Lenovo's new PC gaming handheld isn't the bargain you think

Price When Reviewed

$729

Best Prices Today: Lenovo Legion Go S

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a handheld gaming PC that ships with Windows 11. While Lenovo has made some superbly snug and ergonomic {hardware}, Windows continues to be irritating to make use of on a handheld in comparison with Valve’s Linux-based SteamOS, which powers the Steam Deck. Between the irritating Windows expertise and the considerably excessive worth — this handheld is costlier than a top-end Steam Deck OLED mannequin at launch — this machine doesn’t make sense for most individuals.

But if you happen to do need Windows on a handheld — for full compatibility with PC video games and the flexibility to run Game Pass video games, for instance — it is a respectable machine. It doesn’t have the very best efficiency, but it surely has a superb design.

Lenovo plans on providing a version of this machine with Valve’s SteamOS later in 2025. That SteamOS-powered Legion Go S could have a cheaper price that makes extra sense. But, for now, I’m reviewing the preliminary Windows model with the software program and worth it has at launch.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Specs

The Lenovo Legion G S contains an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor with built-in AMD Radeon graphics. The Z2 Go relies on AMD’s Zen 3 structure, and AMD produces this line of chips completely for handheld gaming techniques. As AMD’s Ryzen Go specs clarify, the Z2 Go mannequin is the lowest-end, most value-focused mannequin. It has 4 CPU cores, for instance, not like the eight cores on the Z2 and Z2 Extreme fashions.

This is the preliminary Windows 11 mannequin of the Legion Go S, obtainable for $729 from Best Buy. The worth is a bit complicated given the {hardware}. Benchmarks present AMD Z1 Extreme chips outperforming this Z2 Go chip, and Z2 Extreme chips is likely to be an attention-grabbing improve over that last-generation {hardware}. The value-focused Z2 Go {hardware} right here ought to assist the Lenovo Legion Go S obtain a cheaper price level, but it surely’s nonetheless costly — $729 in comparison with the Steam Deck OLED’s worth of $549 or $649.

Later this yr, Lenovo will launch versions of the Legion Go S that run SteamOS — they usually’ll be cheaper. Those “Powered by SteamOS” variations can be far more attention-grabbing. But only the Windows version gets this nice white color scheme.

• CPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X
• Graphics/GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
• Display: 8-inch 1920×1200 IPS show with 120Hz variable refresh charge
• Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
• Webcam: None
• Connectivity: 2x USB Type-C (USB4) ports, 1x combo headphone jack, 1x microSD card reader
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capability: 55.5 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 0.89 x 5.02 x 11.77 inches
• Weight: 1.61 kilos
• MSRP: $729 as examined

Lenovo Legion Go S: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go S has an superior design. It simply feels nice to carry, full with properly textured grips on the again. At 1.61 kilos, in comparison with the Steam Deck OLED’s 1.41 kilos, it’s a tad heavier to carry but it surely didn’t trouble me.

It seems to be good, too. The preliminary Legion Go S right here has a pleasant white design. The joysticks even have customizable RGB LEDs, which actually make the design “pop.”

Unlike the unique Lenovo Legion Go, the controllers right here usually are not detachable. This machine is nearer to a Steam Deck, a single piece of {hardware}, than the original Legion Go, which had a design extra like a Nintendo Switch with these detachable controllers.

It’s a strong piece of {hardware}, though it’s price noting that Lenovo doesn’t embrace a carrying case. For $729, you’re simply getting the Lenovo Legion Go S. For $650, you may get a top-end Steam Deck OLED with a bundled carrying case.

The really feel of the {hardware} itself might be my favourite factor about this machine. The software program, then again, is a blended bag. Lenovo has carried out a good job with its personal software program. There is a button to the precise of the show, above the Start button, that opens a floating sidebar the place you’ll be able to change quite a lot of settings. There’s additionally a button on the left that opens the Lenovo “Legion Space” software. It offers a sport library that exhibits all of your put in video games throughout Steam and the Xbox app, for instance.

Lenovo has made effort with its software program, however Windows continues to be proper below the floor, barely lined. I ended up looking at a Windows desktop incessantly whereas utilizing this machine, and it’s nonetheless extremely awkward to make use of on a handheld. Microsoft has promised to make Windows work better handhelds. But, almost three years after the discharge of Valve’s Steam Deck, we’re nonetheless ready.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Controls and trackpad

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go S has wonderful built-in controls for gaming. Like the remainder of this ergonomic machine, they really feel nice to make use of.

The Lenovo Legion Go contains two joysticks which really feel snug to make use of. They use “hall effect” sensors to scale back joystick drift. There’s additionally a conventional D-pad and the X, Y, A, and B buttons. Additionally, there are buttons to the left and proper of the show: The regular Start and Menu/Select buttons in addition to buttons for opening the Lenovo Legion Space launcher and the floating fast settings menu.

