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Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS Handheld Launches

by Aria Jan 06,2026

Best Buy's Fourth of July sale brings unprecedented discounts on Lenovo's Legion Go S handheld gaming PCs. The flagship AMD Z1 Extreme model drops to $779.99 (from $830), while the Ryzen Z2 Go version falls to $549.99 (from $600). Our clear recommendation goes to the Z1 Extreme edition—it's the standout portable gaming device of 2025. Originally launching Windows versions in February 2025, Lenovo introduced these SteamOS variants in May, marking Valve's first competitor in SteamOS handhelds.

Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Gaming Handheld

Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme SteamOS Handheld (32GB/1TB)

$829.99 | Save 6% | Now $779.99 at Best Buy

Lenovo Legion Go S 8" 120Hz AMD Ryzen Z2 Go SteamOS Handheld (16GB/512GB)

$599.99 | Save 8% | Now $549.99 at Best Buy

The $780 Z1 Extreme model justifies its premium with superior performance—outclassing both the Z2 Go (which fell short in our testing) and Valve's Steam Deck. With twice the RAM and storage, plus AMD's latest Zen 4/RDNA 3 architecture, it delivers smoother gameplay on its 8-inch 120Hz display. While battery life matches competitors, the Legion Go S charges significantly faster.

Excerpt from Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS) Review by Jaqueline Thomas

Don't let the naming conventions mislead you—the Z1 Extreme represents entirely newer architecture than the Z2 Go. With 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM (10GB dedicated to GPU versus Steam Deck's 6GB), it handles demanding titles like Monster Hunter Wilds that challengers can't. Running SteamOS natively gives it optimization advantages over Windows-based competitors...

Why SteamOS Outperforms Windows

A third Windows 11 variant exists, but SteamOS delivers better gaming performance through its purpose-built interface. Unlike Windows' general-purpose OS requiring manual setup, SteamOS boots directly into controller-optimized Big Picture mode—ideal for plug-and-play gaming.

Which handheld gaming PC do you prefer?

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Excerpt from Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1 Extreme, SteamOS) Review by Jaqueline Thomas

SteamOS eliminates Windows' touchscreen frustrations—logging into Steam immediately launches Big Picture Mode for seamless controller navigation. Meanwhile, the Windows version requires downloading launchers through Lenovo's Space app first. After years testing Windows gaming devices, I appreciate SteamOS's streamlined approach that newcomers will find far more accessible.

Considering this deal? Complement your purchase with a portable charger and Micro SD card. While our Steam Deck vs ROG Ally comparison doesn't include the Legion Go S specifically, it highlights key differences between SteamOS and Windows handheld gaming experiences.

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