For a number of years, the Steam Deck has been the sole official SteamOS-powered handheld PC gaming device. However, a new contender, the Lenovo Legion Go S – Powered by SteamOS, has entered the market as an alternative option. To understand how these two devices compare, I delved into a side-by-side analysis of various aspects on this page.
Initially, let me share some important dates: The Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S will debut in January, and a SteamOS variant is expected to release in May 2025. At this point, Lenovo has not disclosed all details regarding the SteamOS Legion Go S, so we’re using the available information for now. I’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Specs
After examining the specifications of both the Legion Go S (SteamOS) and the Steam Deck, let’s delve into a discussion on how these variations might influence the gaming experience.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Price & value
The 2022 Steam Deck LCD and the 2023 Steam Deck OLED, priced at $399 and $549 respectively, are older models with less potent hardware inside them. This results in their performance being lower compared to more recent, high-performance handheld devices.
Without much surprise, it’s understandable that the initial price of the Legion Go S (SteamOS) sets at around $499.99, being more expensive than the standard Steam Deck LCD. Additionally, it appears there will be another version of this SteamOS handheld by Lenovo, priced at approximately $599.99.
Briefly Summarized: Budget-Friendly Option: The Steam Deck LCD, compared to the Legion Go S, offers a more budget-friendly starting price with SteamOS.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Performance
When it comes to gaming performance, multiple elements play a significant role. In terms of raw power, the Legion Go S and its upgraded AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor seem to outmatch the original AMD Zen 2 processors in the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED, offering smoother gameplay generally. However, it’s worth noting that certain games have been tailored for optimal performance on the Steam Deck, which may influence the outcome. Nevertheless, a more potent central processing unit usually contributes to a smoother gaming experience overall.
Performance can be influenced by various factors and how effectively a system’s elements cooperate. If the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S also supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), it will significantly reduce screen tearing and ensure smooth gameplay, just like in the Windows 11 version.
The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, inside the Legion Go S, appears to be a significantly more potent processor compared to the AMD Zen 2 processors featured in the Steam Deck.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Display
It’s clear that the Steam Deck OLED features an OLED touchscreen, providing a higher level of clarity compared to LCD screens due to its superior color reproduction and deeper blacks, leading to enhanced contrast. This results in a more vivid display and makes colors stand out more prominently in darker environments.
While we haven’t yet detailed the specifications of the Legion Go S (SteamOS), we do know that its Windows 11 counterpart sports an 8-inch LCD touchscreen capable of reaching a resolution of 1920×1200 and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. If these features carry over to the SteamOS version, it would surpass the Steam Deck OLED’s 7.4-inch touchscreen, which maxes out at 1280 x 800 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. Moreover, if the Legion Go S (SteamOS) supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), it could deliver a sharper and smoother gaming experience on Lenovo’s handheld device.
In summary: Both the Legion Go S and Steam Deck displays have their strengths and weaknesses. The Steam Deck’s OLED screen boasts a wider color range and better contrast, while the Legion Go S may offer superior motion clarity.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Controls and ports
The two gadgets share numerous common features, such as a Steam button and a microSD card slot for additional memory, but they do have some significant distinctions. For instance, the Steam button on each device is located differently – it’s positioned in the top-left corner for Legion Go S, while it resides in the bottom-left corner of the Steam Deck. This design enables swift interaction with SteamOS on both devices. Furthermore, they both feature a microSD card reader to extend storage capacity.
As for the differences, the Legion Go S adopts a more conventional design with offset joysticks, whereas the Steam Deck aligns its joysticks at the same level. Valve opted for this arrangement to accommodate dual touchpads beneath the joysticks. The Legion Go S does feature a single touchpad, however, it is significantly smaller and positioned only below the right joystick.
At present, it’s uncertain which touchpad, Lenovo’s or Valve’s, performs better in terms of functionality. However, if Lenovo’s touchpad proves to be of good quality, its smaller size should not pose a problem. The preference for using touchpads in games varies among people – some find it enjoyable while others do not. Therefore, this difference is largely a matter of personal taste.
Between these two devices, the Steam Deck stands out with its 4 rear action buttons compared to the Legion Go S’s 2. Furthermore, an extra feature exclusive to the Legion Go S is customizable back trigger switches.
When it comes to available ports, the Legion Go S offers two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C connections, whereas the Steam Deck is equipped with just one USB-C port. This configuration not only implies that the Lenovo device boasts superior types of ports, but it also allows for simultaneous charging and use of a connected accessory.
In summary, when it comes to choosing between the Legion Go S and the Steam Deck, the Legion Go S offers an orthodox joystick layout with adjustable trigger switches and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Steam Deck has a single USB-C port.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Software and games
Because devices like the Legion Go S and Steam Deck share SteamOS as their operating system, they provide streamlined interfaces that allow for quick access to your collection of PC games, making them feel less like portable computers and more akin to traditional gaming consoles in terms of user experience.
