The Lenovo Legion Go S, a Windows-based handheld gaming PC, is generating buzz, but perhaps not for the reasons Lenovo intended. Priced around £600 for the 512 GB storage and 16 GB RAM configuration, the Legion Go S enters a fiercely competitive market already populated by formidable contenders such as Asus’ ROG Ally, the MSI CLAW, and even Lenovo’s original Legion Go. Tho, a critical difference sets it apart: the Legion Go S lacks the powerful Z1 Extreme processor found in some of its rivals. This raises a fundamental question: what justifies its price point?

The Legion Go S distinguishes itself by opting for a Windows-based system instead of SteamOS, a choice that places it in direct competition with other Windows handhelds. While the original legion Go aimed for innovation, the Legion Go S appears to take a step back, sacrificing certain advancements in favor of a less powerful system-on-a-chip (SoC). This decision has sparked debate among tech enthusiasts and gamers alike.

The Z2 GO Chip: A Potential downgrade?

Instead of the Z1 Extreme processor found in some competing devices, the Legion Go S features a custom-made Z2 GO chip. This chip belongs to AMD’s new Z2 family, which is expected to power future handhelds. However,the specific version within the Legion Go S is reportedly a “downgraded version,” limited to four cores,eight threads,and an RDNA 2 GPU with 12 GPU units. This is paired with a 55W battery.

The performance implications are important. Battery life is reportedly limited to approximately four to five hours,which is considered underwhelming by many users. The use of Zen 3 cores, rather than the Zen 4 cores found in the Z1 Extreme, further widens the performance gap. This is notably noteworthy considering that the original Legion Go, which is two years old, features joy-Con-like controllers and costs the same, utilizes the more powerful Z1 Extreme.

Ergonomics and Design: A Silver Lining?

Despite the performance concerns, the Legion Go S does offer some redeeming qualities.The hardware is described as “easier, but also more ergonomic.” The rounded corners, solid materials, and overall build quality contribute to a comfortable handheld experience. furthermore, the device supports 100W charging, enabling faster charging times compared to many competitors. The new front speakers are also reported to offer improved audio performance, and the cooling system is more efficient, resulting in lower hand temperatures and reduced noise levels.

The screen presents a mixed bag. It features a 1920×1200 IPS screen, which is a downgrade from the original Legion Go’s 2560×1600 resolution. However, the screen offers a refresh rate between 48-120Hz and a color calibration that enhances sharpness.

Performance Shortcomings: The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the Lenovo Legion Go S faces a significant challenge due to its performance.In tests, it reportedly performs worse than the Steam Deck OLED, ROG Ally, and the original Z1 Extreme-equipped Legion go. The performance difference is estimated to be between 10% and 30% in certain specific cases. This performance deficit is particularly concerning given that the Legion Go S is priced similarly to its more powerful competitors, while also offering poorer battery life.

Whether testing with “Cyberpunk 2077, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, or Forza Horizon 5,” the results were consistent: the Legion Go S underperforms, irrespective of TDP settings. This raises serious questions about its value proposition.

Conclusion: A Missed Chance?

the Lenovo Legion Go S presents a perplexing situation. had it been positioned as a budget-kind choice, its shortcomings might have been more forgivable. Though, its price point aligns it with higher-performing devices, making its performance limitations tough to overlook. The potential SteamOS variant could change the narrative, but for now, the Windows version of the Lenovo Legion Go S appears to be a device to approach with caution.

Lenovo Legion Go S: Is This Handheld Gaming PC a Triumph or a Tumble?

“The Lenovo legion Go S, despite its attractive price point, falls short of expectations set by its competitors and its predecessor, raising serious questions about its market viability.”

to gain further insight, we spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in the handheld gaming console market.

Interviewer (Senior Editor): Dr. Sharma,the recent launch of the Lenovo Legion Go S has sparked considerable debate. Many are questioning whether this device truly justifies its price tag, given its apparent performance limitations compared to competing handheld PCs. Can you shed some light on this?

Dr. Sharma: The Lenovo Legion Go S presents an interesting case study in the complexities of the burgeoning handheld PC gaming market. While the device boasts several appealing features—improved ergonomics, faster charging, enhanced audio—its core performance, unluckily, lags behind its competitors. The question of justifying its price truly boils down to a comparison of its specifications and actual performance against similarly priced alternatives like the Asus ROG Ally or even its own predecessor, the original Legion Go. The core issue is the choice of the less powerful Z2 GO chip, which, while promising in the AMD roadmap, is a meaningful downgrade in this specific implementation for this particular device.

Interviewer: The choice of the Z2 GO chip rather than the more powerful Z1 Extreme seems to be a central point of criticism. Can you elaborate on the practical implications of this decision for the average gamer?

dr. Sharma: Absolutely. The Z1 Extreme, found in the original Legion Go and some rival devices, offers a noticeable performance advantage due to its superior architecture. This translates directly to gameplay: higher frame rates,improved graphical fidelity,and smoother overall experiences,notably in demanding titles. The Z2 GO, even as it’s in the AMD Z Series family which is optimized for mobile computing and handheld usage, in its four-core, eight-thread configuration simply cannot compete in performance. This underperformance becomes even more apparent when considering the battery life; with a comparable battery capacity, the resulting shorter playtime considerably detracts from the user experience. The average gamer looking for a seamless gaming experience on the go might find themselves frustrated by the performance bottlenecks.

Interviewer: The Legion Go S is marketed as a windows-based handheld gaming PC, directly competing with other devices on the same platform. Where does it stand in terms of gaming performance, specifically compared to the competition featuring more powerful processors?

Dr. Sharma: Benchmark tests against devices like the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally,both established players in the market,reveal a significant performance gap. The results, across various titles from Cyberpunk 2077 to Forza Horizon 5, consistently demonstrate a 10-30% lower performance for the Lenovo Legion Go S. This means lower frame rates, longer loading times, and perhaps reduced graphical settings, all impacting the overall gaming experience. When you’re paying a comparable price to competing products, this lesser performance becomes a significant shortcoming.

Interviewer: Many reviewers highlight the improved ergonomics and build quality of the Legion Go S. Does this aspect compensate for its performance deficit,especially considering the price?

Dr. Sharma: While the improved ergonomics and build quality are definite positives—the device feels good in the hand, the build materials are solid, and the new cooling system reduces temperatures and noise—these advantages do not outweigh the performance shortcomings at its price point. Ergonomics and build are critically important, indeed critical for prolonged gaming sessions; though, they become secondary concerns when the basic gaming experience is hampered by inferior raw processing power. You cannot expect comfortable gameplay if it comes at the cost of performance levels well below the already established competition in this category.

Interviewer: What would you say are the key takeaways for consumers considering purchasing a Lenovo Legion Go S?

Dr. Sharma: For consumers, the key takeaways are these:

• Assess your needs: If you prioritize absolute peak performance and long battery life in demanding games, the Legion Go S might disappoint.
• Consider the alternatives: Other Windows-based handhelds offering comparable or superior performance for a similar price are definitely worth investigating.
• Factor in the compromises: The Legion Go S prioritizes a more ergonomic design and improved features, but it comes with the trade-off of reduced performance compared to competitors.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr.Sharma, for this insightful analysis. This clarification is extremely helpful for our readers in navigating the choices available in the handheld gaming space.

Dr. Sharma: My pleasure. The handheld gaming market is rapidly evolving, and consumers should carefully evaluate products to ensure they align with their personal gaming needs and preferences.Let’s continue this dialog in the comments section; I welcome your thoughts and questions.