I like that Lenovo has added Hall sensors to its joysticks, as well as a switch that lets you adjust how deeply you press the triggers. The addition of a second USB-C port also allows you to charge your device while other accessories are connected. There’s also a pair of programmable paddles on the back and a handy microSD card slot for expandable storage.
The main differences compared to the flagship Legion Go are that the joysticks and buttons on this model cannot be removed and that the integrated touchpad is significantly smaller. This means the latter is more suitable for moving the cursor in SteamOS in desktop mode or navigating menus than as an actual alternative operating system while gaming. It also doesn’t include a fingerprint reader, which I think should be the norm on gaming laptops these days.
Performance and Software: Better with SteamOS
Powered by SteamOS, the Legion Go S is available in several configurations. It has an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Unfortunately, that means I wasn’t able to run any real performance benchmarks with the Ryzen Z2 Go-equipped version of Windows Legion Go SI that I tested earlier this year. However, given the poor results of this model, I would generally not recommend a PDA with this chip, even if this version is significantly cheaper. If budget is an issue, Valve’s Steam Deck is still the best option.
Although the Go S with SteamOS has the exact same chip, I noticed slightly better performance here than the original Legion Go. Since both systems are configured with a TDP (total unit power) of 15 watts, the Legion Go S outperformed the Windows model. Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p, average graphics at 58 fps vs 54 fps. By comparison, the Steam Deck OLED achieved 53 fps. and clean account The situation was similar to 800p on Medium, although the difference was even smaller. The Legion Go S achieved 29 fps, beating the OG Legion Go (27 fps) and the Steam Deck OLED (24 fps).
The reason for the improved performance of the SteamOS model is hard to pin down, especially as performance varies from title to title, but is generally due to Valve’s platform having fewer processes and system overhead than its Windows-based competitors. And if that’s not enough, the SteamOS interface is better designed for a dedicated gaming machine, as turning on the system takes you straight to your game library instead of Microsoft’s classic desktop view. There are also some minor tweaks to Valve’s OS to support features like the Legion Go S’s built-in RGB lighting, something the Steam Deck doesn’t have.
For SteamOS fans, the main reason besides price to choose Steam Deck over Legion Go S (or vice versa) is that each system has different performance targets. Valve’s handheld has a maximum TDP of 15 watts and has better energy efficiency at lower power levels than the Legion Go S, making it better for people who regularly play older games or less demanding 2D games. Alternatively, Lenovo’s handheld has a maximum TDP of 33 watts (or 40 when plugged in), making it better suited to handling modern, resource-intensive titles. So if you want higher frame rates (which you probably do), a Z1 Extreme Legion Go S running SteamOS has a much better chance of pushing the pixels even further.
Battery life: slightly more efficient
With a medium 55Wh battery, the longevity of the Legion Go S on SteamOS is not very good. However, I found that on several titles it takes an average of 30 minutes longer than its Windows counterpart. while playing metal cunning tactics, It took just under three hours (2h50), compared to just under an hour and a half for the Windows 11 model (2h33). There was a similar situation in Zeeland antique ringwhere the SteamOS version could continue to run for an additional 15 minutes after its sister version crashed.
Summary
The SteamOS-based Legion Go S is a simple, well-built gaming laptop with an even bigger screen than Valve’s laptop and arguably better ergonomics. When configured with a Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, this is the best option for playing the most demanding modern games without feeling like you have to upgrade to a Windows device. It also has a more streamlined interface than its Microsoft rivals, while retaining useful features like Hall-effect joysticks and two USB-C ports.
But with the Z1 Extreme models starting at $830 instead of $600 for the Z2 Go configurations, it’s not as affordable as I thought when it was first announced earlier this year. But it’s still good to have alternatives. And as one of two handhelds on the market to come with SteamOS pre-installed, the Legion Go S makes an interesting case as a bigger, more powerful upgrade to the Steam Deck.
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