Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Which is better?

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At CES 2025, Lenovo unveiled details about its upcoming mid-generation Legion Go S gaming portable device, available in both Windows 11 and SteamOS versions. Moreover, they demonstrated a prototype for the Legion Go 2, which is a next-generation gaming handheld.

In this article, I’ve completed a review of the Lenovo Legion Go, having tested most major gaming handhelds available today. Therefore, I am eager to delve into the features of these new devices. To provide a comprehensive comparison, I’ve pitted the recently released Lenovo Legion Go S against the prototype version of the Legion Go 2. Here’s a look at their shared traits and differences.

Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Specs

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The listed costs you see here are for base models of the Legion Go S. However, these prices may increase based on the specific features or configurations you choose.

At the CES 2025 event, the Legion Go 2 presented was merely a prototype, which means that not all of its specifications have been fully disclosed yet. Additionally, it’s important to note that the details provided in this chart could potentially be revised or updated before the official release of the Legion Go 2 device.

Now that you’ve seen these specs, let’s dive in and discuss what these changes might mean for you.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Price & value speculation

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At present, discussing the price and launch date of the Legion Go 2 is more like guesswork, as Lenovo hasn’t disclosed this information. Given that the product is probably not due to be released for some time, it seems we’ll have to wait a while longer before these details are revealed.

It’s likely that the initial cost of the Legion Go S (SteamOS) is significantly less than the Legion Go 2. This lower price can be attributed to the fact that the Legion Go 2 features a more advanced processor and an OLED screen, both of which contribute to a higher overall cost for the handheld device.

Keep in mind that Lenovo has announced the initial release of its Legion Go S laptop with Windows 11, priced at $729.99, featuring AMD Z2 Go, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, is set to arrive as early as January. However, further configurations will become available in May 2025, starting from $599.99 for Windows 11 and $499.99 for SteamOS.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Performance

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Given its advanced processor, the Legion Go 2 is expected to deliver superior performance compared to the Legion Go S (Windows 11), as the former boasts a more potent Z2 Extreme APU, whereas the latter sports an AMD Z2 Go chip.

As a researcher, I’ve observed an interesting development with Lenovo’s latest handheld devices, the Legion Go S and Legion Go 2. Notably, these new additions now incorporate Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology. This feature is designed to minimize screen tearing and improve gameplay smoothness on these devices compared to the original Legion Go.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Display

OLED screens make excellent gaming displays because they have a fast refresh rate, deliver vibrant colors, and can truly represent black by turning off individual pixels completely, resulting in a true black rather than the grayish tones found on some other screen types.

Due to its larger 8.8-inch OLED display that can achieve a faster 144Hz refresh rate compared to the Legion Go S’s 8-inch LCD touchscreen, it is evident that the Legion Go 2 boasts a superior screen quality. Both devices offer Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology, ensuring smooth motion clarity in their respective displays.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Controls and play modes

The Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 share a similar design on their front side, both featuring ABXY buttons, a Menu button, a View button, triggers, bumpers, a touchpad, a D-Pad, and joysticks. However, they exhibit distinct differences in play modes; the Legion Go 2 offers detachable controllers that can be set up as a stand using its kickstand, which is not a feature of the Legion Go S.

Instead of directly translating, let me rephrase it in a simpler and more conversational manner: In FPS mode, you can manipulate the controller similar to a computer mouse by moving it within its base on the Legion Go 2. This device boasts additional controls on the backside, such as a scroll wheel, extra back buttons, and side buttons for left and right clicks, making it distinct from other controllers.

It is important to mention that the SteamOS version of the Legion Go S replaces its upper left Legion Space key with a SteamOS button. Furthermore, the Legion Go S includes rear-mounted trigger switches, though it remains uncertain if the Legion Go 2 follows suit at the moment.

If you believe that playing in First-Person Shooter (FPS) mode would enhance your gaming experience, then the Legion Go 2 would be more suitable for you as a handheld device. However, if your priority is purely about controls on a handheld, then the Legion Go S could be a better fit for you.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Software and games

Previously, we talked about how the Legion Go S offers both Windows 11 and SteamOS versions. This difference in operating systems means that the methods for accessing games and services will vary significantly between these two models from the get-go. At this point, we can’t confirm if the Legion Go 2 will also have a SteamOS version, but it’s a possibility.

To clarify, SteamOS is an operating system based on Linux, which offers a streamlined interface. This simplified layout allows users to easily reach their Steam libraries, eliminating the need to sift through numerous programs as you would on a standard computer. Although other game services can be accessed on SteamOS, it’s likely that the upcoming handheld device will only support SteamOS at launch, similar to the Steam Deck.

If you’re okay with using Linux or open to learning it, you have the ability to extensively personalize SteamOS, making it straightforward to navigate areas beyond Steam.

Essentially, Windows 11 handhelds function like compact gaming laptops. They offer web browsing capabilities and allow you to visit various services such as Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, among others.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Battery life

The Legion Go S sports a 55.5 WHr battery, while its successor, the Legion Go 2, boasts a larger 74 WHr battery. However, this doesn’t automatically imply that the Legion Go 2 offers better battery life. Screens on handheld devices are typically the greatest consumers of power, and bigger screens tend to require more energy. Consequently, it could be that the Legion Go S might outperform the Legion Go 2 in terms of battery life. We’ll need to wait for their official launches to conduct tests and determine the truth accurately.

It remains uncertain what specific processor and battery improvements will be unveiled with the official launch of the Legion Go 2, but it’s clear that the new AMD Z2 Extreme chip promises a substantial increase in handheld battery life by up to 300%. Therefore, choosing the Z2 Go variant of the Legion Go S over the Z1 Extreme will likely result in improved battery performance.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Grip ergonomics and comfort

The redesigned Legion Go S and Legion Go 2 have a sleeker and user-friendly shape compared to the original, which had a more rectangular design.

Comfort in handling a device primarily depends on three aspects: ergonomics, balance, and weight. A handheld is more comfortable when it’s designed to suit the size of your hands, making it easier to hold for extended periods. Balance within the device ensures that it doesn’t tilt or lean, reducing the need for frequent adjustments by your hands and wrists. Lastly, the overall weight significantly impacts comfort over prolonged use, as a heavier device can lead to hand fatigue over time.

The Legion Go S is lighter and probably smaller than the Legion Go 2, which could make it comfier to handle during lengthy gaming sessions. However, the detachable controllers on the Legion Go 2 can help distribute the weight of the gamepads, making it potentially less strain on your hands and wrists over time.

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Comparison chart

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Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Which should I buy?

If you’re keen on purchasing a gaming handheld device shortly, opting for the Legion Go S might serve you best. The initial version will hit the market soon, while further options are expected in May 2025. Conversely, no release date has been announced for the Legion Go 2, which means we could be waiting quite some time before it becomes available.

The updated Legion Go S sports a sleek design and houses an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor. This efficient upgrade, along with its Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) compatibility, promises smoother gameplay compared to the initial Legion Go model.

While it may not come with detachable controllers or a stand, those who prefer handheld play typically don’t require these features. You can find cases for the device that include a kickstand, and you always have the option to connect external gamepads such as an Xbox controller or keyboard and mouse if desired.

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2025-01-07 19:15