Lenovo Legion Go S Gaming Handheld With SteamOS Launched at CES 2025

Lenovo has introduced the Legion Go S handheld gaming device in two versions, one running on SteamOS and the other on Windows 11. This announcement, made at CES 2025, marks Lenovo as the first company other than Valve to release a device with SteamOS pre-installed.

A New Player in the Handheld Gaming Market

The Legion Go S is positioned to directly compete with Valve’s Steam Deck and other handheld PCs, offering top-tier specs at a competitive price point. The purple SteamOS variant of the Legion Go S will be released in May for $499. The white Windows 11 model will hit the market earlier in January, starting at $729.99 for the version equipped with the more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, while the $599.99 configuration with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage will be available in May.

Design and Display

Lenovo has opted for a more streamlined and ergonomic design for the Legion Go S, removing the detachable controllers and kickstand present in its predecessor. The curvier grip aims to enhance comfort during extended gaming sessions.

The Legion Go S features an 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD display with a 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR), 500 nits of brightness, and 97% DCI-P3 color accuracy. In comparison, the Legion Go boasts a higher QHD+ (2560 x 1600) display with support for a 144 Hz refresh rate.

Compared to the original Legion Go released in 2023, the Legion Go S offers a more compact and lightweight design, weighing 1.63 lbs (740g) and measuring 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88 inches, making it lighter and thinner than its predecessor.

Performance and Hardware

The Legion Go S can be configured with AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processors, a chip exclusive to Lenovo designed for optimized performance and power efficiency. Alternatively, the handheld can also be equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor. Both configurations come with integrated AMD Radeon 700M Series graphics, capable of handling various AAA and indie games.

Memory options for the Legion Go S go up to 32GB of LPDDR5X (6400 MHz) RAM, with storage configurations of up to 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, a significant improvement over the 16GB limit seen in the Legion Go.

Battery and Connectivity

One of the standout features of the Legion Go S is its 55.5Wh battery with Rapid Charge Express technology. Lenovo claims the battery can charge up to 85% in just 60 minutes, allowing for quick recharges during breaks. This larger battery capacity compared to the 49.2Wh unit in the Legion Go potentially extends playtime during less demanding gaming sessions, a remarkable feat considering many full-size laptops come with around 55Wh batteries.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connections, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual USB4 Type-C ports capable of 65W charging speeds. A microSD card slot is also available for expanded storage, along with a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones.

Windows 11 vs. SteamOS

The Legion Go S will be available with two OS options and two color variants: Windows 11 or SteamOS. The Windows 11 version caters to users who desire the flexibility to play games across different platforms, including non-Steam titles. This model comes in Glacier White and will start at $729.99 for configurations with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. A more budget-friendly configuration priced at $599.99 with 16GB of RAM and the same processor will follow in May.

The SteamOS version, launching exclusively in May, will be available in Nebula Violet for a starting price of $499. It offers a streamlined gaming experience optimized for the Steam platform, tailored for quick gaming sessions. Equipped with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, it competes directly with Valve’s Steam Deck, currently priced at $549 for the OLED model.

Key Differences from the Legion Go (2023)

• Display: The original Legion Go features an 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Legion Go S offers an 8-inch WQXGA display at 120Hz.
• Processor: The Legion Go S debuts the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, whereas the 2023 Legion Go relies on the AMD Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme.
• Graphics: The Legion Go boasts RDNA 3 graphics, while the Legion Go S utilizes integrated AMD Radeon 700M graphics.
• Memory: The Legion Go S supports up to 32GB of RAM, doubling the maximum capacity of the original Legion Go.
• Battery: The Legion Go S features a larger 55.5Wh battery, compared to the 49.2Wh battery in the 2023 model.
• Weight and Design: The Legion Go S is lighter and thinner but foregoes the detachable controllers and kickstand present in the original Legion Go.

Filed in . Read more about AMD, CES, CES 2025, Lenovo, Steam (Valve), and Windows 11.