The buttons all really feel nice to make use of, though I would like Lenovo moved its personal buttons away from the Start and Menu buttons. I discovered myself urgent the button that opened Lenovo’s menu as an alternative of the Start button as I acquired in control with the machine — on the Steam Deck, these buttons are additional aside. Of course, you’ll get used to it if you happen to spend a while with this machine.

There’s additionally a tiny trackpad on the proper facet of the machine, under the precise stick. You can use it to manage the mouse cursor and carry out different exact actions. Personally, I a lot want the Steam Deck’s bigger touchpad. This is simply too small, particularly if you wish to transfer the mouse cursor across the Windows desktop. (You can’t use the joysticks to manage the mouse cursor in Windows with out searching down third-party software program.)

The Lenovo Legion Go S does embrace a contact display, although, and this helps make Windows rather more manageable. Rather than utilizing the cursor, you’ll be able to normally contact the display along with your fingers.

The Lenovo Legion Go contains left and proper shoulder buttons in addition to left and proper set off buttons. The triggers are customizable with sliders in the back of the machine. You can determine whether or not you need to have the triggers reply to brief presses or offer you a variety of room for longer presses, relying on the sport you’re enjoying.

There are additionally two paddle buttons on the again of the machine, labeled Y1 and Y2. You can assign these to features in video games, too.

Overall, it’s nice, however I actually am not a fan of that tiny trackpad. I want the Legion Go S supplied a much bigger one just like the Steam Deck does.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Display and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go S features a 8-inch 1920×1200 IPS display with a 16:10 side ratio. It’s acquired a 120Hz variable refresh charge and as much as 500 nits of brightness.

It’s a great-looking display, particularly for an IPS display. It’s additionally bigger and higher-resolution than the Steam Deck OLED’s display — Valve’s handheld has a 7.4-inch show with a 1280×800 decision. Some folks would possibly even want it to the Steam Deck OLED’s show.

On the opposite hand, the Steam Deck OLED’s show provides a extra vivid image and extra brightness together with deeper blacks. I want the OLED. Generally, machines with OLED shows are costlier. But the Lenovo Legion Go S prices more cash and doesn’t embrace an OLED show.

The Lenovo Legion Go S’s show continues to be good, but it surely feels just like the Steam Deck OLED provides a superior show for much less cash. If Lenovo’s machine was a bit cheaper, there’d be nothing to complain about.

The Lenovo Legion Go S’s built-in audio system supply usable sound whereas gaming, however they’re not significantly nice. The Steam Deck provides a greater, fuller sound. I’d say this machine is finest used with a pair of headphones.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Lenovo Legion Go S doesn’t embrace a webcam or any biometric {hardware} in any respect. That’s a disgrace, as a properly positioned fingerprint sensor or IR digicam for facial recognition would allow you to signal into your Legion Go if you pressed the ability button.

When you wake the Legion Go S, you need to kind in your PIN or password with a contact display earlier than you may get again to gaming. Out of the field, a Steam Deck is able to go if you wake it up. SteamOS is a extra polished expertise.

The Lenovo Legion Go S does embrace a built-in twin array microphone system. It picks up surprisingly clear audio, but it surely’ll additionally choose up the sport audio if you happen to’re enjoying audio on the machine’s audio system on the identical time. Once once more, you’re higher off plugging in some headphones. But if you happen to’re sporting headphones and utilizing voice chat whereas enjoying a sport, you received’t want a separate microphone.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Legion Go S contains the precise variety of ports for a handheld machine. It’s acquired two USB Type-C (USB4) ports and a combo audio jack on the high of the machine. You’ll use one of many USB Type-C ports to cost the machine.

On the underside of the machine, under the show, you’ll discover a microSD card reader slot you should use to develop the system’s storage. This mannequin comes with 1 TB of house, although, making the microSD card much less crucial

It’s additionally acquired Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The Wi-Fi connection labored effectively for shortly downloading video games — no complaints there.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Performance

The Lenovo Legion Go S features a Zen 3-based AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip. This chip isn’t as quick because the Zen 4-based Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor present in some Windows gaming handhelds from final yr. It could also be a bit sooner than the processor within the Steam Deck, relying on the sport and relying on how effectively the sport is optimized for SteamOS vs. Windows, however not by a big margin.

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a distinct beast out of your common gaming PC. While gaming laptops are “portable” in a way, they’re designed for gaming whereas plugged in. A typical gaming laptop computer solely offers nice gaming efficiency whereas it’s plugged into an outlet and never whereas it’s working on battery energy.

On the opposite hand, handheld machines just like the Lenovo Legion Go S are designed for gaming when unplugged, on battery energy. They received’t have anyplace close to the top-end efficiency of your common gaming laptop computer. But they’re rather more moveable and can be utilized for gaming away from an outlet.

