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Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S at CES on January 7, 2025. It is an 8-inch handheld gaming PC with integrated controls, and it was announced in both Windows 11 and SteamOS versions. Unlike the original Legion Go, its controllers do not detach. Which version makes sense depends less on the name on the box than on the games and launchers you use—and on the exact configuration and price available in your region.
Legion Go S at a glance
The Legion Go S is a portable PC for playing games, not a conventional console with a fixed game library. Windows models offer broader compatibility with PC software and launchers; SteamOS models put Steam’s gamepad-friendly interface at the center. Lenovo’s later listings span multiple processor and memory configurations, so the specifications below describe the product family, not every individual SKU.
| Feature | Legion Go S family |
|---|---|
| Display | 8-inch, 1920 × 1200 WUXGA touchscreen; 16:10 aspect ratio, up to 120Hz, VRR, 500 nits and 100% sRGB |
| Processors | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or Ryzen Z2 Go, depending on configuration |
| Memory | 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X, soldered; exact speed varies by model |
| Storage | 512GB or 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, depending on configuration |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home or SteamOS, depending on model |
| Battery and charging | 55.5Wh battery; 65W USB-C adapter |
| Connections | Two USB4 Type-C ports, microSD reader, headphone/microphone combo jack, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Weight | Approximately 730–740g, depending on configuration |
| Original U.S. announced prices | $729.99 for the initial Windows configuration; $599.99 for additional Windows configurations; $499.99 for the SteamOS version expected in May 2025 |
Specifications vary by model. Check the exact SKU before buying: Lenovo’s Z1 Extreme listing, Z2 Go listing and 16GB/512GB Z2 Go listing show different configurations.
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Lenovo announced two operating-system versions, including what it described at the time as the first officially licensed third-party handheld powered by SteamOS. These are distinct configurations, not simply the same Windows device with Steam installed. Lenovo’s CES announcement and its SteamOS product brief set out that positioning.
#1 Best Overall
- ALL GAMES, ALL PLACES, ALL YOURS – Get ready to game on the 8" 120Hz Lenovo PureSight display and launch any title using Legion Space. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor and AMD Radeon graphics deliver incredible gaming performance.
- SEE EVERY DETAIL – Make every scene pop with 500 nits of stunning brightness and 100% sRGB color accuracy. And with 10-point touch support, your interactions are as precise as your aim.
- PLAY YOUR WAY – Play hundreds of high-quality PC games with your complimentary 3 months of PC Game Pass and EA Play. With new games added all the time, there’s always something new to play.
- POWER-UP AND GO – When it comes to gaming on the go, battery life is everything. The Lenovo Legion Go S is built with a robust 55.5Whr battery that delivers the long-lasting power you need for extended play sessions.
- TAKE FULL CONTROL – Get ready to dominate with the ergonomic Legion TrueStrike Controllers, designed for all-day comfort and precision. With their anti-slip texture, you’ll stay in control during even the most intense battles.
- Choose Windows if you rely on PC Game Pass, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, Windows-only tools or games whose anti-cheat support on Linux is uncertain. Windows is more flexible, but desktop-style setup, updates, launchers and occasional touch or controller navigation can feel cumbersome on a handheld.
- Choose SteamOS if most of your games are on Steam and you want a controller-first interface, Steam Cloud, Remote Play, Steam Chat and quick suspend/resume. It reduces the need to navigate a Windows desktop, but it does not guarantee that every Steam game works. Proton compatibility depends on the game, launcher and middleware; some anti-cheat multiplayer titles and Windows-only software can be problematic.
SteamOS is a Linux-based system rather than a Steam-only lock, but its practical game compatibility is not identical to Windows. Check support for the titles you play most before choosing it. External displays and peripherals can be connected through USB4 and Bluetooth, but using the device like a compact PC does not remove those software differences.
What changed from the original Legion Go?
