The tech world has been buzzing about Lenovo's upcoming second-generation flagship gaming handheld, but until its release later this year, the company has introduced the Legion Go S. This new device offers a more robust and portable experience for gamers on the go. The standout feature is the availability of a model pre-installed with SteamOS, marking a first for non-Valve portable PCs. While the Windows 11 version is currently available, it presents an interesting choice for consumers who are considering whether to purchase now or wait for the SteamOS variant. This article explores the design, performance, and value proposition of the Legion Go S.

The Legion Go S retains many positive aspects from its predecessor while refining them into a more compact package. Despite this, the launch model comes at a higher price point compared to the original Legion Go, offering less powerful performance, a smaller screen, and no detachable controllers. These factors make it challenging to recommend without careful consideration. Both models share the same sleek design, with the only visual distinction being the white shell for the Windows 11 version and a dark purple one for the SteamOS variant.

The Legion Go S features an 8-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 and a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is larger than most handhelds but slightly smaller than its predecessor's 8.8-inch screen. It includes precise Hall effect joysticks, various face and shoulder buttons, dual USB 4 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. Notably, Lenovo has traded two of the four back paddles for toggle switches that adjust trigger depth, enhancing versatility in different game genres. The inclusion of a small touchpad aids navigation in Windows, though it is smaller than the original.

One significant drawback is the absence of a fingerprint sensor, forcing users to rely on PINs or passwords for login, which can be cumbersome on a system without a keyboard. Additionally, the vibration motor's performance is underwhelming, leading many to disable it entirely. Performance-wise, the Legion Go S is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. However, it falls short of its predecessor in terms of processing power, delivering lower frame rates in benchmark tests. For instance, it achieved 45 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p and medium settings, compared to 51 fps on the original Legion Go.

Battery life is respectable, lasting around two and a half hours during moderate gameplay and closer to an hour and a half for more demanding titles. Lenovo's Legion Space app has seen improvements, offering a more intuitive interface for launching games and adjusting settings. However, navigating between Lenovo and Microsoft menus remains awkward, and some bugs persist, such as issues installing Steam through the app.

In conclusion, the Legion Go S showcases potential as a portable gaming PC with its solid design, ergonomic layout, and useful features like dual USB-C ports and a handy touchpad. The smaller 8-inch OLED display and increased storage capacity are commendable. However, the higher price tag, reduced performance, and lack of detachable controllers make it a tough sell at its current configuration. Consumers might find better value waiting for alternative configurations or the SteamOS variant, expected to offer more competitive pricing and potentially improved performance.