Over a year has passed since I first got my hands on the Asus ROG Ally, but my attention has increasingly shifted toward the Lenovo Legion Go. At first glance, upgrading might seem unnecessary—both devices are powered by the same Z1 Extreme processor. Yet, the Legion Go’s standout feature—an 8.8-inch 1600p 144Hz display—has kept me intrigued and considering the switch.
As someone who started with the Steam Deck, I had hoped Valve would unveil an upgraded version at CES 2025. Rumors swirled about a potential successor featuring AMD’s Z2 chip, but those were quickly dismissed.A Valve employee confirmed that “there isn’t and won’t be any Steam Deck using the new APUs.”
With Valve’s plans clarified and Lenovo’s presence at CES, I decided to wait for the next iteration of the Legion Go. That patience paid off—sort of. Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go 2, but it’s still in the prototype stage with no confirmed release date. Alongside it, the company introduced the Legion Go S, a more lightweight option.
The Legion go 2 promises significant upgrades, including the new Z2 Extreme chip from AMD, which features 16 RDNA 3.5 GPU cores for enhanced gaming performance. It also boasts a 74Wh battery and an 8.8-inch OLED VRR display. Meanwhile, the Legion Go S offers users a choice between Windows 11 and SteamOS, powered by either the Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme processor. It includes 32GB of RAM and an 8-inch LCD 1200p VRR display.
While the Z2 extreme will undoubtedly outperform its counterparts, the question remains: Is the performance boost worth a potential price tag exceeding $900? For most gamers, the answer is no. At that price, building a desktop gaming PC would be a far more economical and powerful choice.
Lenovo legion Go S: A Handheld Gaming Powerhouse Set to Launch in 2025
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Handheld gaming enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in 2025, as Lenovo prepares to launch the legion Go S, a cutting-edge device that aims to redefine portable gaming. Set to debut in January 2025,the Legion Go S will feature Windows 11,a powerful Z2 Go processor,and a hefty 32GB of RAM. Starting at $729,it promises to deliver a premium gaming experience for those seeking a high-performance alternative to traditional handhelds.
Lenovo has also hinted at a more budget-friendly version of the Legion Go S, though details remain under wraps.This strategic move positions the device as a versatile option for gamers of all budgets, ensuring that cutting-edge technology remains accessible without compromising on quality.
Why the Legion Go S stands Out
The Legion Go S isn’t just another handheld gaming device—it’s a mid-generation upgrade that builds on the strengths of its predecessors. With a larger screen, improved battery life, and 32GB of RAM, it’s designed to handle demanding games with ease. While the display resolution has been adjusted to 1200p from the original Legion Go’s 1600p, the Z1 Extreme chip ensures smooth performance, making it a worthy contender in the handheld gaming market.
For gamers coming from devices like the Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, the Legion Go S offers a noticeable upgrade. The combination of a 120Hz refresh rate and enhanced hardware specs makes it a compelling choice for those looking to elevate their gaming experience. Lenovo’s focus on delivering a device that balances performance and affordability is evident in every aspect of the Legion Go S.
What’s Next for Handheld Gaming?
While the Legion Go S is set to make waves in 2025, Lenovo is already teasing its successor, the Legion Go 2. Even though still in the prototype stage, the Legion Go 2 is rumored to feature an OLED display with a 1920×1200 resolution. This shift from LCD to OLED could mark a significant improvement in visual quality, though it’s worth noting that higher resolutions may pose performance challenges, even with advanced chips like the Z2 Extreme.
For gamers eager to dive into handheld gaming or upgrade their current setup, the Legion Go S stands out as a top recommendation. Its robust specifications and thoughtful design make it a strong competitor in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape. However, as with any new device, thorough benchmarking will be essential to fully understand its capabilities.
As 2025 approaches, the lenovo Legion Go S is shaping up to be a game-changer in the world of handheld gaming. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated enthusiast, this device is worth keeping an eye on.