The Go S is a redesign focused on a simpler handheld shape, not a specification-maxing successor. Its controls are integrated into the chassis, whereas the original Legion Go has detachable controllers and a mouse-style FPS mode. The Go S also gives up that detachable-controller flexibility, so it is a poor fit if that feature is the reason you want a Legion Go. Lenovo’s original Legion Go announcement describes the earlier design.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL PROCESSOR: Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, delivering smooth and responsive gaming performance on the go.
- STUNNING DISPLAY: Features an 8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid, tear-free visuals during fast-paced gameplay.
- SEAMLESS OS EXPERIENCE: Runs on SteamOS, giving you direct access to your Steam library and a console-like handheld gaming experience.
- AMPLE MEMORY & STORAGE: Comes equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for fast load times and plenty of space for your game library.
- PORTABLE GAMING POWERHOUSE: Compact handheld design lets you enjoy full PC gaming titles anywhere, combining power and portability in one device.
Lenovo lists adjustable trigger switches and Hall-effect joysticks on Go S models. The integrated design is intended to make the device more straightforward to hold and use as a handheld; its weight is about 730–740g depending on configuration, so it is not an especially light option. It retains an 8-inch-class screen, VRR, USB4 and microSD expansion. The display is LCD, not OLED.
What the display and processors mean for games
The 8-inch 1920 × 1200 panel can refresh at up to 120Hz and supports variable refresh rate. VRR can help make fluctuating frame rates look smoother, while 120Hz can be useful in lighter, older or esports games. It does not mean demanding games will run at 120 frames per second: integrated graphics are power-limited, and modern AAA titles may need reduced graphics settings, lower rendering resolution or upscaling. The 16:10 screen offers more vertical space than 16:9, though individual games may need aspect-ratio adjustments or show minor letterboxing.
Rank #3
- MAX POWER, YOUR RULES – Play your way with the Lenovo Legion Go 2. Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor, a vibrant 8.8" 144Hz Lenovo PureSight OLED gaming display, and a massive 74Whr battery, it’s built to push further, game longer, and stay unplugged.
- MAX COOLING, MANUAL CONTROL – The Legion Coldfront thermal system is built to handle serious heat. Increased radiators and fan blade’s surface area improves the airflow without increasing the noise. Upgraded dual heat pipes distribute heat more efficiently to keep your rig powerful and precise.
- UNLOCK MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY – Experience total freedom with the Legion Truestrike controllers. In FPS mode, the right controller can be detached, docked and operated as a mouse, giving you the edge in every firefight.
- SPEED + IMMERSION – The OLED gaming panel combines blazing speed and visual depth in a single, immersive experience. Game without compromise aided by the ultra-fast response rates, perfect blacks, and vivid color.
- BUILT TO OUTLAST – The Legion Go 2 packs 74Whr of serious staying power. That means longer sessions, higher settings, and fewer compromises, whether you're gaming at full performance or tweaking settings on the go.
Pay close attention to the processor listed for the exact model. Lenovo’s first CES announcement described a Windows configuration with up to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. Later pages also list the Ryzen Z2 Go, a different, lower-tier configuration—not a guaranteed performance upgrade just because its model number is higher. Lenovo lists the Z1 Extreme with eight CPU cores and 16 threads and Radeon 780M integrated graphics; the Z2 Go listings show four cores and eight threads with integrated Radeon graphics. Performance also depends on power limits, memory, drivers, resolution, game and operating system. Without benchmarks for the exact model and settings, it is not sound to call either chip universally faster.
Battery, charging and expansion
The battery is 55.5Wh, and Lenovo lists a 65W USB-C charger. Lenovo’s datasheet gives rapid-charge figures of about 0–30% in 10 minutes, 0–70% in 30 minutes and 0–100% in 80 minutes under specified conditions. Those are charging claims, not estimates of gaming time. Actual play time varies substantially with the game, brightness, frame rate, power mode, Wi-Fi and background software.
Both USB4 Type-C ports support data, DisplayPort 1.4 and USB Power Delivery, so the device can connect to a monitor or compatible dock. A dock can add a larger display and peripherals, but accessories are separate purchases. The microSD slot offers a convenient way to expand storage; an internal SSD is generally faster for game loading. Lenovo lists memory as soldered, so do not assume RAM can be upgraded. Confirm service and warranty terms for the exact model before counting on an SSD replacement.
