Lenovo Legion Go S: A Comprehensive Review

Handheld gaming PCs have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with the Lenovo Legion Go S joining the fray as a notable contender. This device marks a significant shift from Lenovo's original Legion Go, embracing a unibody design that forgoes the Switch-like removable controllers and extra dials of its predecessor. A particularly exciting development is the upcoming SteamOS version of the Legion Go S, set to launch later this year, which will make it the first non-Valve handheld to run this Linux-based OS out of the box. However, the model I reviewed runs on Windows 11, and at a price of $729, it faces stiff competition in this segment.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Photos

7 ImagesLenovo Legion Go S – Design

The Lenovo Legion Go S adopts a design more akin to the Asus ROG Ally, featuring a sleek, singular unit. This streamlined approach makes the device more user-friendly, although the rounded edges and significant weight of 1.61 pounds might be a consideration for prolonged gaming sessions. Despite its heft, the Legion Go S boasts an impressive 8-inch, 1200p IPS display with a brightness of 500 nits. This high-quality screen delivers vibrant visuals, making games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Horizon Forbidden West look stunning.

The device's aesthetic appeal is enhanced by two color options: Glacier White and Nebula Nocturne, with the latter exclusive to the upcoming SteamOS version. Customization options include RGB lighting around the joysticks, which can be easily adjusted via the on-screen menu. The button layout is more intuitive than the original Legion Go, with standard placement of 'Start' and 'Select' buttons. However, the addition of Lenovo's proprietary menu buttons above them can lead to some initial confusion, though users will adapt over time. These buttons provide quick access to system settings and shortcuts, enhancing the user experience.

The touchpad, while smaller than its predecessor, is still functional for simulating mouse input, though navigating Windows remains a challenge. The back of the device features programmable 'paddle' buttons and trigger levers for adjusting trigger travel distance, albeit with limited settings. The top houses two USB 4 ports, while the bottom has a centrally located MicroSD card slot, which might be inconvenient in a docking scenario.

Purchasing Guide

The Lenovo Legion Go S reviewed here is available starting February 14 for $729.99, equipped with a Z2 Go APU, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. A more budget-friendly option with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD will be available in May for $599.99, offering a compelling value proposition.

Lenovo Legion Go S – Performance

The Legion Go S is powered by the new AMD Z2 Go APU, which, despite being based on older Zen 3 and RDNA 2 architectures, offers respectable performance for its class. Benchmark results show it lagging behind the original Legion Go and the Asus ROG Ally X, but it holds its own in certain games. For instance, it slightly outperforms the Legion Go in Hitman: World of Assassination, though it struggles with more demanding titles like Horizon Forbidden West at high settings.

Battery life is another consideration, with the Legion Go S lasting 4 hours and 29 minutes in the PCMark10 test, slightly less than its predecessor. The device excels in less demanding games like Persona 5, where its vibrant display and smooth performance shine.

At $729, the Legion Go S seems overpriced compared to the original Legion Go, especially given its weaker APU and lower resolution display. However, the inclusion of 32GB of LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD adds some value, though the slower memory speed limits its potential. Users can manually adjust the frame buffer in the BIOS to improve performance, but this process is not user-friendly.

In conclusion, while the Lenovo Legion Go S offers a compelling display and design, its performance and price may not justify the premium for many gamers. The upcoming $599 version with 16GB of RAM presents a more balanced option, making the Legion Go S a viable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly handheld gaming PC.