The Lenovo Legion Go S will turn into the primary PC handheld not named Steam Deck to run on Valve’s SteamOS when it launches this May. On paper, the $500 handheld is extra highly effective than the Steam Deck. That stated, it does not have an OLED show or trackpads, so you will must weigh the professionals and cons of the Steam Deck vs. Legion Go S to make your selection.
If you’d like a handheld working on SteamOS, that’s. In case you’re fascinated with a Windows moveable, you may get the Legion Go S sooner. Slated to launch within the coming weeks for $730, the high-end Lenovo Legion Go S with Windows has double the RAM and space for storing because the SteamOS version and is on the market to preorder at Finest Purchase.
$730 | Releases February 14
At CES 2025, Lenovo stated the Windows model of the Legion Go S could be accessible this month, however Finest Purchase’s itemizing has the brand new handheld marked for February 14.
The Legion Go S is fitted with the brand new AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It has an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 LCD show with 120Hz variable refresh charge. Different options embody adjustable RGB gentle rings across the analog sticks, two again buttons, one trackpad, and a pair of levers on the again that modify set off stress.
Not like the unique Legion Go, this one doesn’t supply removable gamepads or a kickstand, opting as an alternative for a stable, streamlined design constructed particularly for handheld play. Lenovo elevated the battery capability from 49.2Wh to 55Wh with the Legion Go S.
Lenovo may even launch a second Windows configuration in May for $600. This lower-priced mannequin has 16GB RAM as an alternative of 32GB. Preorders aren’t stay for the $600 mannequin simply but.
$500 | Releases in May
The SteamOS version is not accessible to preorder but, however it’ll launch in May for $500. The Legion Go S would be the first third-party handheld that makes use of Valve’s Steam Deck working system. This mannequin will obtain the identical updates as Valve’s Steam Deck. Meaning you gained’t have to fret about Valve abandoning SteamOS on the Legion Go S, because the workforce is treating SteamOS as a unified platform no matter which handheld you’re enjoying on.
Whereas it retains the Ryzen Z2 Go chip and the 8-inch 1200p show, the SteamOS version is proscribed to 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. You may improve your SSD or develop the storage capability by way of microSD.
For comparability, the Steam Deck begins at $399 for the 256GB mannequin with a 7-inch LCD show. The 512GB mannequin with a 7.4-inch OLED show prices $549, and the 1TB OLED version goes for $649.
In case you go for the Legion Go S, you will get a sooner processor and a bigger 8-inch display with greater resolution–1200p in comparison with the Steam Deck’s 800p decision. That stated, the Legion Go S makes use of an LCD panel, whereas the 512GB and 1TB Steam Deck fashions have higher OLED screens.
Lenovo went with a extra standard management format with offset sticks, whereas the Steam Deck’s two sticks, D-pad, and face buttons are primarily aligned. The format admittedly seems odd, however the Steam Deck is quite a bit comfier than it seems. Valve’s handheld has 4 remappable again triggers, whereas Lenovo’s new handheld solely has two. The Steam Deck additionally has two giant trackpads, whereas the Legion Go S has one small pad. Adjustable set off stress is exclusive to the Legion Go S.
With these variations, it will be fascinating to see how the Legion Go S stacks up in opposition to the Steam Deck. Count on to study extra concerning the handheld as we get nearer to its May launch date. We’ll replace this text when preorders can be found.
The Legion Go S isn’t the one upcoming handheld from Lenovo, because the model can be engaged on a Legion Go 2. It’ll arrive someday this 12 months (an actual date is but to be introduced) and includes a extra highly effective Ryzen Z2 Excessive chip, an 8.8-inch, 144Hz OLED show with VRR, and a 74Wh battery.