Review of Lenovo Legion Go S: Where’s the Substance?

In recent years, the handheld gaming PC scene has gotten a jolt of energy, largely thanks to Valve’s Steam Deck. This surge of innovation has spawned intriguing contenders like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo’s own Legion Go. Lenovo decided to up the ante with the unveiling of the Legion Go S, riding on the back of AMD’s fresh Z2 Go processor, a tech marvel based on Zen 3+ architecture that breathes new life into the device’s design.

The Legion Go S steps away from the Nintendo Switch mimicry by shedding its detachable controllers, opting instead for a more integrated design similar to the ROG Ally and Steam Deck. While the new model sports a smaller 8-inch screen compared to the previous 8.8 inches, it’s not losing any charm.

Despite the redesign, the Legion Go S doesn’t manage to shed much bulk, making it a bit hefty and cumbersome even in this new form. With a few other features taking a step back from what the original Legion Go offered, it’s worth thoroughly considering whether the Legion Go S is your ideal choice for portable PC gaming.

Design and Comfort of the Lenovo Legion Go S

Comparing the Legion Go S to its predecessor, the changes are stark but purposeful. The original Legion Go fused aluminum and plastic for a premium feel, but the Go S is all about practicality with an all-plastic build. Its white chassis paired with black buttons and triggers isn’t as high-end, yet it maintains a solid build that’s comfortable in-hand. The curvier shape is a welcoming change, easing hours of gaming with less strain on your fingers.

Interestingly, the kickstand from the previous model is absent here, likely because the controllers are now built into the device. This convenience might not be missed by everyone, especially with the new unified design.

However, the Go S has also downsized its display to 8 inches with reduced resolution, down from a vibrant 2560 x 1600 to a more modest 1920 x 1200. While some gamers might scoff at the shrinkage, others may find this resolution more user-friendly given the device’s processing capabilities.

The Legion Go S’s dimensions and weight remain comparable to its rivals, namely the Asus ROG Ally and the classic Steam Deck, but a tad bulkier in comparison. As for controls, it resembles a traditional Xbox controller in layout, with handy buttons for quick settings and gameplay navigations prominently arrayed.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications

Encased within the Go S is the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, packing a Zen 3, four-core architecture tuned for gaming on the go. Integrated Radeon graphics enhance gameplay visuals while a generous 32GB of fast LPDDR5X memory keeps things running smoothly. The inclusion of a snappy 1TB SSD provides plenty of storage for all your games and multimedia needs.

The Legion Go S supports modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ticking all the boxes for a seamless online and networked gaming experience. Despite its energy-saving design, it still requires a sizable 65W power brick and a sizable battery to keep you playing on the move.

Gaming and Graphics on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Performance-wise, the Go S tends to deliver slightly faster gaming experiences on battery compared to its predecessor, but when plugged in, it loses some of its prowess. It supports multiple performance profiles, allowing gamers to tweak the settings to aim for the best performance or energy savings, as needed.

However, in comparison to more robust Zen 4-driven devices, it struggles to maintain footing, particularly when seeking higher performance levels. During testing in demanding games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Cyberpunk 2077, it held its ground reasonably well, though always trailing behind other flagship models.

Windows 11 on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Running on good old Windows 11, the Legion Go S provides a familiar interface but with a few quirks. The touch screen works well for simpler tasks, but oddities like the disappearing on-screen keyboard in certain apps can be frustrating. To bypass this, Lenovo incorporated a small touchpad, which, although practical, sometimes proved inaccurate for gaming due to its movement quirks.

Legion Space on the Lenovo Legion Go S

The Legion Space app hands you the keys to customizability: tweak settings, launch your games, and adjust controller preferences all in one consolidated platform. The app’s dashboard provides all the vital statistics and settings you could hope for, neatly organized for quick tweaks even while gaming.

Display on the Legion Go S

The 8-inch display is a slight compromise from its predecessor, yet it’s fitted with a quality IPS panel that holds its ground with good color reproduction and brightness. The reduction in size and resolution affects gaming to a degree, yet it’s still a competent display that performs admirably for its size, especially when gaming at lower resolutions.

Battery Life on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Battery life varies significantly based on your gaming settings. The Go S manages a decent play time, though slightly shorter than before. Higher settings will deplete battery life faster, naturally, but a strategic switch to energy-saving modes can extend your gaming sessions appreciably.

Audio on the Lenovo Legion Go S

While the audio might not reach audiophile levels, it’s sufficient for game audio immersion, delivering booming engines and clanging metals adequately. But, as is often the case, headphones are your best bet for full immersion.

Upgradeability of the Legion Go S

For those daring enough to peek inside, the Go S offers an accessible SSD slot for storage upgrades, a thoughtful inclusion as game libraries inevitably expand.

Heat on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Cooling is managed efficiently, with systems in place to vent excess heat effectively. Even during more intensive gaming, the device remained comfortably cool to the touch, a testament to the design’s refinements.

Lenovo Legion Go S Configurations

Starting at $729.99, this current configuration delivers ample processing power and storage. An affordable SteamOS version is on the horizon, promising better value for budget-conscious gamers.

Bottom Line

The Legion Go S offers a promising package, streamlining design elements for comfort but sadly taking a step back in display prowess and versatility. Its price point doesn’t do it any favors against more capable competitors, yet if it falls to a more budget-friendly range or with the anticipated SteamOS variation, it might find more favor amidst a sea of compelling handheld options. For now, however, it’s wise to weigh your options carefully.