I finally tested a “SteamOS” Legion Go S — it’s the perfect handheld gaming PC if you don’t mind these three things

by

At last, following several months of anticipation, I successfully obtained the dark purple version of the Lenovo Legion Go S, which is powered by SteamOS instead of the standard white one running on Windows.

Previously, my coworker, Zachary Boddy, wrote our review for the Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows), and he came away with a sense of slight letdown. We both had high expectations that this SteamOS version might excel in areas where the previous one fell short.

After a week’s use, I must admit that I really enjoy the Legion Go S (SteamOS) handheld, but there are certain aspects that prevent me from wholeheartedly recommending it.

I’ll delve into the three possible drawbacks of the Legion Go S, which could make you think twice about this excellent portable device.

This review was facilitated by a complimentary product from Lenovo. However, Lenovo didn’t have any influence over its content and wasn’t aware of it until after it was published.

For many individuals, the primary hurdle in acquiring the Legion Go S (SteamOS) is its relatively high price tag compared to the initial two configurations of the Steam Deck ($399.00 and $549.00). To own the base model of the Legion Go S (SteamOS), you’ll need to budget more than what you would spend for either of those Steam Deck options.

Kick-starting our discussion, we have the budget-friendly Legion Go S (SteamOS), priced at $599.99. This device operates on an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, boasting 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for ample storage space.

I had a close look at the pricier alternative, retailing at $829.99 on Best Buy, which boasts a stronger AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, sports 32GB of RAM, and includes a 1TB Solid State Drive.

In simpler terms, it can be quite challenging for numerous individuals to shell out $600 for a fresh SteamOS gaming handheld PC, given that the acclaimed Steam Deck is available at a significantly lower price point.

Regardless, I discovered compelling arguments that made me lean towards purchasing the Legion Go S (SteamOS), instead of the Steam Deck.

Legion Go S (SteamOS): Why I love it

Among various portable gaming devices I’ve owned and utilized, what stands out about the Legion Go S is its comfortable design and stylish, subtly purple case that appears black or grey based on lighting conditions.

The device is nicely balanced, distributing its weight evenly across my hands, providing a pleasant sensation. Additionally, its ergonomic handles and rough surface make holding it comfortably for extended periods of time effortless.

The ‘Steam’ button is positioned at the upper left corner of the 8-inch IPS touchscreen, making navigation within SteamOS remarkably similar to using it on the Steam Deck.

From my perspective as an analyst, I’ve found that the initial learning curve of SteamOS is slightly steep due to its tendency to provide shortcuts for Steam Deck buttons instead of Legion Go S buttons. However, with a bit of practice and time, I’ve adapted to this difference.

Generally speaking, I find that the controls on the Legion Go S (SteamOS), including its buttons, triggers, and joysticks, respond swiftly and effectively, making it easy for me to enjoy my gaming sessions without encountering any problems.

Nevertheless, there are two potential issues that could deter you from choosing the Legion Go S. One of them is the relatively inefficient trackpad situated at the bottom right corner of the device. Compared to Steam Deck’s dual trackpads, it may not function as smoothly. At times, it might fail to respond entirely or require an excessive number of swipes to place the cursor accurately where desired.

While trackpads aren’t necessary for every aspect of the portable gaming experience, they can prove quite beneficial, particularly in menus and games that heavily rely on a mouse. Therefore, it’s worth considering if their inclusion might affect the kinds of games you prefer.

Smooth gameplay and faster FPS, but with a tradeoff

  • Cyberpunk 2077 —  30 FPS (Steam Deck preset, 1200p resolution, 120Hz, V-sync disabled, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.1 set to “Balanced,” frame generation disabled)
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider — 43 FPS (Highest preset, 1080p resolution, V-sync enabled)
  • Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation —  76 FPS (Normal preset, 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, V-sync enabled)

Over the course of using the Legion Go S (SteamOS), I had the pleasure of trying out various games, and every playthrough proved to be enjoyable.

As an analyst, I am grateful for the AMD Z1 Extreme processor in the Legion Go S (SteamOS) as it outperforms the custom AMD Zen 2 APU found in the Steam Deck significantly. This superiority allows me to run certain games on the Legion Go S that are incompatible with Valve’s handheld device.

Certainly, you could consider the less expensive Legion Go S model with the AMD Z2 processor, but I would advise against choosing this CPU as it’s less powerful compared to other options.

On the Z1 Extreme Legion Go S (SteamOS), games not only achieve greater frames per second but also run more fluidly with enhanced visual motion sharpness. This is largely due to the VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology, higher resolution of WUXGA (1920×1200), and a faster 120Hz refresh rate compared to the 60Hz on Steam Deck and 90Hz on Steam Deck OLED.

I can run some games on the Legion Go S that won’t run on Valve’s handheld.

Since this improvement comes with a higher performance, there’s a potential drawback that could be off-putting to some users: Loud fans.

During the same CPU-intensive test, the Legion Go S emitted a sound reminiscent of a gusty wind, slightly louder than a troubling whistle, registering at approximately 54.6 decibels. On the other hand, the Steam Deck produced a noise level of around 46.5 dB that wasn’t as disturbing.

How long does the Legion Go S (SteamOS)’s 55.5Whr battery last? I found it ran for approximately an hour and a quarter when I played Cyberpunk 2077 on the Steam Deck graphics setting, with the screen brightness set at 50%.

This is a relatively average result and is expected for the battery capacity.

Legion Go S (SteamOS): Should you get it?

✅ You should buy this if …

  • You want a SteamOS gaming device that’s more powerful than Steam Deck and has a comfortable design

    With its more powerful Z1 Extreme processor and larger screen that supports higher resolution, VRR, and 120Hz, games look and run better on Legion Go S (SteamOS).

❌ You should not buy this if …

  • You are looking for a more budget-friendly gaming handheld PCAs far as economical options go, the Steam Deck still reigns supreme. It’s a bit older at this point and is starting to show its age, but you can still play a wide range of Steam Deck-compatible games on it.

Certainly, Although there are aspects that could benefit from refinement, I’ve found the Z1 Extreme Legion Go S (SteamOS) quite enjoyable and would recommend it to those seeking a Steam-Deck-like device with added power.

On a superior touchscreen, visuals and motion appear clearer, and games run more smoothly compared to their performance on the Steam Deck. The device is also capable of running certain games that the older Steam Deck struggles with.

Keep in mind that the device might have quite noisy fans at times, and its trackpad may not be as functional as the one on a Steam Deck. However, if these aspects don’t pose an issue for you, then you’re likely to find great satisfaction with this device.

Read More

2025-07-03 16:10