"Legion Go S rescued by SteamOS, with a reduced price available this 4th of July"
The tech world is abuzz with excitement about the upcoming release of the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS), a new handheld gaming device running on SteamOS. This device boasts impressive specifications, setting it apart from its competitors, particularly the Steam Deck.
## Hardware Comparison
The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, capable of reaching up to 4.3 GHz, compared to the Steam Deck's custom AMD processor with a maximum clock speed of 3.5 GHz. The Legion Go S also boasts 12 GPU Compute Units (RDNA2), compared to the Steam Deck's 8, suggesting improved performance in demanding games. Both devices come with 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM and offer 512 GB SSD storage, with options for microSD expansion.
## Software & Ecosystem
Both devices run SteamOS out of the box, providing access to Steam's extensive library and features. However, the Legion Go S benefits from being the first major third-party handheld with official SteamOS support. While the Steam Deck is optimized for SteamOS, the Legion Go S's software support depends on Lenovo and the broader SteamOS community.
## Performance & Experience
The Legion Go S offers a premium gaming experience, with a sleek design and intuitive interface. While the Steam Deck is praised for its ergonomics and seamless integration with Steam services, reviews suggest that the Legion Go S feels like an upgrade in terms of build and features. In terms of gaming performance, the Legion Go S should offer better performance due to its higher clock speed and more GPU compute units, although real-world differences depend on game optimization and thermal management.
## Summary Table
| Aspect | Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) | Steam Deck (OLED) | |-----------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------| | **CPU** | Faster (up to 4.3 GHz) | Up to 3.5 GHz | | **GPU** | 12 CUs | 8 CUs | | **RAM** | 16 GB | 16 GB | | **Storage** | 512 GB SSD (expandable) | 512 GB SSD (expandable) | | **OS** | SteamOS | SteamOS | | **Price** | $599 | $549 | | **Unique Features** | Official third-party SteamOS | Best SteamOS integration |
## Overall Impression
The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) offers hardware that, on paper, is slightly superior to the Steam Deck, with a faster CPU and more GPU compute units for a modestly higher price. However, the Steam Deck's seamless integration with Steam, strong ergonomics, and premium OLED display make it a tough competitor. The Legion Go S stands out as a compelling alternative for users wanting a more powerful, officially supported third-party SteamOS handheld.
The Legion Go S comes in two models: one with Ryzen Z1 Extreme ($779.99) and another with Ryzen Z2 Go ($549.99). The Ryzen Z1 Extreme model offers an 8-core, 16-thread processor with XDNA2 NPU (Zen 5), making it an even more powerful option for gaming enthusiasts. The device weighs 0.73kg (1.62lbs) and is set to launch in 2025.
For those looking to get their hands on the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS), there's good news: it's currently available at a discount of $50 at Best Buy.
- The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) will be running on Windows, as it is also expected to support the Microsoft Store along with SteamOS.
- Some tech enthusiasts are speculating that the Legion Go S could become a popular choice among PC gamers, not just handheld gaming aficionados, due to its powerful hardware and potential for being used as a compact PC or gaming rig connected to a desktop monitor.
- The handheld gaming gadget market is about to witness a significant shake-up with the entry of more advanced devices, like the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) and Microsoft's highly anticipated Project Q.
- While many gamers were initially excited about the prospect of a handheld Xbox console, Microsoft decided to focus on Project Q as their flagship project, leaving the Steam Deck and the Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) to compete in the handheld gaming device space.
