Lenovo has unveiled the Legion Go S handheld gaming machine in two flavors, one working on SteamOS and the opposite working on Home windows 11. This launch, introduced at CES 2025, makes Lenovo it the primary firm exterior of Valve to ship a tool with SteamOS preloaded.
A New Competitor within the Handheld Gaming Market
The Legion Go S goals to compete immediately with Valve’s Steam Deck and different handheld PCs, providing high-end specs at a aggressive value. The purple SteamOS model of the Legion Go S might be out there in Could for $499. The white Home windows 11 model might be launched earlier in January, beginning at $729.99 for the model geared up with the extra highly effective AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, whereas the $599.99 configuration with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage will are available in Could.
Design and Show
For the Legion Go S, Lenovo has eliminated the removable controllers and kickstand present in its predecessor, favoring aa streamlined, extra ergonomic design that includes a curvier grip that gives higher consolation throughout lengthy gaming classes.
The Legion Go S options an 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD show with a 120Hz variable refresh charge (VRR), 500 nits of brightness, and 97% DCI-P3 colour accuracy. The Legion Go includes a larger QHD+ (2560 x 1600) with help for a 144 Hz refresh charge.
In comparison with the unique Legion Go launched in 2023, the Legion Go S opts for a extra compact and light-weight design. It weighs 1.63 lbs (740g) and measures 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88 inches, making it lighter and thinner than its predecessor.
Efficiency and {Hardware}
Underneath the hood, the Legion Go S may be configured with AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processors – a Lenovo-exclusive chip designed to optimize efficiency whereas sustaining energy effectivity. Alternatively, the hand held may also be geared up with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor. Each configurations include built-in AMD Radeon 700M Sequence graphics, able to dealing with a variety of AAA and indie video games.
Reminiscence choices for the Legion Go S attain as much as 32GB of LPDDR5X (6400 MHz) RAM, with storage configurations of as much as 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. It is a important enchancment over the 16GB restrict seen within the Legion Go.
Battery and Connectivity
One of many standout options of the Legion Go S is its 55.5Wh battery, which helps Fast Cost Categorical know-how. Lenovo claims the battery can cost as much as 85% in simply 60 minutes, permitting for fast top-ups throughout breaks. This battery capability is bigger than the 49.2Wh unit discovered within the Legion Go, probably extending playtime throughout much less demanding gaming classes. This battery capability is exceptional as many full-size laptops do include about 55Wh batteries.
Connectivity choices embrace Wi-Fi 6E for quick wi-fi connections, Bluetooth 5.3, and twin USB4 Kind-C ports able to 65W charging speeds. A microSD card slot can also be out there for expanded storage, alongside a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones.
Home windows 11 vs. SteamOS
The Legion Go S will launch with two OS choices and two colours: Home windows 11 or SteamOS. The Home windows 11 model targets customers who need the flexibleness to play video games throughout varied platforms, together with non-Steam titles. This mannequin is available in Glacier White and can begin at $729.99 for configurations with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. A extra inexpensive configuration priced at $599.99 with 16GB of RAM and the identical processor will observe in Could.
The SteamOS model, launching completely in Could, will are available in Nebula Violet for a beginning value of $499. It provides a streamlined gaming expertise optimized for the Steam platform and tailor-made for pick-up-and-play performance. With the AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, it serves as a direct competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck, which at the moment retails at $549 for the OLED mannequin.
Key Variations with the Legion Go (2023)
- Show: The unique Legion Go options an 8.8-inch QHD+ show with a 144Hz refresh charge, whereas the Legion Go S provides an 8-inch WQXGA show at 120Hz.
- Processor: The Legion Go S introduces the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, whereas the 2023 Legion Go depends on the AMD Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Excessive.
- Graphics: The Legion Go options RDNA 3 graphics, whereas the Legion Go S makes use of built-in AMD Radeon 700M graphics.
- Reminiscence: The Legion Go S helps as much as 32GB of RAM, double the utmost capability of the unique Legion Go.
- Battery: The Legion Go S boasts a bigger 55.5Wh battery, in comparison with the 49.2Wh battery within the 2023 mannequin.
- Weight and Design: The Legion Go S is lighter and thinner however lacks the removable controllers and kickstand discovered on the unique Legion Go.
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