Lenovo Legion Go S – Design Evolution
The gaming handheld market has evolved dramatically since the Steam Deck's debut, with Lenovo now introducing the streamlined Legion Go S. Departing from its predecessor's detachable controllers, this new model adopts a unibody design that prioritizes comfort during extended play sessions.
Weighing 1.61 pounds, the device features an 8-inch 1200p IPS display that delivers stunning visuals with 500 nits brightness. While slightly heavier than competitors like the ROG Ally X, the Go S compensates with ergonomic contours that make prolonged gaming sessions surprisingly comfortable.
Control Innovations
Lenovo has significantly refined the control scheme from the original Legion Go:
- Standardized button placement replacing the previous unconventional layout
- Dual customizable back paddles with improved tactile feedback
- Adjustable trigger sensitivity with two preset travel distances
- Integrated RGB lighting on control sticks (configurable via intuitive menus)
Performance Insights
Powered by AMD's new Z2 Go APU, the Legion Go S demonstrates:
- Competent 1080p gaming at medium settings (30-40 fps for most AAA titles)
- 4.5 hours of battery life under standard testing conditions
- Notable performance improvements in some titles (41 fps in Hitman vs 39 fps on previous model)
- Challenges with more demanding recent releases
Pricing and Availability
Current configurations include:
- Premium model ($729.99): Z2 Go APU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
- Upcoming budget option ($599.99): 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD (May release)
The SteamOS version, launching later in 2025, promises improved user experience for controller navigation.
Comparative Performance Metrics
| Benchmark | Legion Go S | Original Legion Go | ROG Ally X |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3DMark Time Spy | 2,179 | 2,775 | 3,346 |
| Fire Strike | 14% slower | Baseline | N/A |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p Medium) | 41 fps | 20 fps | N/A |
