Is Lenovo’s new SteamOS handheld worth the hype? I tested it, here’s my verdict

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Legion Go S running SteamOS is on sale for $600.
• This version trims the fat and delivers a streamlined gaming experience via a vibrant 8-inch screen.
• The simpler OS means less features than the Windows model.

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No, you’re not seeing double. This is the second review I’ve done for Lenovo’s Legion Go S. However, this one is special because it doesn’t run Windows 11 — it runs SteamOS. That single change in the operating system elevates the Legion Go S from a “just okay” gaming handheld to a great one — rivaling the Steam Deck itself. 

Before I break down the handheld, I should explain Steam OS to those who don’t know, as the software is at the center of what makes this new model so good.

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SteamOS is a lightweight operating system originally exclusive to the Steam Deck. It delivers a user-friendly interface that isn’t bloated with unwanted apps, and more importantly, it’s designed specifically for gaming. 

It’s this streamlined OS is a big reason why the Steam Deck has been so popular — it’s no fuss, no muss. Back in January, Valve (the developer of Steam) announced it would begin licensing the operating system to third-party companies, with Lenovo being the first (and at the time of this writing, only) partner. 

A familiar design

Design-wise, it’s identical to the earlier model with the only discernable difference being the color. It is now in Nebula purple instead of Glacier White. The device itself is just as comfortable in my hands and doesn’t feel bulky. Textured grips on the side stop slipping, hall-effect analog sticks maintain accuracy and prevent drifting, and the switches on the back affect the travel distance for the rear triggers.

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However, the touchpad under the right analog stick has lost its purpose. In the previous model, it was used to control the cursor for various purposes, like navigating a web browser. But, this device doesn’t support any browser or apps for that matter — it’s just Steam.

The touchpad can be used in games as another button or to help aim weapons, although performing the latter doesn’t feel great. It’s so small that it’s difficult to get precise movements. Most of the time, I ended up aiming my character in a completely different direction when I meant to shoot the enemy in front of me.

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Gaming on the go

Your gaming experience on the Legion Go S depends on the titles you play. As cool as this handheld may be, it is still just a handheld, not some ultra-powerful desktop. Underneath the hood is an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, an AMD Radeon GPU, and 16GB of RAM. This configuration is much happier tackling lightweight games like “Hades” or “Stardew Valley”. Titles like those run at a consistently smooth 120Hz. It’s like art.

AAA games like Monster Hunter Wilds have a harder time running on the Legion Go S. Graphics are blurry, and performance slows down when there’s a lot on screen. That sounds like a knock against the device, but the Steam Deck also struggles with the same. It’s the nature of the tech, and the fact that it can even run these titles at all is commendable in its own right.

Luckily, you can tweak the hardware’s performance on the fly. Pressing the button at the upper right corner of the screen launches the settings menu. Then, just click the lightning bolt icon to open the Performance page where you can tweak the game’s performance to best suit your needs. 

If you don’t want to spend half an hour adjusting the settings like I did, you can just activate a title’s default profile. This feature is my absolute favorite. It automatically applies a game’s performance profile according to what Steam has for it, taking all of the guesswork out.

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Battery life isn’t great. While “Monster Hunter”, the Legion Go S ran for about an hour and 15 minutes before I had to grab the charger. However, on lighter games like “Hades 2”, that time went up to two hours.

Lenovo Legion Go S vs Steam Deck 

With the release of the SteamOS Legion Go S, I consider the previous Windows model obsolete. This version is the only one you should care about, and it serves as a great alternative to the OLED Steam Deck. Now the question is, what should you get: the Legion Go S or the Steam Deck? 

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It’s close, but I like the Legion Go S more because of its touchscreen. Lenovo’s device has an 8-inch LCD that runs at a 120Hz refresh rate, while Valve’s Steam Deck has a 7.4-inch OLED touchscreen that runs at 90Hz max. I value higher refresh rates because they ensure smoother animations and faster response times, which can mean the difference between winning and losing. 

On the other hand, the Steam Deck’s OLED screen does mean its color output is more impressive. 

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There are other deciding factors to consider. The Steam Deck’s OLED display delivers a more vibrant color palette, and Valve’s device is lighter at 1.4 pounds, while the Legion Go S clocks in at 1.62 pounds. Also, the Steam Deck has significantly larger touchpads underneath the Deck’s analog sticks, which make controlling first-person shooters easier.

ZDNET’s buying advice

Lenovo’s Legion Go S is on sale for $600 at Best Buy right now, which is a competitive price. I had a blast with this product, and it’s a device I would absolutely get for myself, especially on sale. However, if you value more vibrant colors and bigger trackpads, get the Steam Deck, which retails for $549.