Lenovo’s New Legion Go S Comes In Steam OS And Windows Models

Lenovo has now officially announced the Legion Go S, the next iteration of its handheld gaming PC offering. Unveiling the handheld gaming PC at CES 2025, Lenovo has confirmed that the Legion Go S will come in two different models. One will run on Windows 11 just like the original Legion Go. So it’ll be a full-fledged Windows PC that’s capable of doing everything from playing games to doing simpler computing tasks like web browsing. Lenovo is also launching a Steam OS model.

So think of that second model as a Lenovo-made Steam Deck in a way. The major benefit of the Windows model, of course, will be the capability to run apps that aren’t compatible with Steam OS. However, Steam OS has a much simpler and overall enjoyable UI on a handheld. So it won’t be a surprise to see a lot of consumers go for this model.

All of the specs are the same between both versions of the handheld, save for the color. So you should expect similar performance output for gaming purposes. They both also come with the same 55.5Wh battery, though this doesn’t necessarily mean the battery life will be the same. Lenovo has made two important upgrades here with the Legion Go S. Firstly, it comes with Hall Effect joysticks, and that means stick drift is highly unlikely.

Secondly, it has adjustable trigger switches. So if you’re big on first-person shooters or third-person shooters, these should provide a little bit of an advantage.

The newly announced Legion Go S will have two APU options

For the first time ever with a Lenovo handheld gaming PC, consumers will get to pick what APU they want in the handheld. And both options are available across the Windows 11 and Steam OS models. You’ll be able to pick from either the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go. The former was used in the original Legion Go, so the latter is an all-new option with this handheld. Lenovo also says the Ryzen Z2 Go is an APU that’s exclusive to Legion Go products.

At this time, however, there aren’t any others that have it. Other specs include up to 1TB of storage, up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, an 8-inch screen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, and a 55.5Wh battery. Lenovo also says the battery can charge up to 80% in 60 minutes thanks to Rapid Charge Express support.

Additionally, there are two USB 4 ports on top, a 3.5mm audio port, and a microSD card slot for extra storage if needed.

The Windows model is launching first, and it costs more

If you like the sound of the Legion Go S and can’t wait to buy one, you won’t have to wait long. That is, depending on which model suits you best. Lenovo is launching the Windows 11 model first, and it’s available starting in January. The Steam OS model doesn’t launch until May. Here’s the downside. There’s a notable price gap, even with the specs being the same.

The Windows 11 model, while launching first, will retail for $729.99. The Steam OS model, meanwhile, will be $499.99. So this is probably the one to go for if you want something that costs less, and you don’t mind the wait.