Esports Companion: Lenovo Legion Go S Debuts with Precision Performance

The Lenovo Legion Go S: A Handheld PC Review

Handheld gaming PCs have surged in popularity, largely thanks to the Steam Deck. Lenovo's Legion Go S aims to compete, offering a design closer to the Steam Deck than its predecessor. Unlike the original Legion Go, the Go S boasts a unibody design, ditching removable controllers and extraneous buttons. A SteamOS version is slated for later this year, a first for non-Valve handhelds, but this review focuses on the Windows 11 model. However, at $729, the Legion Go S struggles against similarly priced competitors.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Image Gallery

7 Images

Lenovo Legion Go S – Design and Features

The Legion Go S resembles the Asus ROG Ally more than its predecessor. Its unibody design enhances usability. Rounded edges improve comfort during extended gaming sessions, partially offsetting its considerable weight (1.61 pounds). While lighter than the original Legion Go (1.88 pounds), it's heavier than the Asus ROG Ally X (1.49 pounds).

The 8-inch, 1200p IPS display, rated for 500 nits, is stunning. Games look exceptional, showcasing vibrant colors. It rivals the best handheld displays, second only to the Steam Deck's OLED.

The Go S's design borrows elements from other handhelds. Available in Glacier White and Nebula Nocturne (purple, exclusive to the SteamOS version), it features RGB lighting rings around the joysticks. These are easily customizable.

Button placement is more intuitive than the original. However, the placement of Lenovo's menu buttons above the standard 'Start' and 'Select' buttons initially causes some confusion. These menu buttons are useful, though, providing quick access to settings and shortcuts.

The touchpad, while smaller than the original, remains functional. The reduced size, however, makes Windows navigation slightly more challenging.

The SteamOS version will likely alleviate navigation issues, as it's controller-optimized. A dedicated button activates LegionSpace software for system management and game library access.

Programmable rear paddle buttons are more resistant than the original's, reducing accidental presses. Adjustable triggers offer only two settings: full and minimal travel.

Two USB 4 ports (top) allow charging and peripheral connection; a MicroSD card slot (bottom) is oddly centered.

Purchasing Guide

The reviewed Legion Go S ($729.99) features a Z2 Go APU, 32GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. A cheaper 16GB RAM/512GB SSD version ($599.99) launches in May.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Performance and Benchmarks

The AMD Z2 Go APU, while new, doesn't redefine performance. Its Zen 3 processor (4 cores/8 threads) and RDNA 2 GPU (12 cores) are older technologies. The Go S lags behind the Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally X in benchmarks.

The 55Whr battery lasts 4 hours and 29 minutes (PCMark10), shorter than the original Legion Go. This is despite a weaker chipset and lower resolution display.

3DMark scores reveal a performance deficit: Time Spy (2,179 points) falls behind the Legion Go (2,775) and ROG Ally X (3,346). Fire Strike shows a similar 14% deficit.

Gaming performance is mixed. Hitman: World of Assassination runs slightly faster than on the original Legion Go. Total War: Warhammer 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 require lower settings for optimal frame rates. Horizon Forbidden West proved particularly challenging.

While demanding games require lower settings (800p, Medium), less demanding titles like Persona 5 perform well.

Pricing and Value

The $729 price tag is higher than the Legion Go's starting price. The extra RAM (32GB) and 1TB SSD seem excessive given the APU's limitations. The slower 6,400MHz memory further impacts performance. Manually adjusting the frame buffer in the BIOS (not detailed in the user guide) can improve performance, but shouldn't be necessary.

The May release of the $599 version with 16GB of RAM significantly improves value.

Poll: Which Gaming Handheld Are You Most Excited For in 2025?

Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion Go S's high-end configuration is overpriced. The cheaper version, however, offers better value. While capable of running AAA titles, expect to lower settings for optimal performance. The Go S is a solid handheld PC, but its initial pricing makes it a tough sell.