Lenovo’s Legion Go gaming handheld was among the highlight releases of 2024 and is arguably the finest PC gaming handheld following the Steam Deck. However, there is one factor that has ultimately hindered it—and all other Windows-based handhelds—from completely toppling the Steam Deck: Windows.
Windows 11 simply isn’t an optimal operating system for a PC gaming handheld, it just isn’t. Even the capability to install gaming platforms and services aside from Steam does not compensate for how cumbersome the Windows 11 desktop is to maneuver on an 8-inch display without a keyboard and mouse (and the various touchscreen functionalities have been quite unsatisfactory).
Now, Lenovo is introducing a new PC gaming handheld at CES 2025, and it finally eliminates the worst aspect of the PC gaming handheld experience. The Lenovo Legion Go S will be the only other handheld besides the Steam Deck to possess a SteamOS license, offering you a Steam Deck-like experience on significantly more modern hardware.
Additionally, there will be a Windows version of the Legion Go S available, showcased in the Glacial White color (the SteamOS-equipped Legion Go S will be offered in a shade known as Nebula Violet).
You will also have the option of processors to power the new handhelds, either the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or the newly introduced AMD Ryzen Z2 Go, specifically for the Legion Go S.
Specifications for the Lenovo Legion Go S
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Lenovo Legion Go S (Glacier White) | Lenovo Legion Go S (Nebula Violet) |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 | SteamOS |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or AMD Ryzen Z2 Go |
| GPU | Up to AMD Radeon 780M (Z2 Go) | Up to AMD Radeon 780M (Z2 Go) |
| Display | 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200p) LCD, 16:10, 120Hz, 500 nits, 97% DCI-P3 | 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200p) LCD, 16:10, 120Hz, 500 nits, 97% DCI-P3 |
| Memory | Up to 32GB LPDDR5X-6400 | Up to 32GB LPDDR5X-6400 |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (2242, 2280 compatible) | Up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (2242, 2280 compatible) |
| Battery | 55.5WHr | 55.5WHr |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | 2 x USB4, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack, 1 x microSD card | 2 x USB4, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack, 1 x microSD card |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88 ins | 299 x 127.55 x 22.6mm | 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88 ins | 299 x 127.55 x 22.6mm |
| Weight | 1.63 lbs | 740g | 1.63 lbs | 740g |
Lenovo also unveiled the Legion Go 2 prototype
Alongside the Lenovo Legion Go S, Lenovo also unveiled a prototype of the Legion Go 2, which carries forward the creative design of its original gaming handheld, featuring its detachable, Joy-Con-like controllers and an integrated kickstand on the gaming tablet itself.
The prototype is evidently just that, a prototype, so the specifications on the unit should it ever reach the market are not finalized, but the version Lenovo showcased this week comes equipped with the new Ryzen Z2 processor and features up to 32GB of quicker 7500MT/s LPDDR5X memory, up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, and a stunning 8.8-inch 1920 x 1200p OLED display operating at 144Hz, 500 nits brightness, and a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut for breathtaking and vivid visuals.
If this handheld ever finds its way to market, it’s so attractive that you might even overlook its reliance on Windows 11, but there’s hope that Lenovo’s SteamOS license may eventually extend to the rest of its PC gaming handheld lineup.