Lenovo Legion Go S Review: The Ultimate Steam Deck 2 Alternative

Delivering flagship level performance and immersive console like controls, the Legion Go S redefines portable PC gaming on SteamOS

Hardware by Katmin on Jul 04, 2025

The Lenovo Legion Go S has drawn comparisons to the Steam Deck 2 for good reason. As the first official handheld to launch with SteamOS—Valve's custom Linux operating system designed specifically for portable PC gaming—it promises improved performance by eliminating Windows' system overhead and offers a more console like experience. Priced at $850, it features high-end components and unique design elements.

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Design and Build Quality

You'll notice the Legion Go S's large footprint as soon as you open the box. This is not a pocket-sized device but a robust handheld with powerful hardware. The bundle includes only the Legion Go S and a 65W USB-C power converter. Despite its small, the device feels sturdy and well-engineered.

The grips are well defined, fitting snugly into your palms, and the corners rest naturally against your fingers. The analog sticks and offset control scheme mirror the Steam Deck's DNA while addressing some of my personal layout preferences.

All buttons and triggers are responsive and tactile. However, at 730 g, the Legion Go S will become tiring to hold during extended gaming sessions, a trade off that many will find worthwhile given its packed in hardware and large display.

Specifications and Features

Under the hood, the Legion Go S is impressively spaced with an 8-inch LCD capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM running at 7,500MT/s, and a one-easily-upgradeable TB SSD. You'll also appreciate Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers, hair trigger switches for shooter games, and a tiny touchpad for mouse input, though I rarely used it.

MicroSD expansion means quick emulator ROM transfers and on the fly storage boosts. One notable omission is the absence of the newer Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset, which would have elevated performance further at this price point. Despite this, the offered hardware produces consistent frame rates in the majority of the titles I tested.

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Ergonomics & Comfort

While the Legion Go S is larger than other handhelds, its ergonomics are highly regarded. The ergonomic design, including well-sculpted grips and strategically placed analog sticks and buttons, provides unexpected comfort.

I found it to be the most ergonomically friendly handheld for my smaller hands despite its weight. The heft does lead to fatigue in longer sessions, but many will accept that compromise for the immersive 16:10 display and beefy internals.

Software Experience and Early Bugs

As with any first generation device, the Legion Go S exhibits some software quirks that merit attention. Holding the menu button while moving the left stick should adjust brightness or volume, but I frequently encountered bugs where the controls simply wouldn't respond, forcing me to perform hard restarts.

The analog stick LEDs initially glowed blue yet mysteriously stopped working, and without a SteamOS utility to customize lighting, those settings remain locked. Even more concerning was observing the battery drain while charging with the included adapter, which suggested either a unit defect or an unexpectedly high power draw.

None of these issues rendered the handheld unusable, but they highlight the Legion Go S's "beta" feel at launch. If you encounter similar problems, sharing solutions and workarounds in community forums may benefit everyone.

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Gaming Performance

I tested a variety of titles to gauge the Legion Go S's capabilities. Playing Splitgate 2 on the performance profile consistently yielded over 100 fps with silky smooth frame times, and the Hall effect thumbsticks plus rear paddles enhanced aiming precision and gameplay flow.

However, Assassin's Creed Shadows on low quality in performance mode ran at around 40 fps. They felt clunky as if stuck in slow motion—an experience I've mostly avoided revisiting until future optimizations arrive.

Indie favorites such as Cult of the Lamb, Dead Cells, and House Flipper ran flawlessly on balanced or low power presets, providing enjoyable sessions without taxing the hardware. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, on low preset in performance mode, averaged around 60 fps, offering an engaging handheld experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2, unsurprisingly, ran smoothly in performance mode and showcased what the Legion Go S can achieve when fully pushed. Overall, the system delivered admirable frame rates in most titles, thanks in part to the generous RAM and upgradeable SSD. Meanwhile, hair-trigger switches and paddles added a competitive edge in shooters.

Battery Life Considerations

Battery endurance remains a critical factor for on the go gaming. The Legion Go S's 55 Wh battery provided approximately an hour and a half of gameplay in performance mode on Splitgate 2 at 120 Hz.

While typical for high performance handhelds, this runtime limits truly portable use unless you carry the power adapter. By adjusting power profiles, display refresh rates, and graphics settings, you can extend playtime, but you must remain mindful of the battery's constraints if you intend to game away from an outlet.

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Comparison with the Steam Deck

When weighing the Legion Go S against the Steam Deck OLED, several points stand out. The Steam Deck OLED with a 1 TB SSD costs significantly less, enjoys years of community-driven optimizations, and benefits from extensive accessory options and proven customer service.

Its OLED panel, while limited to 800p, delivers vibrant colors and longer battery life because it renders fewer pixels. It's also smaller and lighter and includes a carrying case—features you must purchase separately for the Legion Go S.

If you prioritize raw performance and a larger screen, the Legion Go S delivers. However, if affordability, established support, and a vibrant OLED display are more critical, the Steam Deck remains the better value proposition.

Value Proposition

Is the Lenovo Legion Go S the Steam Deck 2? Not quite. While it represents a premium, high-cost SteamOS handheld with considerable potential, it comes with trade-offs: early software bugs, short battery life, and a hefty price tag. The ergonomic design and top tier hardware make it a compelling option for enthusiasts.

Still, those seeking a polished, community backed experience will find greater value in the Steam Deck ecosystem. If you relish bleeding edge handheld performance and don't mind navigating early stage quirks, the Legion Go S could be your next favorite gaming companion. Otherwise, the Steam Deck OLED remains the safer bet for reliable, all around portable PC gaming.

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