Review of Lenovo Legion Go S: Is Something Missing?

Recently, the handheld gaming PC scene has ramped up, thanks to the Valve Steam Deck. This device’s introduction has stirred up some exciting competition, such as the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go. With AMD launching its new Z2 Go processor, utilizing the Zen 3+ infrastructure, Lenovo has introduced the Legion Go S. This device presents quite a design departure from its predecessor.

Right away, the change is apparent: gone are the detachable controllers mimicking the Nintendo Switch. Instead, the Legion Go S sports a unified design, similar to that of the ROG Ally and Steam Deck. Its display has also been downsized to 8 inches, compared to the original’s 8.8 inches.

Despite dropping the detachable controllers, the Legion Go S is still fairly heavy and robust. Several aspects take a step back when compared to its predecessor, leading one to weigh in before making it the primary choice for handheld PC gaming.

Design and Comfort of the Lenovo Legion Go S

Though they share a unified goal, the Legion Go S and its precursor, the Legion Go, differ significantly. While the earlier model featured a blend of matte grey aluminum and plastic, the Legion Go S is crafted entirely from plastic. Its white body paired with black buttons gives it a less luxe feel. However, it remains a sturdy, well-constructed device.

The newly curved design offers more comfort than the angular build of the original Legion Go. Extended gaming sessions felt less taxing on the hands and fingers when switching to the Legion Go S.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The integrated controllers of the Legion Go S have done away with the built-in kickstand from its forerunner, as there’s no longer a need to prop up the device while using detachable controllers, similar to the Switch.

The display has also seen changes. The 8.8-inch 2560 x 1600 screen of the original has been reduced to an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 resolution on the Legion Go S—a move I find acceptable, as gaming at the higher resolution on this processor is somewhat impractical.

When comparing dimensions and weight, the Legion Go S measures 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.89 inches and weighs 1.61 pounds. In contrast, the original Legion Go is slightly larger and heavier. Against rivals like the Asus ROG Ally and the original Steam Deck, the size and weight differ, but not significantly so.

The device’s primary controls include the familiar Xbox-style layout with offset joysticks. The inclusion of programmable buttons and various other essential controls suggests a clear intention to enhance the gaming experience. Topside, you find USB 4 ports, a headphone jack, and even a microSD reader.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications

The powerhouse within, AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Go, represents a performance downgrade compared to the Z1 Extreme found in the original Legion Go. Built on Zen 3+ architecture with four cores, eight threads, and an integrated Radeon 680M GPU, it pales against its predecessor. Performance, particularly when plugged in, is notably reduced.

Performance profiles allow for adjustment to meet the user’s needs. On battery power, the Legion Go S edges out the original slightly, being quicker by about 10%. But when plugged in, it lags by 10-20%.

Benchmarks on games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider reveal it performing comparably on battery but falling short when plugged in. Aspects like gaming experience in Cyberpunk 2077 or Forza Horizon 5 emphasize these performance variances further when juxtaposed with the Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally.

Windows 11 on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Preloaded with Windows 11, the user interface delivers a mixed bag of experiences. Display scaling is hefty, and certain apps struggle with text input. While the touchpad offers essential functionality, its use in gaming scenarios can frustrate due to unpredictable cursor behavior.

Legion Space on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Legion Space app is your go-to for settings, game launches, and controller customization. It’s rich in functions allowing access to system performance data, offering serious versatility in the device’s operation and getting the most out of its capabilities.

Display on the Legion Go S

The reduced size and resolution in its display don’t significantly impact gaming for new titles, often appearing crisper at the smaller size. Although still practical, its contrast and brightness are curtailed compared to rivals like the Steam Deck OLED.

Battery Life on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Battery life, as always, depends largely on how you adjust settings like resolution and refresh rate. Our testing indicates below-average performance in longevity, though careful tweaking can extend gameplay sessions.

Audio on the Lenovo Legion Go S

While audio performance suffices for gaming needs, including clear engine sounds or crashes in racing games, headphones bring the best experiences, ensuring sound immersion.

Upgradeability of the Legion Go S

Accessing the interior for upgrades or battery replacement is straightforward. Gamers will appreciate the M.2 slot suitable for SSD expansions—a vital aspect for those keen to expand storage.

Heat on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Redesigned airflow keeps temperatures surprisingly manageable during gameplay with unobtrusive fan noise.

Lenovo Legion Go S Configurations

Available for $729.99, including 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, a budget version for $499 is forthcoming, featuring lower RAM and storage, potentially suiting those less concerned with peak specs.

Bottom Line

At its current price point, the Legion Go S presents a hard sell. With performance setbacks and a price tag close to its more potent predecessor, it’s challenging to justify. The expected budget-friendly SteamOS version could turn the tide. Until then, consider holding off your purchase.