Lenovo Legion Go S Review: Searching for Substance

The handheld gaming PC market has seen quite the transformation since the Valve Steam Deck’s debut, sparking a wave of innovative alternatives like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Lenovo’s latest entry, the Legion Go S, equipped with AMD’s modern Z2 Go processor based on Zen 3+ architecture, marks a significant departure from its precursor in terms of design.

Diverging from the Nintendo Switch-style detachable controllers, the Legion Go S embraces an all-in-one layout reminiscent of the ROG Ally and Steam Deck. The new model sports a smaller display, dropping to 8 inches from the previous 8.8 inches.

While the Legion Go S maintains a hefty and bulkier presence even without detachable components, it has other areas where it steps back compared to its forerunner. These regressions are something potential buyers should weigh up before investing in the Legion Go S.

### Design and Comfort of the Lenovo Legion Go S

Though it shares the same overall mission, the Legion Go S presents several upgrades from the older Legion Go. Transitioning from a mixed build of matte grey aluminum and plastic to an all-plastic construction, the Legion Go S has a molded white plastic chassis complemented by black buttons and triggers. Although the extensive use of plastic might compromise its premium feel, the device remains sturdy and well-crafted.

The newly introduced curves in its design offer greater comfort over the sharper angles of the original Legion Go. After extensive gaming sessions, the Legion Go S was noticeably less taxing on my hands and fingers.

A notable change is the removal of the built-in kickstand found in the earlier model. Since the controllers are now embedded, Lenovo possibly saw no need for a kickstand. However, this change does mean a loss in functionality that provided flexibility during gaming sessions with the previous model’s detachable controllers.

Additionally, there’s a noticeable regression in the display department. The display has downsized from an 8.8-inch 2560 x 1600 screen to an 8-inch 1920 x 1200 panel. Nonetheless, this reduction might be a practical concession, given the hardware limitations in gaming at higher resolutions.

Physically, the Legion Go S measures 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.89 inches and weighs 1.61 pounds, offering a marginal reduction from the Legion Go’s dimensions and weight. When compared to peers like the Asus ROG Ally or the original Steam Deck, it finds itself in competitive territory concerning size and portability.

The Legion Go S follows an Xbox-inspired control layout. The right side hosts the ABXY buttons and offset joysticks, complemented by a D-pad on the left and a touchpad below the right joystick. Programmable buttons exist on the chassis’ front, with volume and power buttons placed strategically alongside connectivity ports.

### Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications

Inside, the device runs on the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, featuring four cores and eight threads, different from the more robust Zen 4 architecture and eight-core Z1 Extreme found in higher-tier models.

Graphics come from an integrated Radeon 680M GPU, promising competent performance, though not matching the capabilities expected from higher-end devices. Accompanied by 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB SSD, the Legion Go S aims to provide a balance of speed and capacity.

The system, running Windows 11, includes several ports for enhanced usability, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for comprehensive connectivity options.

### Gaming and Graphics on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Performance-wise, the Legion Go S trails behind its rivals, mainly when plugged in and utilizing higher power profiles. While offering a slight edge on battery, its capabilities are somewhat eclipsed by the ROG Ally and original Legion Go when performance is dialed up.

Benchmarking various titles highlighted its mixed performance. While it held its own under power constraints, the gap widened when direct competition with more powerful devices was considered. Titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrated its strengths and weaknesses, particularly when demanding applications pushed the hardware capabilities to their limits.

### Windows 11 on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Pre-loaded with Windows 11, the operating system on the Legion Go S affords a familiar but slightly awkward interface for touchscreen use. Prioritizing ease of use, attributes like the oversized taskbar facilitate interaction, although not without some inconvenience when managing multiple applications.

Certain quirks, such as erratic on-screen keyboard behavior and touchpad use in gaming scenarios, posed occasional hurdles. Adjusting settings helped alleviate some nuisances, like the default touchpad feedback, but these encounters add to the device’s learning curve.

### Display on the Legion Go S

Although diminished in size and resolution, the display still offers adequate vibrancy and clarity for mainstream gaming. Experiencing games like Forza Horizon 5 and Burnout Paradise Remastered, the device delivered engaging visuals, although not quite at par with higher-end models with OLED displays.

Performance in screen brightness and color coverage met expectations for this segment, showcasing respectable results even in less-than-favorable lighting conditions.

### Battery Life on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Battery longevity hinged significantly on usage parameters, with settings like resolution and refresh rate dramatically affecting duration. In our tests, gaming sessions exhibited predictable variances, allowing users to adapt and maximize playtime with strategic settings management.

### Audio on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Audio output from the device’s speakers was decent if not exceptional, meeting basic expectations for a gaming-oriented handheld. While managing complex sound environments, especially in racing games, headphone use markedly improved the immersive experience.

### Upgradeability of the Legion Go S

Opening up the Legion Go S revealed straightforward access to the M.2 slot for SSD upgrades, catering to those seeking enhanced storage capabilities. This design choice allows for straightforward upgrading, reinforcing the device’s appeal to tech-savvy gamers.

### Heat on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Despite a dynamic redesign, the system manages heat efficiently during gaming. With carefully engineered airflow and acceptable noise levels, the device sustains a comfortable user experience even during intense sessions.

### Conclusion

In summary, the Legion Go S showcases potential but demands further refinement, particularly considering its pricing and performance compared to immediate competitors. Unless a substantial price adjustment accompanies its rollout, individuals may find better value awaiting forthcoming configurations or exploring current alternatives in the handheld gaming market. As it stands, prospective buyers might benefit from awaiting the more affordable SteamOS version due next year.