Because SteamOS operates on a Linux system, it allows for simple personalization, provided you’re familiar with the process. Many users take advantage of this flexibility to utilize other gaming services on their Steam Decks beyond what Steam offers directly.
It’s my belief that the Legion Go S might offer a wider range of playable games compared to the Steam Deck, given its probable superior hardware. In numerous guides I’ve written about handheld gaming, I’ve pointed out that the Steam Deck struggles with more demanding games like STALKER 2, which run smoothly on devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally. However, it’s also worth noting that some games are tailored for optimal performance on the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, a device with a stronger processor is likely to handle games better overall.
In summary, regarding the best software and game performance:
Although both devices run on the same operating system, it’s plausible that the Legion Go S performs games more fluently due to its likely stronger processing power.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Battery life
Previously mentioned, we’re unaware of the exact battery details for the Legion Go S (SteamOS). If it shares the same battery as its Windows 11 counterpart, then the Legion Go S (SteamOS) would boast a 55.5 Whr battery. This is bigger than the Steam Deck LCD’s 40Whr and the Steam Deck OLED’s 50Whr batteries. However, having a larger battery doesn’t necessarily imply longer battery life for the Legion Go S (SteamOS).
From a fan’s perspective, the longevity of a device’s battery life can be influenced by several aspects. For instance, larger screens tend to consume more power, which in turn drains the battery faster. Similarly, processors that demand more energy also contribute to quicker battery depletion. Therefore, it’s reasonable to speculate that devices like the Steam Deck might last longer than others such as the Legion Go S, but we can only confirm this after conducting thorough testing.
In summary: At present, we haven’t determined yet. The Legion Go S boasts a larger battery capacity, however, it may consume more power than the Steam Deck, resulting in an undetermined battery life advantage.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Grip ergonomics and comfort
Regarding comfort when holding a gaming device, factors like its shape, balance, and weight play a significant role. The Steam Deck, while robust and boxy, is noticeably bulkier compared to the sleeker, more ergonomic design of the Legion Go S. Due to having fewer back buttons, players tend to have a firmer grasp on the Legion Go S as opposed to the Steam Deck.
As for size, it appears that when looking at height and length, the two devices, namely the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) and Windows 11 Legion Go S, are quite comparable. However, in terms of thickness, they differ significantly. At this point, we only have the thickness measurements for the Windows 11 Legion Go S, which is 0.88-inches thick, whereas the Steam Deck is 1.9-inches thick. Unfortunately, Lenovo hasn’t disclosed all the dimensions of the Legion Go S (SteamOS) yet, so we can’t make a definitive comparison just yet.
In this regard, we’re still uncertain about the exact weight of the Legion Go S (SteamOS) model. However, it’s important to note that the initial Legion Go S with Windows 11 weighs approximately 1.63 pounds, which is heavier than the Steam Deck LCD’s 1.47 pounds. This suggests that the SteamOS version might be even heavier than the Steam Deck. But if the Legion Go S has been designed with well-balanced internals, its more comfortable grips should provide a superior feel in your hands compared to the Steam Deck.
In summary, despite the popularity of the Steam Deck, the Legion Go S stands out for its highly ergonomic design, making it potentially more comfortable to use, even though it may be heavier.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Accessories
Because the Steam Deck was the first portable PC gaming device to gain widespread popularity, it boasts a vast user base. Consequently, there’s an abundance of third-party accessories available for it, in addition to the official peripherals provided by Valve. However, it only has one USB-C port, limiting simultaneous connections to just one device. This is why docking stations with USB-C ports are particularly useful.
Currently, the Legion Go S (SteamOS) isn’t set to launch until May 2025, which means there aren’t many gaming accessories available for it right now. However, if it proves popular, we can expect more third-party manufacturers to introduce compatible accessories in the future.
In summary: The Steam Deck is currently the top-selling portable PC gaming device with a multitude of third-party accessories available, while the Lenovo Legion Go S is relatively new and has fewer accessory options at this time.
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Comparison chart
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Legion Go S vs Steam Deck: Which should I buy?
When choosing the ideal handheld device for gaming, various aspects need to be taken into account. On paper, one gadget may appear superior to another based on specifications. Yet, this doesn’t necessarily make it the most suitable choice for you. In essence, both the Legion Go S (SteamOS) and the Steam Deck are remarkable gaming devices, each catering to distinct preferences.
Compared to the Steam Deck, the Legion Go S seems to offer superior power and performance due to its newer processor and potentially superior display. Furthermore, its design is said to be more comfortable to hold over extended gaming periods, providing an ergonomic advantage.
Currently, the Steam Deck reigns supreme in terms of affordability among handheld gaming devices. While it may not be the most powerful or ergonomically designed device, its cost-effectiveness is appealing. Moreover, a multitude of third-party docking stations, cases, screen protectors, and other accessories for the Steam Deck are available, meaning you can opt for less expensive alternatives if preferred.
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2025-01-07 19:11