For quite some time now, the market for portable gaming devices has been intensifying, but Lenovo has just introduced a significant game-changer. At CES 2025, Lenovo unveiled not one, not two, but three new Lenovo Legion handhelds. Among these, the first genuine rival to Valve’s widely acclaimed Steam Deck was presented, and a glimpse into the upcoming generation of Legion Go gaming was provided.
The newly introduced Lenovo Legion Go S is a high-end gaming handheld device that competes directly with the ASUS ROG Ally, boasting an elegant design. However, it offers more than just Windows 11; in the latter half of this year, gamers will also have the option to purchase a version of the Legion Go S running SteamOS, similar to the custom interface currently exclusive to the Steam Deck. The release date for the next generation Lenovo Legion Go (Gen 2) is yet to be announced, but it promises to be impressive as well.
After getting some hands-on experience with each of them, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the Go S, exceeding my initial expectations.
A new Legion Go S — with both Windows and SteamOS
Today’s spotlight shines on the Lenovo Legion Go S, breaking new ground in Lenovo’s portable gaming approach so far. Unlike its predecessors that focused on functionality with a no-frills design, the Legion Go S boasts a streamlined and minimalist look.
As a tech enthusiast, I find the sleek dual-tone black-and-white design of this device more reminiscent of the ASUS ROG Ally or Steam Deck compared to the first-gen Legion Go. Notably absent are the detachable controllers from its predecessor. This handheld gaming powerhouse boasts an 8-inch, 16:10 IPS LCD display with a swift 120Hz refresh rate and multi-touch support. What’s more, it comes equipped with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), a surprising omission in the original Go.
On both sides, you’ll notice the latest Hall Effect thumbsticks designed for greater precision to combat stick drift, along with a more circular and ergonomic D-Pad. Additionally, there are newly developed dual-stage triggers, which can be locked via switches located at the back of the handheld. Despite its size and weight being larger than some alternatives, it is more compact compared to the previous bulky Legion Go model.
As an analyst, I found myself drawing unexpected parallels with the Logitech G Cloud Android handheld I previously evaluated. Remarkably, the Legion Go S’ ergonomics surpassed my expectations, masterfully concealing its substantial dimensions in a manner that seems almost unbelievable. It’s worth noting that this device comes equipped with an integrated touchpad for Windows navigation, albeit compact – yet surprisingly effective, based on my initial use.
Inside, you’ll discover either the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, a cost-effective chipset tailored specifically for the Legion Go S, or the well-known Ryzen Z1 Extreme we’ve seen in high-end gaming handhelds. The Ryzen Z2 Go is anticipated to provide decent performance along with (hopefully) excellent efficiency and a competitive price range. This chipset will be complemented by up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, which remains swappable.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate the addition of two USB Type-C 4.0 ports in this design, as it significantly broadens my connectivity possibilities. However, I do miss the flexibility that the Legion Go offers with its detachable controllers and integrated kickstand. The Lenovo Legion Go S is set to hit the market this month at an estimated price of $729.99, but keep in mind that configuration comes with the pricier AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and runs on Windows 11.
Indeed, just like other PC gaming handhelds, the standard Legion Go S operates on Windows 11. However, Lenovo has an interesting surprise in store. Later this year, the Legion Go S is expected to be the initial officially licensed, third-party SteamOS gaming handheld. Essentially, it will share the same interface as the Steam Deck, offering a hardware alternative for gamers who favor that OS and crave more powerful hardware under the hood.
In the upcoming May 2025 release, the SteamOS variant of the Lenovo Legion Go S will sport a violet exterior, mirroring its standard counterpart in all other aspects. By opting for SteamOS, you’ll sacrifice some Windows versatility, but enjoy an optimized gaming experience tailored specifically for handhelds, offering a more user-friendly interface. Under the hood, it will feature the Ryzen Z2 Go processor, priced at $499.99.
The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S will cost approximately $100 less than its Windows counterpart, depending on your location. This price difference is due to the additional costs associated with Windows licensing fees. Meanwhile, anticipate a new budget-friendly Legion Go S model with Windows for about $599.99, which will also feature the Ryzen Z2 Go processor, exclusive to Lenovo’s handheld devices.
Owners of Lenovo Legion Go can anticipate an upgraded Legion Space software package, complete with fresh features and a revamped interface. This is certainly a welcome enhancement to the already impressive Lenovo Legion Go S. The redesigned Legion Space software serves as the cherry on top, making the device even more appealing. It boasts a sleeker, snappier, and user-friendly interface, which will undoubtedly prove beneficial when navigating Windows’ intricacies.
A next-gen Legion Go on the horizon
As a researcher, I had the privilege of being given an exclusive preview of the upcoming flagship in Lenovo’s handheld gaming line – the Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2. While there’s no confirmed release date or pricing details available at this point, I can share some insights about the hardware and potential enhancements that Lenovo has planned for the next-generation Legion Go.
This new update is tailored for gamers who value the detachable controls and built-in stand of the original Legion Go, as the next generation will retain these features. Notably, Lenovo has enhanced the comfort of those controllers significantly. The main improvement, however, lies in the display, which was already a standout feature on the Legion Go.
With an 8.8-inch, 16:10 OLED screen featuring Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, the Legion Go Gen 2 promises a top-tier visual gaming experience among handheld devices. The upcoming AMD Ryzen Z2 or Ryzen Z2 Extreme processors are expected to drive this display, potentially delivering improved performance and efficiency compared to the familiar Ryzen Z1 platform.
In addition, you can equip the Legion Go (Gen 2) with up to 32GB of RAM and a massive 2TB SSD storage. Coupled with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and a stunning 144Hz OLED screen, it promises to be an absolute beast for portable PC gaming. However, due to its high-end specifications, we anticipate that it will come at a hefty price tag. Keep in mind that the device showcased at CES 2025 was a prototype, so we’ll have to wait for more information on the exact cost. Nevertheless, I am thrilled about Lenovo’s entry into handheld gaming and excited to see SteamOS becoming more widespread in hardware.
Read More
- AUCTION/USD
- Owen Cooper Lands Major Role in Wuthering Heights – What’s Next for the Young Star?
- Is Disney Faking Snow White Success with Orchestrated Reviews?
- Pregnant Woman’s Dish Soap Craving Blows Up on TikTok!
- Pokémon Destined Rivals: Release date, pre-order and what to expect
- POL PREDICTION. POL cryptocurrency
- HBAR PREDICTION. HBAR cryptocurrency
- Stephen A. Smith Responds to Backlash Over Serena Williams Comments
- JK Simmons Opens Up About Recording Omni-Man for Mortal Kombat 1
- Daredevil: Born Again Spoiler – Is Foggy Nelson Alive? Fan Theory Explodes!
2025-01-07 19:09