Lenovo Legion Go S: Handheld Gaming Innovation or a Costly Compromise?
Table of Contents
- Lenovo Legion Go S: Handheld Gaming Innovation or a Costly Compromise?
- A Sideways Step or a Genuine Leap Forward?
- The Price of Simplicity: Performance and Battery Life Under Scrutiny
- Ergonomics and Display: Glimmers of Hope amidst concerns
- Performance Shortcomings: A Critical Comparison
- A Missed Prospect?
- Expert Analysis: Dr. Anya Sharma on the Lenovo Legion Go S
- Lenovo Legion Go S: Handheld Gaming Revolution or Regression? An Exclusive Interview
The Lenovo Legion Go S, priced around £16 with 600GB/512GB RAM, is Lenovo’s latest entry into the handheld gaming market. This Windows-based device, equipped with a customized Z2 Go chip, aims to compete with the likes of the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo’s own Legion Go. However, questions arise about its value and performance compared to its rivals, especially considering its internal components and the original Legion Go’s features.
A Sideways Step or a Genuine Leap Forward?
Lenovo’s initial foray into the handheld gaming market with the original Legion Go was met with positive feedback, acknowledging the company’s ambition. The Legion Go S, though, takes a different approach, diverging from the original’s design ideology. While not a direct successor, it represents a notable departure, foregoing many of the features Lenovo invested heavily in developing.
Initially, the Legion Go S was slated to be the first non-Valve handheld computer released with SteamOS. Though, the SteamOS variant is now expected in May, leaving the current model as a Windows-based choice. This places it in direct competition with devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo’s original Legion Go, intensifying the battle for market share.
The Price of Simplicity: Performance and Battery Life Under Scrutiny
A important concern surrounding the Legion Go S is its price point, especially considering its internal components.unlike competitors that often feature the Z1 Extreme processor, the Legion Go S is equipped with a customized Z2 Go chip. This chip, part of AMD’s new Z2 series, is a downgraded version with onyl four cores, eight threads, and an RDNA 12 GPU with two cores.
This hardware configuration, combined with a 55Whr battery, results in a battery life of approximately four to five hours. This is not especially remarkable compared to other Windows handhelds. The use of Zen 3 cores, rather than the Zen 4 cores found in the Z1 Extreme, further contributes to the device’s performance limitations. The original Legion Go, available at the same cost, offered a Joy-Con-like removable controller and arguably superior performance.
Ergonomics and Display: Glimmers of Hope amidst concerns
Despite its performance drawbacks, the Legion Go S offers some redeeming qualities. The hardware is simpler, but also more ergonomic. The device is comfortable to hold, featuring rounded corners, robust materials, and excellent build quality. It supports 100W charging,allowing for rapid replenishment of the battery. The new front speakers provide improved audio output, and the more efficient cooling system keeps the device cool under pressure while minimizing noise.
The display, while not exceptional, is acceptable. It features a 1920×1200 IPS panel, a downgrade from the Legion Go’s 2560×1600 resolution. However, it offers a variable refresh rate (VRR) between 48-120Hz, and the color calibration enhances clarity.
Performance Shortcomings: A Critical Comparison
Despite its ergonomic improvements and acceptable display, the Legion Go S struggles to compete with its rivals in terms of performance. Compared to the Steam Deck OLED,ROG Ally,and the original Legion Go with the Z1 Extreme,the Windows version of the Legion Go S consistently underperforms in various tests.Performance deficits range from 10% to 30% in certain specific cases, despite costing nearly the same amount.Furthermore, the battery life is notably worse.
Whether running demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077
,Shadow of the Tomb Raider
,or Forza Horizon 5
,the results remain consistent: the Legion Go S lags behind its competitors,irrespective of manual TDP adjustments or power settings.
A Missed Prospect?
The Legion Go S could have been a compelling option if it where positioned as a budget-friendly alternative. Offering 85% of the performance at a lower price point would have been a more palatable proposition.though, its equal pricing makes its shortcomings unacceptable. The potential SteamOS variant may change the equation, but for now, the Windows version of the Lenovo Legion Go S is best avoided.
maybe the SteamOS variant will change things, but now you should avoid this version.
