As a passionate gamer, the announcement of Lenovo’s Legion Go S at CES 2025 immediately caught my attention. This handheld console promises to blend portability with performance, catering to both casual and hardcore gamers. Let’s dive into the specifics and see how it stacks up.
Design and Ergonomics
The Legion Go S sports an 8-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) 16:10 touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay. The device is available in two color options: Nebula Violet for the SteamOS version and Glacier White for the Windows 11 variant.
Weighing in at approximately 1.61 lbs (730g), the console feels solid yet comfortable during extended gaming sessions. The non-detachable TrueStrike controllers with Hall effect joysticks and adjustable trigger switches provide a responsive and tactile experience, reminiscent of high-quality gamepads.
Performance Under the Hood
At the heart of the Legion Go S lies the AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Go processor, exclusive to Lenovo, delivering impressive performance for a handheld device. Coupled with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, the console ensures quick load times and seamless multitasking.
The integrated Radeon™ 800M Series GPU handles modern titles with ease, offering a satisfying gaming experience on the go. During my hands-on time, games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring ran smoothly at medium to high settings, showcasing the device’s capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a 55.5Whr battery, the Legion Go S provides a respectable gaming duration. Lenovo’s Rapid Charge Pro technology allows the device to recharge swiftly, reaching up to 85% in just an hour with the included 65W USB-C charger.
In real-world usage, I managed to get around 4 to 5 hours of continuous play on demanding games, which is quite satisfactory for a handheld of this caliber.
Software Experience
One of the standout features is the choice between operating systems. The SteamOS variant offers a seamless integration with the Steam ecosystem, providing a console-like experience with access to a vast library of games. The Windows 11 version, on the other hand, offers versatility, allowing users to run a broader range of applications beyond gaming.
Navigating through the interface was smooth, and the inclusion of Lenovo’s Legion Space software allows for easy customization of performance settings, ensuring optimal gameplay tailored to individual preferences.
Connectivity and Expandability
The Legion Go S comes equipped with dual USB4 Type-C ports, facilitating effortless connectivity with docks and monitors via DisplayPort 1.4. This versatility allows for an expanded gaming setup, whether connecting to a larger display or utilizing external peripherals.
Additionally, the device supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable and swift wireless connections, whether you’re engaging in online multiplayer games or connecting wireless accessories.
Pricing and Availability
The Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S is available for pre-order at $729.99, with shipments expected to begin on February 14, 2025. The SteamOS variant is slated for release in May 2025, priced at $499.99, making it a competitive option in the handheld gaming market.
The Lenovo Legion Go S impresses with its blend of performance, design, and versatility. As a gamer, the ability to choose between SteamOS and Windows 11 caters to different preferences, whether you seek a dedicated gaming device or a multifunctional handheld PC.
Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended play, and the high-refresh-rate display enhances the visual experience. While battery life is on par with industry standards, the rapid charging feature is a welcome addition for gamers on the move.
In conclusion, the Legion Go S stands as a formidable contender in the handheld gaming arena, offering a compelling package for those seeking a portable yet powerful gaming solution.
