Lenovo's SteamOS Legion Go S Offers Compelling Alternative to Steam Deck at $50 Off

The Steam Deck's ongoing supply constraints have left many gamers searching for alternatives, and Lenovo's Legion Go S running SteamOS has emerged as a compelling option. Currently available for $599 at Best Buy, down from its original $649 price tag, this handheld gaming PC offers a modern design with the efficiency benefits of Valve's Linux-based operating system.

The Legion Go S distinguishes itself from Lenovo's other handheld offerings with its fixed controller design, eschewing the detachable controllers found on the standard Legion Go and Legion Go Gen 2. The SteamOS variant sports a distinctive "Nebula Violet" color scheme and maintains a relatively portable form factor at 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.89 inches and 1.61 pounds.

Hardware Specifications and Performance

At the core of the Legion Go S is AMD's Ryzen Z2 Go processor, built on the Zen 3+ architecture. This APU features a four-core, eight-thread CPU configuration paired with a 12 compute unit RDNA 2 GPU. The processor supports a configurable TDP ranging from 15 to 30 watts, allowing for dynamic power management based on performance needs and battery life considerations.

The handheld comes equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 6400 MT/s, providing ample memory bandwidth for modern games. Storage is handled by a 512GB standard-sized 2280 M.2 SSD, offering both capacity and the option for user upgrades down the line.

Lenovo Legion Go S: was $649 now $599 at Best Buy

The Lenovo Legion Go S is a budget-friendly handheld gaming PC. This model features the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU, with four CPU cores, along with an RDNA 2-based AMD Radeon GPU with 12 compute units. It has 16GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM, a 512GB SSD with Gen 4 speeds, as well as an 8-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, along with VRR support.

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Display and Connectivity

The 8-inch IPS display serves as the primary interface, offering a 1920x1800 resolution that strikes a balance between sharpness and performance. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, ensuring smooth gameplay across different frame rates. With up to 500 nits of peak brightness and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, the display should provide vibrant visuals in various lighting conditions.

Connectivity options include two USB 4.0 Type-C ports positioned at the top of the device, a MicroSD card slot for expandable storage, and a 3.5mm audio jack for traditional headphone use.

SteamOS Optimization Benefits

One of the key advantages of the Legion Go S is its use of SteamOS, the same operating system that powers the Steam Deck. This Linux-based platform is specifically optimized for handheld gaming, offering better efficiency compared to traditional Windows installations. The streamlined interface provides a more console-like experience, reducing the overhead typically associated with general-purpose operating systems.

In testing of the Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S with the Ryzen Z2 Go processor, performance metrics showed it to be approximately 10 percent faster than the original Legion Go when running on battery power. When plugged in and utilizing the 40-watt TDP profile, it fell within 10 to 20 percent of the Legion Go's performance. Given SteamOS's optimization advantages, users can expect the SteamOS variant to potentially offer even better performance and battery life.

Market Position and Value Proposition

The $50 discount brings the Legion Go S's price point closer to the Steam Deck, making it an attractive alternative for gamers who prioritize modern design elements and upgradeable storage. The combination of a recent AMD APU, ample RAM, fast storage, and a high-refresh-rate display positions the Legion Go S as a competitive option in the handheld gaming market.

For consumers who have struggled to purchase a Steam Deck due to ongoing supply constraints, the Legion Go S represents a viable alternative that doesn't compromise on performance or features. The SteamOS platform ensures access to a growing library of verified games while maintaining the efficiency benefits that have contributed to the Steam Deck's success.

The handheld gaming PC market continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers competing to offer the best balance of performance, portability, and price. Lenovo's SteamOS Legion Go S enters this competitive landscape with a compelling specification sheet and the backing of Valve's optimized operating system, making it a noteworthy option for gamers seeking alternatives to the Steam Deck.