Lenovo Enters a New Arena with the Legion Go S, a Sleeker Handheld with Performance Questions

Lenovo has introduced the Legion Go S, a more streamlined and ergonomic handheld gaming PC that marks a significant design departure from its predecessor, the Legion Go. While praised for its comfortable design and vibrant display, the device faces scrutiny over its performance and value proposition in an increasingly competitive market. The Legion Go S is available in different configurations, including models with Windows 11 and a version running SteamOS, a first for a non-Valve handheld out of the box.

A Refined and Comfortable Design

The most notable change in the Legion Go S is its unibody design, forgoing the detachable controllers of the original Legion Go. This results in a sleeker and slimmer profile, measuring 5 by 11.7 by 0.8 inches and weighing 1.61 pounds, making it lighter than the original. The design is often compared to the Asus ROG Ally, featuring more rounded edges that contribute to a comfortable feel during long gaming sessions. Many find it to be one of the most comfortable handhelds available, with well-placed buttons, triggers, and sticks.

The device boasts a large 8-inch screen, which has been described as gorgeous and a boon for those with aging eyes. While it's an LCD panel, it offers excellent color accuracy and a fast 120Hz refresh rate with Freesync Premium support. However, some reviews note that the screen is glossy and reflective. The Legion Go S also includes premium features like Hall Effect joysticks, adjustable trigger depth, and two back buttons. For navigation, a small trackpad nub is included, a feature often overlooked in other portable PCs.

Performance: A Mixed Bag

The performance of the Lenovo Legion Go S is a point of contention among reviewers. The device debuts AMD's latest mobile gaming processor, the Ryzen Z2 series. However, benchmark tests have shown inconsistent results. Some tests indicate that the Legion Go S with a Z1 Extreme processor is nearly twice as fast as the Steam Deck in 3DMark's Time Spy and shows a significant lead in Fire Strike. Conversely, other reviews report lower scores compared to the original Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X, suggesting the Legion Go S can be up to 35% slower than the Ally X.

In real-world gaming, the experience can be variable. While capable of playing many AAA games at a comfortable 30-40 fps at 800p resolution with medium settings, it can struggle with more demanding titles. For instance, games like Horizon Forbidden West were described as a "stuttery mess" even at lower settings. Similarly, Elden Ring had difficulty maintaining a stable frame rate at the native 1200p resolution, with dropping to 800p resulting in a fuzzy image on the larger screen.

The Tale of Two Operating Systems: Windows 11 vs. SteamOS

A key aspect of the Legion Go S is the option between Windows 11 and SteamOS. The SteamOS version is lauded for providing a more user-friendly and portable-focused experience, instantly making it a better handheld in the eyes of some. The Steam button on this version directly brings up the Steam Menu, similar to the Steam Deck.

However, the choice of OS also impacts performance and battery life. While the SteamOS version offers a smoother user interface, it doesn't necessarily translate to superior gaming performance in all cases and can still struggle with the same games as the Steam Deck.

Battery Life and Other Considerations

The Legion Go S features a 55.5Whr battery, an improvement over the original Go's 49.2WHr battery. This results in significantly longer video playback time, lasting nearly nine hours. However, gaming battery life remains a concern. In one test, the device lasted 1 hour and 28 minutes playing Elden Ring and 1 hour and 49 minutes with Portal 2, which is less than ideal for extended gaming sessions on the go.

The device includes two USB-C ports for charging and accessories. The speakers are considered to be of high quality, delivering loud and clear audio without distortion.

The Verdict: A Promising Handheld with Caveats

The Lenovo Legion Go S presents a compelling package with its comfortable, ergonomic design and a large, vibrant display. The option of a more user-friendly SteamOS version is a welcome addition to the market. However, its inconsistent performance and relatively high price point make it a tough recommendation for some. For those who prioritize comfort and a large screen, the Legion Go S is an attractive option, but potential buyers should be aware of its performance limitations, especially when compared to competitors like the Asus ROG Ally X and the ever-present Steam Deck.