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How does the Legion Go S compare to the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: inside Lenovo Legion Go S with Gaming expert, Alex Carter
Archyde: today, we’re joined by Alex Carter, a gaming industry analyst with over a decade of experience in handheld gaming devices. Welcome, Alex!
Alex Carter: Thanks for having me!
Archyde: Lenovo recently unveiled the Legion Go S, set to launch in 2025. What’s your first impression of this device?
Alex Carter: The Legion Go S has certainly turned heads. Lenovo is taking a strategic approach by offering a more lightweight version of its handheld gaming lineup. It’s sleek, portable, and seems to address some of the issues gamers had with its predecessor, like bulkiness and battery life.
Archyde: How does the Legion Go S compare to the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally?
Alex Carter: That’s an interesting question. The legion Go S sits in a unique position. Unlike the Steam Deck, which runs on a custom Linux-based OS, Lenovo is giving users the option to choose between Windows 11 or SteamOS.This flexibility is a big win for gamers who wont more control over their device.
Compared to the Asus ROG Ally, the Legion Go S seems to focus on portability while retaining powerful hardware. However, the ROG Ally has had a head start in establishing its ecosystem, so Lenovo will need to work hard to carve out its niche.
Archyde: The Legion Go S can be powered by either the Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme processor. How do these chips stack up?
Alex Carter: the Z1 Extreme is a proven performer, delivering solid gaming experiences on devices like the ROG Ally. The Z2 Go, on the other hand, is a newer addition to AMD’s lineup, and while it’s not as powerful as the Z2 Extreme, it’s still a capable chip for handheld gaming.
The real question is whether users will notice a meaningful difference between the two processors in day-to-day gaming.For most casual gamers, the Z1 Extreme should be more than enough.
archyde: The Legion Go S boasts an 8-inch LCD 1200p VRR display. How crucial is this feature for handheld gaming?
Alex Carter: Display quality is critical in handheld gaming, and Lenovo seems to understand that. The 1200p resolution on an 8-inch screen ensures crisp visuals, while the Variable refresh Rate (VRR) technology minimizes screen tearing and stuttering, especially in fast-paced games.
That said, some gamers might have hoped for an OLED screen, especially with competitors like the Nintendo Switch OLED raising the bar. But for the price point Lenovo is highly likely targeting, this is still a strong offering.
Archyde: With the Z2 Extreme-powered Legion go 2 also in the works, do you think the Legion Go S is the better choice for gamers?
Alex Carter: it depends on the gamer’s needs and budget. The Legion Go 2 will undoubtedly offer better performance with its Z2 Extreme chip and OLED display, but it’s also likely to come with a hefty price tag—possibly over $900.
The Legion Go S, on the other hand, offers a more budget-amiable option without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. For most gamers, especially those who prioritize portability and affordability, the Legion Go S is the smarter choice.
Archyde: Do you think handheld gaming devices like the Legion Go S can compete with customary gaming PCs or consoles?
Alex Carter: Handheld devices like the Legion Go S are carving out their own space in the gaming ecosystem. They’re not trying to replace gaming PCs or consoles but rather complement them. For gamers who want the flexibility to play on the go, these devices are a game-changer.
Having mentioned that, they’re still not as powerful as a high-end gaming PC or console. But as technology advances, the gap is narrowing. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see handheld devices that can truly compete with mid-range PCs in the next few years.
Archyde: What’s your final verdict on the Legion Go S?
Alex Carter: The Legion Go S is a promising addition to the handheld gaming market. It strikes a great balance between performance, portability, and price. While it might not have the sheer power of the Legion go 2,it’s more accessible and still delivers a premium gaming experience.
For gamers who’ve been waiting for a worthy Steam Deck or ROG Ally alternative, the Legion Go S is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Archyde: Thanks for your insights, Alex! We’re excited to see how the Legion Go S performs when it launches in 2025.
Alex carter: My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for handheld gaming,and I can’t wait to see how Lenovo’s new devices shape the industry.
