Get a ‘Legion Go S’ alternative to the Steam Deck for $499.99 with Windows — Honestly, it should have launched at this price anyway

Lenovo’s Legion Go S gaming handheld comes in two versions – one with a white exterior running Windows 11 and another in a grey-nearly-purple design running SteamOS, similar to Valve’s Steam Deck. Although they were not launched simultaneously, you can now get the white model at Best Buy for $499.99, a price that reflects its attractive value as an entry-level handheld PC gaming device. Unfortunately, its initial high price deterred many potential buyers. But don’t worry, this price reduction brings it to a level that feels more reasonable.

As a researcher examining the Legion Go S laptop running on Windows 11, I’ve noticed that it’s not uncommon for this device to undergo price reductions – it dipped to $599 in April, for instance. However, my personal evaluation of the device aligns with Zachary Boddy’s review from February, which advised cautious consideration before purchase.

In essence, this sleek all-white Legion Go S can be seen as an enhanced version of the Steam Deck, offering comparable performance through its AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU. But despite its similarities and potential appeal, I find it challenging to wholeheartedly recommend the device based on our shared assessment.

Absolutely! The Legion Go S was introduced at Best Buy for $729.99, marking a significant price increase compared to the 1TB Steam Deck OLED’s original price of $649. However, this higher price tag offers a technically superior display with enhanced contrast. Interestingly, the Legion Go S falls right in the middle of the pricing spectrum. It’s priced slightly higher than the entry-level Steam Deck LCD model, which comes with 256GB storage and runs on Windows 11, but is more affordable than the Steam Deck OLED model with 512GB, both offering additional space for games.

It’s unfortunate that the white, limited edition OLED Steam Deck wasn’t available more widely, as it would have made an ideal counterpart to this Windows-based Legion Go S. Nevertheless, in essence, you’re receiving a handheld device similar to the Steam Deck, offering native PC Game Pass support and well-known anti-cheat software for seamless online multiplayer gaming.

In simple terms, if you’re not comfortable with Windows installation, there’s an option to switch to Valve’s alternative (SteamOS) that functions similarly to the Lenovo Legion Go S – SteamOS edition. At this affordable cost, you’ll enjoy a blend of both systems. If you’re up for some customization, you can even install Windows 11 and SteamOS together, allowing you to switch between the two operating systems.

The Legion Go S boasts a sleek design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable on all hardware aspects. Its striking 8-inch display sets it apart from others in the market.

Zachary Boddy, Windows Central

The affordable launch price is what initially drew me towards this Legion Go variant, but it’s hard for me to wholeheartedly endorse it at its current cost. Zachary adds, “Frankly, I can’t comfortably suggest it at that price.” However, if the Legion Go S powered by SteamOS retails for $500, even with half the RAM and storage, then the discussion could take a completely different turn.” So, in essence, this deal doesn’t require you to settle for just 32GB of shared memory and 1TB of storage.

It’s truly unfortunate that this deal is ending, which likely means the Legion Go S will revert to its original price of around $730, or nearly that high price tag. However, when you consider its specifications, it’s actually quite reasonably priced at the moment. Granted, it may not rival powerhouse handheld devices like ASUS’ ROG Ally X and the forthcoming Lenovo Legion Go 2 (not the LeGo 2), but instead, it now presents a solid Windows-based option comparable to the Steam Deck in the market, as it should.

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2025-08-15 14:41