powered Xbox ROG Ally X later this year, featuring a new Windows 11 version better optimized for handheld gaming.

Additional devices equipped with the Z2 Extreme chip will also arrive in the future. However, if you want a highly efficient, SteamOS-based device that's available today, this Z1 Extreme-equipped Legion Go S is the one to get. It's a great time to be a handheld PC gamer.

More Handheld Gaming PCs We Recommend

Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS)

See it at Best Buy

Asus ROG Ally X

See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy

Valve Steam Deck OLED

See it at AmazonSee it at Steam

Lenovo Legion Go

See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy