In recent years, the handheld gaming PC market has been buzzing with activity, particularly since the Valve Steam Deck made its debut. Exciting alternatives have come forward, such as Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Riding on the wave of AMD’s new Z2 Go processor, which draws on Zen 3+ architecture, Lenovo has rolled out the Legion Go S. This new model departs radically from its predecessor in design choices.
The initial standout feature is its redesigned form factor. Gone are the detachable controllers reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch; the Legion Go S now boasts an integrated layout akin to the ROG Ally and Steam Deck. Its display, smaller at 8 inches compared to the previous 8.8 inches, marks another notable change.
Despite losing the detachable controller mechanisms, the Legion Go S remains a hefty device. Alongside its weight, there are other aspects where it feels like the device has taken a step back from its predecessor. Potential buyers should weigh these factors carefully before making it their handheld PC gaming choice.
### Design and Comfort of the Lenovo Legion Go S
The differences between the new Legion Go S and its predecessor are pretty apparent. While the older model featured a blend of matte grey aluminum and plastic, the Go S is entirely plastic. Finished in white with black accents for buttons and triggers, this version doesn’t quite offer the same premium feel. Nonetheless, it’s robustly built and more comfortable to hold, thanks to a curvier shape that puts less strain on your hands during long gaming sessions.
An immediate difference is the absence of a built-in kickstand. Previously, the kickstand was handy for prop-free play when controllers were detached. But now, with controllers built into the chassis, Lenovo likely decided it wasn’t needed.
Another letdown with the Go S is in the display department. The screen size shrinks from 8.8 to 8 inches, and resolution drops from 2560 x 1600 to 1920 x 1200. Personally, I find these reductions acceptable, given the limits of gaming at higher resolutions with the existing processors.
In terms of dimensions and weight, the Go S measures 11.77 by 5.02 by 0.89 inches and weighs 1.61 pounds. For context, the Asus ROG Ally and the original Steam Deck are, respectively, smaller and lighter.
The main controls mimic an Xbox gamepad, housing ABXY buttons on the right, with the joysticks offset from each other. Other standard controls are present, while the four programmable buttons offer personalization. The Go S lacks the once-standard kickstand but does provide USB ports, a headphone jack, and a microSD slot for added features.
### Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications
The hardware powering the Legion Go S is an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go CPU with integrated Radeon 680M graphics. Memory support tops out at 32GB, with provisions for a 1TB SSD. Networking capabilities include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, all within the confines of a Windows 11 Home experience. Priced at $729.99, it presents a singular spec configuration for now.
### Gaming and Graphics on the Lenovo Legion Go S
Let’s talk performance. The Legion Go S swaps in a newer, but slower, AMD processor for its predecessor’s chip. The new Z2 Go CPU, based on Zen 3+ architecture, offers less robust performance compared to the previous Z1 Extreme, which supported more cores.
In terms of game performance, the device features various profiles, including options for Performance, Efficiency, and Custom settings, which can be toggled depending on power source and preferences.
On the side-by-side tests against its predecessor, the Go S managed slightly better power efficiency unplugged, yet lagged in performance when plugged in. Benchmarks on popular games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal that performance biases toward the older Legion Go when both devices are pushing higher power profiles.
### Windows 11 on the Lenovo Legion Go S
With Windows 11 preinstalled, the Go S opens up on a high note with its 1920×1200 resolution, although scaling issues are apparent given how large icons and taskbars appear. Furthermore, encounters with the on-screen keyboard being unresponsive add to a frustrating user experience.
Navigational quirks extend to the touchpad, which strangely features force feedback as a default. Adjustments through the Lenovo Space app can modulate the touchpad’s sensitivity, but these settings tend not to compensate well, especially during continuous gameplay.
### Legion Space on the Lenovo Legion Go S
Lenovo Space functions as a hub for tweaking myriad settings related to gameplay and general use. From here, users can access game libraries, purchase options, and controller configurations. The app centralizes performance monitoring, tapping into fan speeds, CPU temps, and more for personalized tuning.
### Display on the Legion Go S
With a slight reduction in display dimensions and resolution, the Go S displays gaming visuals competently within a 1920 x 1080 framework with a 120Hz refresh rate. While the screen maintains IPS standards, it can’t quite compete with advanced OLED options, notably the Steam Deck.
### Battery Life on the Lenovo Legion Go S
Expect variability with battery life—testing suggests about an hour and 42 minutes overall. Adjusting settings down can extend playtime, but many users will gravitate towards finding a stable power source for longer sessions.
### Audio on the Lenovo Legion Go S
Audio performance manages to deliver the essentials for in-game soundtracks and effects, offering solid depth. Using headphones improves the immersive experience significantly.
### Upgradeability of the Legion Go S
Accessing the device’s internals for storage upgrades isn’t overwhelmingly difficult, providing gamers with room to expand storage using commonly available SSD options.
### Heat on the Lenovo Legion Go S
The Go S runs relatively cool thanks to its new design, with heat management channels directing airflow efficiently during gameplay. Noise levels remain unobtrusive, making the gaming experience more enjoyable.
### Lenovo Legion Go S Configurations
At a price point of $729.99, the Go S configuration includes necessary specs to accommodate gaming demands. However, a future configuration with lighter features and a budget price means potential buyers might hold out for better deals.
### Bottom Line
Given the current performance chops and pricing of the Legion Go S, it straddles an awkward middle ground. Its all-in-one form factor might be slightly more comfortable, yet sacrifices features like detachable controls and display elegance. With a minimal price difference from its predecessor, more powerful offering, it’s tough to recommend at the current price unless a drop to around $600 happens. For those in no rush, waiting for the upcoming cheaper SteamOS version might be the more prudent choice.
