Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: The Almost Perfect Steam Deck

Valve’s Steam Deck didn’t just enter the PC gaming handheld arena; it detonated. Previous contenders existed, whispering promises of portable PC power, but the Steam Deck roared onto the scene, amplified by Valve’s rockstar status. Every PC gamer knows Valve. Every PC gamer knows Steam. This wasn’t just another gadget; it was a seismic shift from a name synonymous with PC gaming itself. The competition simply couldn’t compete with that level of brand recognition.

Valve didn’t just drop a bombshell PC gaming handheld; they sparked a revolution. Now, the Lenovo Legion Go S crashes the party, running on the very OS that fueled Valve’s success: Steam OS. After a month of intense testing, I’m ready to declare it: this unofficial Steam Deck might just be theperfectSteam Deck. Curious why? Buckle up, the full review dives deep to uncover if the Legion Go S earns its place in your gaming arsenal.

Table of Contents

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Specs
Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Hardware and Design
Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Display
Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Performance
Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Software
Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Battery Life and Charging
Should you buy the Steam OS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S?

Specs

Lenovo Legion Go S

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Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Hardware and Design

The Legion Go S isn’t just a handheld; it’s a gaming companion sculpted for comfort. Its sleek design immediately catches the eye, but it’s the feel that truly impresses. Hours melted away as I played, the weight perfectly balanced, banishing fatigue. My fingers naturally settled into the curves along the back, just beneath the triggers, a subtle yet brilliant ergonomic touch.

The Legion Go S nestled into my palms like it was custom-made. Those subtly sculpted curves weren’t just for show; they cradled my fingers, offering a welcome respite until the on-screen action demanded I unleash a hail of digital fury. While not revolutionary, the Go S’s commitment to ergonomics is noticeable. It’s a design philosophy reminiscent of the Steam Deck’s comfortable embrace, and a testament to Lenovo’s focus on extended playability.

The Legion Go S stumbles in one area: the missing haptic trackpads of the Steam Deck. Those expansive surfaces were a desktop navigation dream. The Go S? A single, shrunken trackpad. Initially, the size felt like a compromise, but after a while, muscle memory took over. While not as luxurious, the smaller pad proves surprisingly capable.

The Legion Go S’s trigger locks? Pure genius. As an FPS fanatic, this is a game-changer. Imagine instant, hair-trigger accuracy – that’s what these deliver. I’m addicted. Once you taste this level of responsiveness, going back is unthinkable. And the best part? Flick them off, and you’re back to normal. The ultimate control, your way.

All the ports you’ll need

The Legion Go S keeps its port situation streamlined, but smart. Up top, you’ll find a dynamic duo of USB-C ports ready for action. Need power? Either one will happily slurp up juice to keep you in the game. But here’s the kicker: that second port isn’t just a spare. It’s your gateway to big-screen glory. Imagine this: Go charged and connected to your TV, wireless controller in hand, unleashing portable power on a cinematic scale. That’s the Legion Go S experience.

Let’s take a tour. Up top, a trusty 3.5mm headphone jack sits alongside airflow vents, while the bottom houses a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Flip it around, and you’ll discover even more vents dedicated to keeping the internal fans breathing easy. The front presents a gamer’s paradise: dual stereo speakers pump out sound from the bottom edge, framing offset joysticks with pinpoint Hall Effect sensors. To the left, a precise D-pad awaits, while the right features a responsive trackpad. Of course, the classic ABXY buttons are right where your muscle memory expects them. Flanking the display, you’ll find intuitive UI buttons for instant access to the Steam menu, social features, in-game options, and screenshot capturing. Volume and power controls are conveniently placed on the top edge, completing this handheld command center.

Build quality

The Legion Go S feels like a premium device in hand, a testament to Lenovo’s commitment to quality. Think Steam Deck, but with an extra layer of polish. The build inspires confidence – no creaks, no compromises. If I could wave a magic wand, I’d tweak the trigger locks for smoother action, a minor niggle in an otherwise stellar design. And while we’re dreaming, a larger, or even a second, trackpad would be a welcome addition. But let’s be clear: Lenovo has absolutely nailed the overall design and build. This is a device that feels as good as it performs.

Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Display

While the Steam Deck boasts an OLED screen, the Legion Go S opts for an IPS panel, a decision that might raise eyebrows. However, before lamenting the lack of OLED’s vibrant colors, consider the trade-off: battery life. Sure, an OLED display would be visually stunning, but it would also guzzle power. The IPS panel prioritizes endurance, offering a potentially longer playtime. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on your priorities and settings. Maxed-out brightness, cranked-up audio, and demanding graphics will tax any battery, regardless of the display tech.

