The gaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and Lenovo has entered the fray again with an exciting announcement that is bound to catch the interest of portable gaming enthusiasts. The upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S appears to be a refined iteration of its predecessor, the Legion Go. While it opts for a more conventional fixed design, foregoing the detachable controllers that characterized the original model, it introduces several compelling features that underscore its potential in the handheld gaming market.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Legion Go S is its anticipated status as the first officially licensed SteamOS handheld that isn’t part of the Valve Steam Deck series. This is significant because SteamOS offers a more user-friendly interface for handheld devices compared to Windows 11. The latter, while popular in desktop environments, has often stumbled when adapted to smaller displays and mobile controls. The benefits of SteamOS run deeper than just aesthetic; it aligns better with the ergonomics and usability expected from portable gaming devices. Moreover, its Desktop Mode provides the flexibility that tech-savvy gamers may require.
The imminent arrival of SteamOS on third-party hardware will likely expand the availability and choice for gamers, making the Legion Go S a potentially pivotal product in the market. Lenovo’s decision to adopt this platform aligns with a growing trend among manufacturers diversifying their gaming hardware offerings, which could encourage innovation across the sector.
In contrast to the original Legion Go, which featured a larger and heavier setup, the Legion Go S takes a more compact approach. By reducing its weight from 854g to an impressive 730g and scaling down the display to 8 inches with 1200p resolution at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, Lenovo demonstrates a keen understanding of the needs of mobile gamers. The original’s nearly 9-inch 1600p screen often posed challenges for the device’s processor, leading to potential performance bottlenecks. Thus, the reduced screen size should better synchronize with the hardware’s capabilities, leading to a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Under the hood, potential buyers have the option of choosing between two powerful Ryzen chipsets: the previously used Z1 Extreme and the newly introduced Z2 Go. While the performance figures for the Z2 Go remain unclear, the Z1 Extreme will likely drive the higher-priced variant of the Go S closer to $729. Meanwhile, the more wallet-friendly Z2 version is priced at $599. This strategic pricing may attract budget-conscious gamers eager for quality performance without breaking the bank.
The Legion Go S is designed with several modern features aimed at boosting usability and functionality. The inclusion of Hall Effect joysticks promises enhanced precision and durability, further amplifying the competitive edge in gaming controls. Additionally, the inclusion of a small trackpad, which is more of a navigational tool rather than a full-fledged gaming peripheral, signifies Lenovo’s attempt to balance portability with functionality.
Gamers often bemoan poor battery performance in handheld devices, and the Legion Go S aims to address this shortcoming with a 55Whr battery—5WHr more than its predecessor. By simplifying hardware and optimizing the display, there is hope that this new model will deliver improved battery life, a critical consideration for extended gaming sessions on the go.
Positioning the Legion Go S competitively with a storage offer of 1TB for $599 against the Steam Deck OLED, typically priced at $649, indicates Lenovo’s strong intent to capture a lucrative segment of the market. While the device will need to demonstrate robust performance metrics and battery longevity to truly validate its existence, the signs are positive.
With the ongoing race among manufacturers to deliver the best portable gaming solutions, the Legion Go S represents a refreshing change. Not only does it simplify its design, but it also embraces a modern software platform, SteamOS, that promises enhanced usability for gamers. As Lenovo gears up for the device’s release—envisioned for May in the SteamOS edition and earlier for the Windows variant in January—the gaming community awaits what this device can deliver. If successful, the Legion Go S could signify a meaningful shift in the realm of portable gaming devices, engaging both long-time gamers and newcomers alike.