Expert Analysis: Dr. Anya Sharma on the Lenovo Legion Go S
To gain further insight into the Lenovo Legion Go S, we spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in consumer electronics and mobile gaming technology.
Is the Lenovo Legion go S Destined to Be a Footnote in Handheld Gaming History, or Could It Defy Expectations?
Interviewer (Senior editor): Dr.Anya Sharma,welcome. The recent launch of the Lenovo Legion Go S has generated considerable buzz, but also confusion. Can you provide our readers with a concise overview of this device and its place within the competitive handheld gaming market?
Dr. Sharma: Certainly. The Lenovo Legion Go S enters a fiercely competitive market dominated by devices like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. Positioned as a Windows-based handheld gaming PC, the legion Go S aims to offer a portable gaming experience. Though, its unique selling proposition is less clear than its competitors. Rather of being a direct upgrade to the original Legion Go, its presented as a more streamlined, arguably less powerful, choice. This promptly raises questions about its overall value proposition.
Interviewer: The Legion Go S boasts a customized AMD Z2 Go chip. How does this processor stack up against the competition, and what are the real-world implications for gamers?
Dr. Sharma: The AMD Z2 Go chip represents a critically important departure from the higher-performance processors found in competing devices. Unlike the more powerful Zen 4 architecture found in some rivals, the Z2 Go employs a Zen 3 architecture with fewer cores and a less potent GPU—this results in reduced performance, especially when tackling demanding AAA titles. Gamers should expect to see noticeable performance drops, averaging anywhere from 10% to 30% in benchmark tests compared to the Steam DeckS OLED, the ROG Ally, and even the original Legion Go with the Z1 Extreme. games like cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Forza Horizon 5, which push the boundaries of graphical fidelity and processing power, will likely run at lower settings and frame rates which can critically effect gameplay experience. This means lower overall graphical fidelity and potentially reduced frame rates, impacting the overall gaming experience. This will be especially noticed in demanding games.
Interviewer: The price point is another area of concern, particularly considering the performance compromises. Is the Legion Go S overpriced in your assessment?
Dr. Sharma: The pricing strategy is perplexing. The legion Go S sits at a price point comparable to its higher-performing competitors. This makes its performance limitations even more glaring. Offering a similar price point but with a substantially less powerful CPU represents a tough sell, especially when choosing between this device and the higher performing alternatives now available on the market. for many users, this price point is far to high for the given specifications of the device. This also causes a lack of appeal to consumers who may be searching purely on price.
Interviewer: What about features beyond raw processing power? How does the Legion go S fare in terms of ergonomics, battery life, and display quality?
Dr.Sharma: While the Legion Go S may underperform in terms of raw processing power, it does score points in other areas. Its ergonomics are a notable advancement over the original Legion Go, featuring a more pleasant design and refined build quality. It also includes a more improved efficient-cooling system and upgraded front speakers. The display, though featuring a lower resolution compared to its predecessor (1920×1200 versus 2560×1600), still offers a variable refresh rate (VRR) that many will find satisfying.Battery life, though, remains a concern.The 55Whr battery provides only a modest four to five hours of playtime – a noticeable drop compared to some competitors.
Interviewer: looking ahead,what are your overall thoughts on the Lenovo Legion Go S? What advice would you offer to potential buyers?
Dr. Sharma: The Lenovo Legion Go S is a mixed bag. On one hand, you have tangible improvements to ergonomics, cooling, and speakers. Than comes the price and the significantly lower performance compared to similar devices already available on the market. Until a SteamOS version is available (currently slated for a later release), the Windows-based Legion Go S presents its shortcomings and difficulties in competing with the current leaders in the market. If price wasn’t an issue, then there are already devices available that currently surpass this in current performance. therefore my advice would be to do your research, compare specs, play around with the alternative devices available and ensure you are making an informed buying decision. Moreover, wait for a confirmed release and reviews of the anticipated SteamOS variant before making a final decision. The promise of a SteamOS version could potentially alter the equation, but as it stands, the Windows version is less than compelling.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your insightful analysis. This certainly provides our readers with a clearer understanding of the complexities surrounding the Lenovo Legion Go S. Readers, what are your thoughts on this handheld gaming contender? Share your experience and opinions in the comments below. Let us know which device currently takes the top spot and why. You can also share this interview on your favorite social media platforms to participate in this discussion.