Lenovo’s display? Honestly, a visual treat. Sure, it’s not OLED-level black abyss deep, and the colors aren’t going to punch you in the face with vibrancy, but the sheer size of the screen makes everything pop. This thing getsbright– almost blindingly so. It reminds me of the ROG Ally X; unless you’re planning to game al fresco under the blazing sun, that peak 500-nit brightness is more than enough. I’ve been glued to this handheld, and the display hasn’t let me down once. It’s a joy to look at.

The Legion Go S display? It’s a solid trade. Die-hard OLED fans might mourn the Steam Deck’s inky blacks, but the Go S offers a compelling compromise. Think of it: visuals that satisfy, paired with a performance boost and extended playtime. It’s a win-win that’ll leave few regretting their choice.

Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Performance

The Legion Go punches above its weight class. I threw some graphically intense titles at it, expecting a handheld to buckle, but it held its own. Let’s be real, though: handheld gaming isn’t about maxing out every setting. Dream of ultra settings inBlack Myth: WukongorWuchang: Fallen Feathersat your peril; you’ll be dialing things down to medium or low for playable framerates. But here’s the kicker: once you accept that compromise, the Legion Go delivers a surprisingly smooth and enjoyable experience, even with recent AAA releases. Prepare to be impressed.

I’ve been pushing the Legion Go’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme a beast of a chip paired with a hefty 32GB of RAM through its paces on Steam OS. Keep in mind: the more budget-friendly Legion Go packs a Ryzen Z2 and half the RAM. Your mileage might vary slightly from my findings given that configuration difference.

Wuchang Fallen Feathers

Fallen Feathers on the Legion Go? Surprisingly smooth. I’m clocking around 50 FPS in Wuchang, a visual feast even at medium settings (crank a few to high for extra eye candy!). The secret sauce? Maxing out the TDP at 40W and enabling FSR frame generation. Without it, prepare for a slideshow – we’re talking a grim 27 FPS.

But here’s the kicker: dial everything down to low, and BAM! A silky smooth 73 FPS (with dips to 65). Honestly, the game still looks fantastic. These low settings are my Legion Go Wuchang sweet spot. Expect similar compromises with other graphically demanding titles. Get ready to tweak!

Black Myth: Wukong

Diving deeper, I threw another visual gauntlet at the device:Black Myth: Wukong, the year’s breakout demanding title. Again, dialing everything down and cranking up frame generation with FSR, I hit a wall. Could I squeeze more battery life without sacrificing too much visual fidelity? I locked the TDP at 20W and watched the magic happen: a steady 69+ frames per second. Emboldened, I pushed further, launchingWuchang: Fallen Feathers. The framerate dipped slightly, hovering around 63-65 fps, but still remained comfortably above that 60 fps sweet spot.

Control: Ultimate Edition

Control: Ultimate Editionthrew a curveball. Without frame generation as a safety net, performance testing felt like walking a tightrope. But even stripped bare – no frame generation, no FSR – the Legion Go S held its own. I consistently pulled down 46+ FPS on low settings. Surprisingly, the visuals didn’t suffer a complete meltdown; detail remained surprisingly crisp.

Fair warning:Control‘s appetite for power is voracious. Even dialed down, it’ll drain your battery faster than you can say "Hiss resonance." Plan accordingly. Bring a power bank for mobile play, or tether yourself to an outlet to unleash the Go S’s full TDP potential without the anxiety of a sudden blackout. Despite the power demands,Controlran smoothly overall, offering a solid experience free of major glitches.

Chorus

Chorus, a visually stunning space combat shooter, pushes the Legion Go S to its limits, showcasing the handheld’s graphical prowess. I cranked all settings to "Epic" and experienced a smooth 55-59 FPS. Ray tracing, however, proved too taxing, slashing the frame rate in half. My advice? Leave it disabled. But fear not! Even with maxed-out graphics, Chorus remains beautifully playable. Fine-tuning a few settings could even push you beyond a buttery-smooth 60 FPS. Personally, I found the out-of-the-box "Epic" experience incredibly satisfying, especially considering I didn’t need to sacrifice any visual fidelity in this already gorgeous game.

Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Software

Booting up the device is a breeze. Steam OS whisks you straight into the setup. A quick sign-in to your Steam account, and boom – you’re on the home screen, face-to-face with your games. Eager to dive in? Start installing.

Want the full scope of your Steam treasure trove? A tap of the Steam button summons your entire library. And here’s a gem: Steam OS thoughtfully categorizes games that play nice with the system. It’s your express lane to verified compatibility.

But don’t let "verified" be the only guide. Some unverified games run like a dream. Experiment. Tinker. If a game stumbles, a swift uninstall is your safety net. Better yet, a quick search online might reveal community fixes for those quirky titles, potentially saving you time and frustration.

