Lenovo’s Legion Go S Handheld Features AMD Z2 Go and Supports SteamOS or Windows

When Lenovo first launched the Legion Go gaming handheld in mid-2023, it didn’t exactly receive a standing ovation. Fast forward to 2025, Lenovo is back with a trio of new models, all equipped with either the reliable AMD Z1 Extreme processor or the fresh-off-the-line Z2.

The new Legion Go S comes with a choice: powered by either SteamOS or Windows 11. Gone are the detachable controllers from the past, making way for a more streamlined design that weighs in at just 1.63 pounds. If you go for the minimalist white version, it runs on Windows 11. But if you’re more inclined towards a console-like vibe, the “Nebula Violet” edition, powered by SteamOS, might be your pick. Just keep in mind that sticking with SteamOS means you’ll mostly play within Valve’s ecosystem.

These two versions, known as the Legion Go S and the Legion Go S – Powered by SteamOS, boast identical internal specs. They come packed with your choice of a Z2 or Z1 Extreme processor and feature a sharp 8-inch 1920×1200 LCD touchscreen capable of 500 nits brightness and a snappy 120 Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, there’s a 55.5 WHr battery, and you can opt for up to 32GB of 6400 DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage. Plus, for storage enthusiasts, Lenovo’s spec sheet mentions 2280 M.2 SSD compatibility.

Connectivity options include a MicroSD card slot, two USB 4.0 ports located on the top, and an audio jack. The Windows 11 iteration of the Legion Go S is expected to hit shelves in January with prices starting around $729. Meanwhile, the SteamOS version will drop in May with a starting price tag of $499. Later in May 2025, more configurations for the Windows model will emerge, starting at $599. According to Lenovo, once both are launched, you can snag a Legion Go S, regardless of OS, featuring the same AMD Z2 Go CPU, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage for approximately $599. Meanwhile, the higher-end $729 variant with Windows will see its RAM doubled to 32GB.

Stepping up in the handheld game, Lenovo teased a prototype of the next-gen Legion Go. This version reintroduces detachable controllers, including the quirky mouse sensor that turns the right stick into a not-so-comfortable gaming mouse. The controller design has been slightly tweaked with rounded edges and a new circular D-pad, while the battery got a healthy boost from 49.2 to 74 WHr.

The display sticks to an 8.8-inch, 144 Hz screen, now upgraded to OLED, and Lenovo smartly adjusted the resolution from 2560×1600 to a more realistic 1920×1200. Plus, the touchscreen is rated for 500 nits and supports variable refresh rates. Expect the second-gen Legion Go to hit the market in 2025, and it’s set to come with a Ryzen Z2 and up to 2TB of storage and 32GB of fast 7500 MHz RAM. The final port configuration, however, was still up in the air at the time of writing.

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