Review of Lenovo Legion Go S: Lacking Substance?

In recent years, the handheld gaming PC market has seen quite a stir, largely thanks to the arrival of the Valve Steam Deck. Building on its momentum, other interesting options like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo’s Legion Go have made their entrances. With AMD’s release of the new Z2 Go processor featuring Zen 3+ architecture, Lenovo has introduced the Legion Go S. This model shifts gears with a fresh design, no longer mimicking the Nintendo Switch’s detachable controllers. Instead, it embraces an all-in-one form, similar to the ROG Ally and Steam Deck, packing a more compact 8-inch display.

While the Legion Go S drops the detachable controllers, it remains substantial both in weight and bulk. It’s a move that strips certain features but promises something new. However, there are trade-offs. The device’s simplified design could feel a little less formidable than its predecessor, which deserves a pause for thought before making it your primary gaming companion.

Design and Comfort of the Lenovo Legion Go S

The Legion Go S sheds some of the characteristics of the original Legion Go, notably its blend of materials, swapping out its matte grey aluminum for an all-plastic shell. This results in a less premium feel, but it remains sturdy and well-built. Its softer, curvier shape makes it more comfortable for extended play sessions compared to its angular predecessor.

One noticeable absence is the kickstand, a feature of the older Legion Go that allowed the console to prop itself up when using detachable controllers. Its omission likely comes from the newly integrated controller setup, which perhaps made the kickstand seem unnecessary.

Then there’s the matter of the display. The Legion Go S reduces its predecessor’s 8.8-inch 2560 x 1600 display to an 8-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution. Personally, the downsized screen isn’t much of a drawback since gaming extensively on the higher resolution of the Z1 Extreme and now the Z2 Go tests usability limits. Size-wise it’s still substantial, comparable to its contemporaries but with differentiated weight and dimensions.

In terms of controls, the layout aligns more closely with an Xbox controller with a thoughtful design that keeps primary controls intuitive. It includes four programmable buttons flanking the display and two additional customizable buttons on the back. Top-side features include typical trigger buttons and multiple connectivity options which ensure comprehensive usability.

Lenovo Legion Go S Specifications

On the internal front, the Legion Go S employs the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, positioned as a step down from the Z1 Extreme in the original Legion Go, with a different architectural approach and reduced core and thread counts. In its gaming capabilities, there’s a clear delineation in performance, maintaining some parity on battery power but lagging when drawing from mains power under heavy operation.

Performance profiles, accessible at the press of a button, offer modes ranging from Performance to several Custom settings, letting users fine-tune their experience according to their needs. This adaptability is balanced, although the Go S does display notable fluctuation in performance.

Benchmarking results show the Legion Go S holds reasonable merit, particularly when untethered. However, it tends to fall behind its counterparts when plugged in. Playing games like Cyberpunk 2077 or running through Red Dead Redemption 2 reveals where the device finds its stride and where it trails, particularly noticeable when measured up against powerhouses like the ROG Ally.

Windows 11 on the Legion Go S

Running Windows 11, the Legion Go S delivers a standard operating experience out of the box, albeit with some quirks. Display scaling is set high by default, making the taskbar and its icons bulging yet functional with the touchscreen. Concerns include the less-than-reliable on-screen keyboard which often occasions some frustration, particularly when used with apps like Steam.

Navigation remains straightforward, though the touchpad located below the right joystick comes off as a secondary option, largely sidelined by additional methods of control. Its force feedback feature, while interesting, turns into something of an annoyance, best turned down or off.

Nevertheless, the absence of a kickstand limits its capability as a stand-alone PC setup with mouse and keyboard, a move that’s less appealing for those used to more versatile hybrid usability options.

Legion Space on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Centralizing the device’s control, Legion Space acts as a hub for launching games and customizing settings. Its layout is intuitive, splitting into sections for account access, game store integration, library display, and system settings, providing a one-stop shop for managing the gaming experience.

Performance tracking and hardware tuning options allow users to closely monitor and adjust their device’s parameters, further extending its flexibility.

Display on the Legion Go S

With the Legion Go S, screen quality adjusts downward in some respects but maintains a solid presentation for gamers. The cut in size and resolution aligns expectations but retains sharpness where it counts.

Color reproduction and brightness reach commendable levels, favoring gaming enjoyment without overreaching. Practical usage shows the screen holding its own, notwithstanding minor concessions.

Battery Life on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Battery performance is a variable affair with handhelds like this, influenced by numerous factors from screen brightness to workload. In testing, it’s neither the least nor most enduring under varied conditions. A clear understanding of power settings and game demands will ensure optimal playtime.

Audio on the Lenovo Legion Go S

Audio output from the Go S satisfies with a depth suited to its gaming function, rounding off the general experience it aims to deliver. For those seeking higher immersion, headphones remain the tried and true solution.

Upgradeability of the Legion Go S

While accessing the internals might be daunting for some, the Legion Go S invites expansion, sporting an accessible M.2 slot. This provides significant opportunity for storage upgrades, a notable advantage when weighing in the extensibility of handheld PCs.

Heat on the Lenovo Legion Go S

During play, the system manages heat admirably, avoiding the malady of overheating thanks to its new design. Ventilation proves sufficient to temper the rigors of extended use.

Lenovo Legion Go S Configurations

At a retail tag of $729.99, the Legion Go S delivers a blend of features and limitations. Yet, given competitive pricing, some may find its offering less compelling. With a leaner $499 variant on the horizon, prospective buyers might be wise to hold for a more budget-friendly configuration on SteamOS.

Bottom Line

Currently, the Legion Go S arrives with a somewhat niche allure. It stands amidst a battlefield of form and function, weighing slightly behind its immediate predecessor and peers at full throttle. Evaluating the value, the consistency across gaming scenarios and future pricing shifts—most notably the forthcoming more affordable SteamOS iteration—will largely dictate its appeal to enthusiasts.