My Legion Go arrived preloaded with the rock-solid Stable build of SteamOS, a refreshingly pure gaming experience. No beta features, no early access quirks – just unadulterated Steam. It’s SteamOS in its purest form, thankfully devoid of any unnecessary Lenovo bloatware. The beauty of SteamOS lies in its laser focus: games, games, and more games. Everything else takes a backseat. The trade-off? You’re essentially confined to the Steam ecosystem unless you’re willing to dive into Desktop Mode and wrestle with file configurations to sideload games from other platforms. Frankly, who has the time? I embraced the simplicity. Everything is intuitively laid out, and essential features like the Steam Recording tool are readily available for capturing those epic gaming moments.

Unleash the device’s full potential with a tap of the Quick Settings button on the right – tweak performance, manage TDP, and fine-tune your gaming experience. Once you’re in the heat of battle, the bottom-left button summons the in-game settings menu, putting customization at your fingertips. The software is a breeze, pure and simple, especially for gamers who prefer diving straight into the action without venturing into desktop mode.

Lenovo Legion Go S Ultimate Review: Battery Life and Charging

The Legion Go S, like its PC gaming handheld brethren, dances on a razor’s edge – a compelling experience teetering precariously between brilliance and utter frustration. Your enjoyment hinges precariously on a delicate balancing act: TDP, display brightness, and, most crucially, the game you choose to play. Master this arcane art of optimization, however, and you unlock a consistent, immersive experience. My own battery life trials involved pushing the Legion Go S to its absolute limit, draining its reserves across a diverse gaming landscape until the screen flickered its final warning.

Black Myth: Wukong and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers pushed the Legion Go S to its limits. At 15W TDP, I squeezed roughly two hours of playtime from a single charge. Frame rates took a hit, hovering around a playable 35-40 fps. Cranking it up to 40W unleashes more visual fidelity, but battery life plummets to just over an hour in these graphically intensive titles. Choose your poison: graphical prowess or extended playtime.

Pushing the Legion GO S to its 40W TDP limit unleashes impressive gaming performance, but be warned: the battery pays the price. A mere 45-minute test session drained the battery from 75% to a critical 20%. High frame rates demand power, forcing a delicate balancing act. Prepare to sacrifice some visual fidelity for extended playtime. For marathon gaming sessions, a power bank capable of charging during gameplay is practically essential.

Drained the Legion Go S to zero? Charging it back to 100% took roughly an hour and 45 minutes. A decent pit stop, perfect for grabbing a coffee or stretching your legs. Time flies when you’re not staring at a charging bar. Of course, if you’ve got a power bank handy, the game never has to stop.

Battery life? It’s a tale of two worlds. Dial down the TDP, stick to less demanding titles, and you’ll squeeze a respectable amount of playtime out of it. But crank up the settings for those eye-popping AAA experiences, and you’re looking at a couple, maybe a few, hours max. This isn’t unique to the Legion Go S, though. The Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and ROG Ally X face the same power-hungry reality. It’s the price we pay for portable power.

Should you buy the Steam OS version of the Lenovo Legion Go S?

The Lenovo Legion Go S: Is it worth the plunge? The answer, like the device itself, has layers. This isn’t a simple yes or no. I came away impressed. It delivers a premium PC gaming handheld experience. But the critical question is: which Legion Go S are we talking about? The model I tested clocks in at $829.99. That’s a hefty price tag when the Steam Deck, a strong contender, sits at a more palatable $649.99. So, is the Legion Go S the right choice for you? Let’s dive in.

Forget this Legion Go S configuration. Seriously. While packing a terabyte of storage and sporting similar (though slightly weaker) battery life compared to the Steam Deck, there’s a smarter path.

Unless you’re chained to SteamOS andabsolutelyneed the tippy-top performance, the Ryzen Z2 Go model is the real MVP. Half the storage at 512GB, yes, but at $599.99, it’s a steal. Performance should be comparable, saving you serious cash.

Frankly, at the price of the unit I tested, you’re better off grabbing an ROG Ally X. Wider game compatibility unlocks a vast library, battery life is superior, the APU is identical, and you get the same 1TB of storage. Sure, the Legion Go’s locking triggers are neat, but not worth sacrificing game choice and battery longevity. Trade the gimmick, keep the games.

Buy the Lenovo Legion Go S if:

You want a more powerful Steam Deck than the actual Steam Deck
You want the locking triggers
You prefer Lenovo’s form factor to Valve’s

Don’t buy the Lenovo Legion Go S if:

You want something that runs Windows
You already own a Steam Deck OLED

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