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If you are considering a 512GB model, allow for space used by the operating system and large game installs. A microSD card can ease capacity pressure, but it is not the same as having a larger internal SSD.
Best Value
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 16GB RAM | 1TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Lenovo Pure Sight Gaming Display】Feel every pulse of the game with the native landscape 8" Lenovo PureSight display, offering a larger, ultra-vibrant screen. The buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and VRR keep you in perfect sync with the action. Immerse yourself with vivid colors, sharp details, and precise touch control—your world, your game, your rules.
- 【AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor with integrated RDNA graphics】 Experience incredible portable performance that lets you take your gaming adventures anywhere. Powered by the cutting-edge ‘Zen 3’ architecture, the legion go s boasts 4 high-performance CPU cores and 8 threads, delivering ultra-responsive gaming that keeps you ahead of the competition. Elevate your gaming experience to new heights with unmatched speed and efficiency!
- 【Play Your Way With Legion Space】Customize your game with Legion Space. Need more battery in the heat of battle? Adjust power modes on the fly. Want sharper visuals for that boss fight? Boost your resolution mid-game. Fine-tune your joystick sensitivity and create custom profiles for your favorite games —all while jumping between Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and more with one click.
- 【Take Full Control】Dominate with the ergonomic Legion TrueStrike Controllers— the perfect combo of style and function with the iconic Legion design. Switch effortlessly between a short and long trigger press using the adjustable trigger switch for different scenario play. Experience ultra-smooth control with hall effect RGB joysticks, and unleash combos with the large Pivot D-Pad so you're equipped for every game.
Price and availability: check the exact SKU
On January 7, 2025, Lenovo announced expected U.S. starting prices of $729.99 for the initial Windows configuration, $599.99 for additional Windows configurations and $499.99 for the SteamOS edition, which it then expected to arrive in May 2025. These are historical launch-announcement prices, not a reliable guide to current retail pricing.
Lenovo’s U.S. buying pages captured during research displayed sharply different and unusually high figures for some listings, while product pages also used availability-dependent wording such as “Available Soon.” That is not enough to establish a stable current price or availability for the entire product family. Check the exact part number, seller, region and live listing before deciding whether a configuration is good value. The Lenovo U.S. handheld catalogue and Z1 Extreme catalogue are examples of listings whose displayed prices should be treated as time-sensitive, not as an MSRP.
Who is the Legion Go S for?
- Steam-focused players: The SteamOS version is the more distinctive proposition if your library is mostly on Steam, your favorite games are compatible, and you want a console-like interface on a larger, high-refresh display.
- Game Pass and multi-launcher players: The Windows version is the safer fit for PC Game Pass and a broad mix of launchers or Windows software. Be prepared for more desktop-style setup.
- Original Legion Go owners: Consider the Go S for integrated controls or SteamOS, not as an automatic upgrade. You would lose detachable controllers and the FPS mode.
- Steam Deck shoppers: Compare the exact Go S price and configuration with the Deck. The Go S offers an 8-inch, 120Hz VRR display and a choice of Windows or SteamOS, but its value depends heavily on the model and price available to you. The Steam Deck remains a relevant comparison for Steam-focused buyers.
- Windows-handheld shoppers: The ASUS ROG Ally X is another Windows option, while the original Legion Go is worth considering if detachable controls matter.
Consider a different device if your priorities are a very light handheld, an OLED screen, detachable controls, long sessions of demanding AAA gaming away from a charger, or the broadest Windows compatibility at a consistently low price. A PC handheld also is not a substitute for Nintendo or other console-exclusive games.
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The Legion Go S combines a large 120Hz VRR display, integrated controls and a choice of Windows or SteamOS, but those operating systems serve different players. SteamOS is the more distinctive version for a compatible Steam library; Windows offers broader launcher and software support. Neither the launch price nor the processor name alone tells you whether a Go S is a good buy today: compare the exact SKU, current price, game compatibility and features you would give up from the original Legion Go.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