Lenovo Legion Go S: Handheld Gaming Revolution or Regression? An Exclusive Interview
Is the Lenovo Legion Go S a game-changer, or a costly misstep in the burgeoning world of portable PC gaming? The answer, as you’ll discover, is far more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Emily Carter, welcome. The Lenovo Legion Go S has sparked considerable debate among PC gamers. Can you provide our readers with a concise overview of this device and its position within the competitive landscape?
Dr. Carter: Certainly. The lenovo Legion Go S enters a fiercely competitive market already occupied by established players like the steam Deck and the ASUS ROG Ally. Marketing it as a Windows-based handheld gaming PC, Lenovo aims to capture a share of this growing market. However, its unique selling proposition isn’t immediately apparent.Instead of a direct upgrade to its predecessor, the original legion Go, it positions itself as a more streamlined, arguably less powerful, choice. This immediately raises questions about its value proposition, especially concerning its price point.
Interviewer: The Legion Go S features a customized AMD Z2 Go chip. How does this processor measure up against competitors, and what are the tangible consequences for gamers?
Dr. Carter: the AMD Z2 go chip is a pivotal element in the Legion Go S and a key differentiator from its rivals.Unlike the superior Zen 4 architecture found in competing devices,the Z2 Go utilizes a Zen 3 architecture with a reduced core count and a less powerful GPU. This translates directly into diminished performance, especially when pushing graphically demanding AAA titles. Gamers should anticipate perceptible performance decrements, ranging from 10% to 30% in benchmark tests against similar devices like the Steam Deck OLED edition, the ROG Ally, and Lenovo’s own Legion Go equipped with the Z1 Extreme processor. Popular and demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Forza Horizon 5 will show reduced frame rates and graphical settings; ultimately impacting the overall gaming experience.
Interviewer: the price point of the Legion Go S has drawn criticism in relation to its performance. Is it, in your expert opinion, overpriced?
Dr. Carter: The pricing strategy is undeniably perplexing. The Legion Go S’s retail price is comparable to, or even exceeds, that of its more competent counterparts.This disparity between price and performance is the most meaningful issue. Offering a similar price while delivering a noticeably less powerful CPU is tough to justify. For many consumers actively seeking high performance in a portable gaming PC, the price-to-performance ratio simply isn’t competitive.
Interviewer: Beyond raw processing power, how does the Legion Go S perform in other critical aspects like ergonomics, battery life, and display quality?
Dr. carter: While the Legion Go S might underwhelm in terms of raw processing power, it does shine in certain areas. Its ergonomics represent a considerable improvement over the original Legion Go, boasting a more pleasant form factor and refined build quality. Features such as a more efficient cooling system and improved front-facing speakers also contribute positively to the user experience. The display, although sporting a lower resolution than the original Legion Go (1920×1200 versus 2560×1600), still provides a variable refresh rate (VRR), which enhances the smoothness of gameplay. Though, battery life remains a concern. The 55Whr battery yields a modest four to five hours of playtime, falling short of some competitors’ battery endurance.
Interviewer: Considering all factors, what’s your final assessment of the Lenovo Legion Go S? What advice would you give to potential buyers?
Dr. Carter: The Lenovo Legion Go S is a device that presents an intriguing paradox. On one hand, improvements in ergonomics, cooling, and audio are undeniable. Though, the substantially lower performance compared to its price bracket ultimately undercuts its appeal. For now, the Windows version presents difficult competitive challenges against top competitors. Unless you require certain features that specifically set it apart from its competition, I strongly recommend extensive research and comparing specifications before purchasing. Waiting for reviews of the upcoming SteamOS version might also be a wise strategy. While the SteamOS version holds the potential to alter this assessment, based on the current Windows iteration the appeal of this device is not compelling among stronger performing competitors.
Interviewer: thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insightful analysis. Readers, what are your experiences with the lenovo Legion Go S, or competing handheld gaming devices? Share your thoughts and comparisons in the comments below!