HTG Wrapped 2025: 24 days of tech
24 days of our favorite hardware, gadgets, and tech
Now that the Steam Deck is starting to show its age, gamers are searching for upgraded handhelds that can fill the void of a not-yet-realized “Steam Deck 2.” For me, the Legion Go S is that handheld, and it’s just generally a great platform for on-the-go PC gaming.
I first encountered the Legion Go S at CES 2025 and finally reviewed the handheld about seven months later, in July. While the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S didn’t impress me too much, the SteamOS Edition naturally stood out—it was the first non-Steam Deck console to ship with SteamOS, a shockingly user-friendly platform that’s far snappier and more efficient than Windows 11. You can install SteamOS on any handheld PC, of course, but it’s nice to have the operating system preinstalled, and Valve’s official software support ensures a fairly bug-free experience.
Lenovo sells two configurations of the Legion Go S, both of which are more powerful than the Steam Deck. There’s the $600 base model with a Ryzen Z2 Go processor, which is what most people should opt for, though I’ve only tested the $830 Ryzen Z1 Extreme variant. Both versions max out at 33W TDP in handheld mode, which provides a lot of headroom for graphically-intense games that don’t run well on the Steam Deck, like Monster Hunter Wilds.
Want a Steam Deck 2? Lenovo’s Legion Go S Will Get You Halfway There
It’s more or less an alternate upgrade path for Steam Deck customers.
The handheld’s Xbox-like control layout is also quite nice, especially if you’re a console gamer who prefers to use a proper controller. It’s even got Hall-effect joysticks. And I think that Lenovo mostly nailed the feel of the Legion Go S. It’s chunky and unwieldy just like every other handheld PC on the market today, but it’s relatively ergonomic, with a contoured grip and a decent weight.
Of course, I don’t want to overlook this handheld’s flaws. The software experience is ever-so-slightly worse than that of the Steam Deck, so it feels like a redheaded stepchild at times. Its trackpad is so small that it’s practically worthless—if you want to play games that require a mouse, you’ll have to use a joystick, which really isn’t ideal. And Logitech somehow managed to find the noisiest rumble motors I’ve ever heard in my life. You’ll inevitably find yourself turning the haptics off.
There’s also the 8-inch LCD screen, which will be a no-go for some and a must-have for others. You could just as easily get a Steam Deck OLED Edition at this price, but then you’re stuck with a 7-inch 1280×800 60Hz panel. The Legion Go S’ screen doesn’t look as pretty as an OLED, though it’s arguably the “better” display in some respects, as it features a 1920×1200 video resolution and 120Hz variable refresh rate. I appreciate the LCD in some fast-paced action games, but slower titles leave me longing for OLED.
If you’re interested in the Legion Go S (SteamOS Edition), I suggest that you buy the Ryzen Z2 Go model, which sells for $600 MSRP and regularly goes for about $450 to $500 on eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Unfortunately, I’m seeing some inflated pricing at retailers like Best Buy, which is probably a symptom of the RAM-pocalypse.
8/10
- Dimensions
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0.89×5.02×11.77in (22.6 x 127.55 x 299mm)
- Playing Time
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1-5 hours
- Weight
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1.62lbs (25.92oz)
- Chipset
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AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Lenovo’s Legion Go S truly feels like it’s part of the Steam Deck family. With a powerful processor, big screen, and compelling price, it’s clearly one of the best handheld gaming PCs available today.
Finally, a high-performance gaming keyboard that doesn’t look like a toy
An attractive design turned me into a Hall-effect fan.