With that in thoughts, we ran the Lenovo Legion Go S by our standard gaming PC benchmarks anyway. It’s attention-grabbing to see simply the way it performs vs. a typical gaming laptop computer.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of general system efficiency. (The Steam Deck runs Valve’s SteamOS, so we didn’t run these Windows benchmarks on it.) With an general PCMark 10 rating of 5,406, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go {hardware} right here is behind the typical gaming laptop computer — no shock.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run Cinebench R20. This is a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on general CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling below prolonged workloads isn’t an element. But, because it’s closely multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores have an enormous benefit.

The Lenovo Legion Go S has a CPU with 4 cores, so it’s no shock to see it coming in low with a rating of two,215 within the Cinebench R20 multithreaded benchmark.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. This is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, but it surely runs over an prolonged interval. The Lenovo Legion Go S accomplished the encode course of in 2,333 seconds, which is sort of 39 minutes. Once once more, not an enormous shock.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run a graphical benchmark. We run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency. The Radeon graphics within the Lenovo Legion Go S delivered a rating of two,369. Numbers like this don’t imply a lot on their very own — the Lenovo Legion Go S could be very a lot within the ballpark of comparable gaming handhelds.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Now, we get to the video games.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an older sport we benchmark all our gaming PCs with. It’s much less demanding however a good way to check efficiency throughout completely different techniques. With a rating of 25 FPS on the very best element settings, you’ll be able to see how a handheld gaming PC compares to the {hardware} in gaming laptops: If portability isn’t a priority and what you actually need is top-end efficiency, you’ll desire a gaming laptop computer!

But these are the very best element settings at 1920p decision. Lower the graphical element settings and also you’ll have a a lot playable expertise.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally at all times run a demanding benchmark in Metro Exodus. It’s a demanding sport, and we set it to the highest-end Extreme graphical element degree. At eight frames per second, the Lenovo Legion Go S’s {hardware} is much behind high-end gaming laptops. But it’s nonetheless playable on a handheld like this one at decrease default settings.

While the numbers within the charts above look low in comparison with highly effective gaming laptops, they’re fairly regular for a handheld. They’re not the quickest for a handheld, although — search for handhelds with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme {hardware} later this yr if you need extra efficiency.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Battery life

The Lenovo Legion Go S features a 55.5 Watt-hour battery. This is a bit greater than the Steam Deck OLED’s 50 Watt-hour battery. However, Windows simply doesn’t really feel as environment friendly as SteamOS on a handheld, and the Lenovo Legion Go S loses real-world battery life because of that.

With a handheld gaming PC, battery life goes to be everywhere in the map relying on how demanding and heavy the sport you’re enjoying is. A lighter sport like Hades II goes to make use of loads much less battery energy than a heavy title like Cyberpunk 2077. Expect one thing like three to 5 hours of battery life for a light-weight indie sport and one to 2 hours of battery for a very demanding sport.

The Lenovo Legion Go S’s battery life is in step with the typical handheld gaming PC’s battery life. The Steam Deck OLED had the perfect battery life on this house, because it’s extra power-efficient than different gaming handhelds. If battery life is a precedence, the Steam Deck OLED is the best way to go. You would possibly get one other hour whereas enjoying demanding video games or a couple of extra hours with extra light-weight video games. But once more, it actually will depend on the sport, your settings decisions, display brightness, and so forth.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

PCWorld has a regular battery benchmark, so we ran the Lenovo Legion Go S by it. To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Steel on repeat on Windows 11 with airplane mode enabled till the PC suspends itself. We set the display to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks.

The Lenovo Legion Go S lasted 562 minutes — that’s over 9 hours — on this artificial benchmark, which exhibits it will probably get some good life from its {hardware} when it isn’t driving demanding video games. (You received’t get anyplace close to this whereas enjoying video games, in fact.)

Lenovo Legion Go S: Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a gorgeous piece of {hardware}. When I picked it up and held it in my fingers, touching the controls, I felt like I used to be going to have an ideal expertise. It feels nice to carry — and, if you’re enjoying a sport that makes use of many of the gaming controls (not that tiny touchpad), it feels superior to play video games on.

But then I turned it on and I used to be confronted with the frustration of utilizing Windows on a handheld gaming PC. I discovered the battery draining a lot sooner than it does on my Steam Deck, however I didn’t discover an enormous efficiency enhance over gaming on a Steam Deck. And I remembered this machine prices a lot extra than a Steam Deck.

If Lenovo’s {hardware} was inexpensive, it will be compelling. The Lenovo Legion Go S can be extra attention-grabbing when inexpensive SteamOS-powered variations seem later in 2025.

But if you need a handheld gaming PC that runs Windows, this definitely isn’t a foul choice — though there are many different Windows gaming handhelds to select from. A Z1 Extreme-powered machine from final yr will ship extra uncooked pace for not rather more cash, although, and new Windows handhelds are coming with sooner {hardware} later in 2025.