A Comprehensive Look at the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS: The Steam Deck’s Only Real Competition?
In recent years, the gaming landscape has dramatically shifted, particularly with the rise of handheld PCs. The Steam Deck, Valve’s portable gaming device, has been a popular choice for gamers, touted for its affordability and user-friendly design. With an entry-level price point of around $400 for the LCD model, it’s become the go-to recommendation for those looking to enter the handheld gaming market. However, Lenovo’s Legion Go S with SteamOS has emerged, promising a worthy alternative worth considering. Priced at $600, it may pique the interest of gamers looking for something that offers both performance and usability.
Unpacking the Lenovo Legion Go S
The Legion Go S is Lenovo’s latest entrant into the handheld gaming scene. Unlike the earlier models using Windows that felt more like traditional PCs in a portable shell, the Legion Go S runs on SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system optimized for gaming. This shift in software is crucial, enabling the device to perform better than its Windows-powered predecessor, which struggled to maintain efficacious performance due to the complexities involved with running a robust desktop OS on limited hardware.
Key Specifications
The Legion Go S sports an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a maximum resolution of 1920×1200, providing a sizable canvas for immersive gaming. It comes equipped with a Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. This positions it as a direct competitor to the Steam Deck, particularly the OLED version, which offers similar specs but differs in performance due to the nuances in operating systems.
The more powerful variant of the Legion Go S utilizes the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which is ideal for demanding games, translating to significant frame-rate improvements. However, this version comes at a steeper price of $830, making the base model a more appealing option for casual gamers and those looking for value.
Pros and Cons of the Legion Go S
Pros:
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Ergonomics and Design: One of the standout features of the Legion Go S is its design. While it has a sleeker single-body structure, the ergonomics have been thoughtfully crafted for extended use. The grip is comfortable during long gaming sessions, alleviating strain that often arises with handheld devices.
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Performance: The Ryzen Z2 Go chip provides solid performance, allowing for a smooth gaming experience. The games load faster and run more efficiently on SteamOS compared to the earlier Windows iteration. Benchmarks indicate a noticeable improvement, especially in more resource-intensive titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate III.
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Screen Quality: The larger display offers a substantial surface area for gameplay and is bright enough for use indoors and outdoors, although an OLED display would have elevated the visual experience.
Cons:
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Battery Life: One of the most significant drawbacks is the limited battery life, particularly at higher wattage settings. Under full load, you may find yourself barely lasting two hours, which is on par with the Steam Deck but still falls short of what many users would prefer in a portable device.
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Audio Issues: Reviewers have noted occasional audio glitches, such as crackling sounds during gameplay. While this is an inconvenience, it might not be a dealbreaker for most users.
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Trackpads: The Legion Go S lacks the dual tactile trackpads that the Steam Deck offers, which can detract from the gaming experience, especially for genres that benefit from fine-tuned control, such as strategy games.
Performance Analysis
To thoroughly evaluate the performance of the Legion Go S, I conducted extensive gameplay tests. With both devices running at maximum resolution and plugged into power, the Legion Go S demonstrated superior frame rates across diverse gaming genres. During my tests, titles like Control and Cyberpunk 2077 showed a notable increase in frames per second (FPS), providing a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
On the graphics front, the capability to adjust thermal design power (TDP) settings allows gamers to balance performance and power consumption more effectively. While the Legion Go S can deliver competitive frame rates at 1200p, this comes at the expense of battery life—a crucial consideration for gamers who favor long, uninterrupted sessions.
User Experience: The Interface
One of the most compelling aspects of the Legion Go S is its interface. SteamOS is specifically designed for gaming, and the user experience reflects this intention. Downloading games is straightforward, and titles built for Steam Deck run seamlessly, drastically reducing installation friction.
However, it’s essential to highlight the discrepancy in game compatibility. Not every game on Steam Deck may run perfectly on the Legion Go S, as Valve’s "Steam Deck Verified" system does not extend to third-party handhelds. This means that while a game may be playable, performance and control can vary, raising potential frustrations for gamers looking to expand their libraries.
Game Compatibility and Additional Features
Compatibility across gaming platforms is often a hot topic, and the Legion Go S is no exception. While SteamOS allows for extensive library access, navigating the limitations imposed by varying compatibility ratings can be a learning curve. I found myself frequently needing to troubleshoot games that weren’t optimized to function correctly on the device, which could be a significant barrier for less technically inclined users.
On a positive note, I was able to install various applications, including Decky Loader and EmuDeck, which facilitated easier access to different game libraries, including those from Epic Games and retro gaming consoles. This flexibility adds considerable value, allowing for a richer gaming experience.
The Size and Weight Debate
An often overlooked factor in handheld gaming is weight and ergonomics. The Legion Go S weighs in at 740g (1.6 lbs), which is slightly heavier than the Steam Deck at 640g (1.41 lbs). While this difference may seem minor, it can become significant during extended gaming sessions. Despite being designed for comfort, prolonged use may necessitate breaks to alleviate discomfort.
Ergonomics vs portability
On one hand, the Legion Go S boasts an ergonomic design that sits comfortably in the hands, but on the other, its weight can become an issue. The Steam Deck’s lighter weight offers a slight edge in portability, making it easier for long-term use.
Audio and Visual Experience
When it comes to audiovisual quality, the Legion Go S falls into a mixed bag. The dual 2W speakers deliver decent sound quality, yet the Steam Deck has a clearer output. The occasional audio bugs in the Legion Go S add an unwelcome layer to the gaming experience. However, this is often a minor issue compared to the device’s overall gaming capabilities.
The realm of visuals is where the debate between IPS LCD and OLED screens comes into play. While the Legion Go S offers a wider display with decent resolution, it does not match the deep blacks and vibrant contrast offered by the Steam Deck’s OLED screen.
Future Prospects in Handheld Gaming
The handheld gaming market is rapidly evolving, with many companies trying to capture the growing audience. Upcoming models from various manufacturers are rumored to include AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chips, which promise superior performance. Additionally, projects like the ROG Xbox Ally aim to improve Windows’ usability for handheld gaming, potentially redefining how portable gaming will operate in the future.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
The Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS is a compelling option for gamers seeking an alternative to the Steam Deck. While it offers notable advantages, such as superior ergonomics and solid performance, it also comes with limitations like insufficient battery life and audio glitches.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and the kind of experience a gamer is looking for. If you prioritize seamless access to games with minimal setup hassle, the Legion Go S is hard to beat. However, if you are someone who values a lighter device with an OLED display, the Steam Deck remains a strong contender.
In the end, both devices have their merits, and as the handheld gaming market continues to evolve, waiting for future models may also be a worthwhile consideration. Whether you opt for the Legion Go S or stick with the Steam Deck, you’re certainly bound to enjoy the best of portable gaming that today’s technology has to offer.
