SteamOS is gradually establishing itself as a viable substitute for Windows in the realm of handheld gaming consoles. Following the release of the Steam Deck, which operates on SteamOS, Valve is now collaborating with various third-party manufacturers to introduce gaming handhelds equipped with SteamOS.
On Tuesday, Lenovo introduced the Legion Go S at CES 2025. This new gaming handheld contrasts with its predecessor, the Legion Go, presenting a more conventional design featuring a sizable eight-inch display flanked by controllers on either side. Notably, the detachable controllers and rear kickstand have been removed.
The standout feature of the Legion Go S is its variety of configurations. Customers can choose between two AMD chipsets: the newly launched budget-friendly Ryzen Z2 Go and the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, which is already deployed in the Legion Go. Asus is also utilizing the Z1 Extreme in the ROG Ally X.
Additionally, buyers can opt for the Legion Go S with either SteamOS pre-installed or Windows 11. While SteamOS provides an enhanced gaming experience with a more intuitive interface and improved support for sleep/wake functionality, some users may choose Windows due to their use of Xbox Game Pass or reliance on certain multiplayer games that depend on Windows-exclusive anti-cheat mechanisms.
The Z2 Go variant is priced at $599 with Windows 11, or $499 with SteamOS, while the Z1 Extreme option will retail for $729. Lenovo plans to launch the Z1 Extreme variant in January, followed by the Z2 Go models in May 2025. The entry-level model will come with 16GB of RAM, whereas the $729 variant boasts 32GB of RAM.
In terms of specifications, the eight-inch display offers a 16:10 aspect ratio and supports resolutions up to 1920×1200 with a dynamic refresh rate of 120Hz. The Legion Go S features a 55Wh battery, two USB 4 ports, and a microSD slot, weighing in at 730 grams (1.61 pounds) and including a compact touchpad for desktop navigation.
Lenovo also aims to refresh the original Legion Go model and has even demonstrated an early prototype of the Legion Go 2 at CES 2025. The plan is for the Legion Go S and the original Legion Go to exist as distinct products, each receiving updates periodically.
While the Legion Go S can be seen as a direct competitor to the Steam Deck, it’s essential to note that Valve has worked with Lenovo to customize SteamOS for this new device. Valve benefits from every purchase made on Steam, and it appears that the company prioritizes expanding the Steam ecosystem over aiming to become a dominant console producer.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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