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CES 2025 indicated that this year is set to be remarkable for gaming, with Nvidia revealing its latest AI-enhanced RTX 5000 series graphics cards, gaming laptops such as the Razer Blade 16 showcasing formidable capabilities, and of course, a new collection of PC gaming handhelds.
This time around, it was the latter that truly captured my interest.
To start, how can one not be impressed by the absurdly large, 11-inch display of the Acer Nitro 11? Surprisingly, it remains lightweight and will surely be on our radar when it launches later in 2025. Nevertheless, the major thing that stood out to me was a gaming handheld I didn’t expect to find so captivating: the Lenovo Legion Go S.
I’ve always enjoyed handheld gaming since the era of firing up my GameBoy or PSP and bringing it along almost everywhere I went, but I’ve avoided the modern PC gaming handhelds. Although the Steam Deck OLED achieved significant success, it never truly astonished in terms of raw power.
So, an Asus ROG Ally X must suffice, right? Not quite, as it only operates on Windows 11. I’m sorry Microsoft, but the operating system simply wasn’t designed for PC handhelds. My experience with it on a Lenovo Legion Go left me unimpressed.
However, times have changed. The Legion Go S offers a SteamOS version ($499), which is even $100 cheaper than its Windows alternative ($599) that is set to launch in February. Combine that with its remarkable components, including an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip and 32GB of RAM, and you have the most anticipated handheld gaming PC of the year.
Personally, I believe now is the time to dive into PC gaming handhelds, and it’s all due to the Legion Go S — here’s my reasoning.
SteamOS triumphs
We received numerous leaks and an official confirmation that SteamOS, the preferred operating system of Valve for its Steam Deck, will extend to other PC gaming handhelds. Now, this is finally becoming a reality with the Legion Go S.
This marks a significant advancement in the appropriate direction, potentially ushering in a new age of handheld gaming beyond a Nintendo Switch 2, PS Portal, or Xbox’s approaches to stream Game Pass titles on, well, a multitude of devices. This implies that forthcoming handheld devices…
Gaming PCs now possess a benchmark they can reach: providing SteamOS to access almost every game in your Steam collection that isn’t cumbersome to manage or overly demanding on the hardware.
Take a look at what occurred when we removed Windows 11 and installed SteamOS on an Asus ROG Ally X. The outcomes are astonishing, to put it mildly, with a 25% improvement in performance and extended battery life merely by switching to another operating system.
Valve demonstrated foresight by distributing its well-regarded SteamOS to various manufacturers while it (likely) develops its Steam Deck 2. Soon, I foresee SteamOS becoming the standard for handheld PC gaming, with the Legion Go S leading the charge.
Certainly, SteamOS has ignited my enthusiasm for the Legion Go S, but a well-optimized operating system can only go so far.
Will the specifications suffice?
The Lenovo Legion Go S is set to launch in several configurations across 2025. The Windows 11 variant is expected to debut in January, starting at $799. A second Windows-powered Legion Go S is scheduled for May, priced at $599. However, the model to truly watch for is the SteamOS Legion Go S arriving in May, which is the most budget-friendly option at $499.
| Initial Price | $499 (SteamOS) | $599 (Windows 11) |
| Screen | 8-inch WQXGA (1920 x 1200) LCD 16:10 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor or AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Storage Capacity | Up to 1TB SD |
| RAM | Up to 32GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 or SteamOS |
| Connectivity | 1x Micro SD card slot, 2x USB4, 1x headphone jack |
| Measurements | 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88 inches |
| Weight | 1.63 lbs |
| Available Colors | Nebula Violet (SteamOS) | Glacier White (Windows 11) |
So, what accounts for the lower price? The Legion Go S will either feature an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor or AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, with the latter likely designated for the more expensive variants. Does this imply the SteamOS model will solely include an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go CPU (situated between an AMD Ryzen Z1 and Ryzen Z1 Extreme in performance)? We will discover further information soon, but regardless, the Legion Go S is equipped with impressive components.
With up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, plus dual USB4 ports for rapid connectivity and a microSD slot for additional capacity? That’s superior to several gaming laptops within the same price spectrum.
Moreover, we’ve observed it in action. Our own Tony Polanco elaborated on how games appear vivid and colorful on the 8-inch (1,920 x 1,200) 16:10 120Hz touchscreen in his Legion Go S hands-on review. While we need more time with it, our expectations for its performance and efficiency remain high.
I’m truly passionate about pushing systems to their limits, particularly when they’re portable. I recall when Borderlands 2 — a legitimate PC and console title upon its release — was adapted for the PS Vita, and I was astonished by how console-quality gaming could be experienced anywhere. The Legion Go S upholds that concept, and if it can seamlessly manage titles like Black Myth: Wukong without persistent lags, it’s a victory in my view.
A functional design
Does the Legion Go S appear familiar? That’s because it bears a striking similarity to the Asus ROG Ally X. This is not a negative aspect at all; in fact, its ergonomic design is significantly more pleasant and easier to grasp than the predecessor Legion Go. It’s smaller at 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.88 inches, considerably lighter at 1.63 pounds, and most importantly, simply feels good in hand — a crucial factor for extended gaming sessions.
Admittedly, it’s larger than the Steam Deck, but you’re also receiving a bigger, 8-inch display in a lightweight form factor.
device that’s convenient to toss in your bag and transport wherever (the Acer Nitro 11 will struggle with that).
It’s evident Lenovo has taken lessons from its initial attempt at a gaming handheld. The first Legion Go is a solid gadget but can occasionally feel unwieldy. Certainly, its inventive Switch-like controllers that also function as a mouse for FPS games is an entertaining concept, but it didn’t turn out to be the revolution Lenovo anticipated. Fortunately, with the Go S, Lenovo reverted to the essentials and developed a polished, and eye-catching, design.
Prospects
The handheld gaming PC sector has made significant progress, and with the debut of the Lenovo Legion Go S, now’s the time for me to stop overlooking them. Featuring SteamOS with a more enticing price point, admirable specifications even with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor and a straightforward design that boldly declares “play me!”, the Legion Go S is set to launch the year powerfully for gaming — and I’m eager to join in.
Indeed, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is already available and might incorporate a seemingly formidable Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 CPU equipped with an Intel Arc 140V GPU, while the large Acer Nitro 11 may flaunt a full AMD Ryzen 7 laptop processor, but they lack one crucial feature: SteamOS. That’s what elevates the Legion Go S, making it somewhat of an heir to the Steam Deck.
We selected the Legion Go S as one of the top gadgets at CES, underscoring how much it made an impression. Will it face tough competition against the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2? Undoubtedly, it will, but I, for one, have a perpetually growing backlog of PC games in my Steam library, and I’ll tackle several of them on the move once my Legion Go S arrives. On that note, pre-orders are currently open, but if you’re searching for an exceptional OS and a budget-friendly model, hold off for the SteamOS version hitting stores this May.
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